Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today gave tacit approval for a major environmentalist demonstration against the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp) slated for Feb 26.

Asked of actions or countermeasures which would be taken in view of the rally, which will happen in Kuantan, the capital of his home state of Pahang, he said:

"Why should we act against (the rally)? Everyone has the right to assembly," said Najib, in a departure from the usual hostile tone towards any demonstration that has a slightest hint of going against government policy.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the BN supreme council meeting, Najib said that the protestors have a right to assemble under the newly passed Peaceful Assembly Act.

"If they follow the law, why we need to act against it?" he asked.

Shahrizat's future is the PM's prerogative

While beaming, Najib said that BN is capable of organising even bigger assemblies than what the anti-Lynas rally organisers are planning.

The rally, known as Himpunan Hijau 2.0 (Green Gathering), is organised by Kuantan-based grassroots groups and is expected to be the largest ever protest on the East Coast.

An anti-government tone during the rally is virtually guaranteed with Pakatan Rakyat top guns promising to attend, while Pahang PAS has directed all its members to turn up.

Asked if Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had conveyed her decision to stay on as a cabinet minister, Najib did not provide a clear answer. 

"It was not discussed here. It is the prerogative of the prime minister," he said.


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