The residents of Bukit Koman in Pahang have appointed Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai and Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen as their 'ambassadors' for the 'Himpunan Hijau Raub' anti-cyanide demonstration on Sept 2.

NONE During a pre-rally event at the Raub morning market yesterday, members of the Ban Cyanide Action Committee wore masks of the faces of Liow and Ng and carried posters highlighting the inconsistent stance of the two MCA leaders on the Bukit Koman gold mine issue.

Liow and Ng were said to have pledged their support for the anti-cyanide movement before the 2008 general election - but later reneged on their promises and ignored the plight and complaints of the residents.

NONE The two 'ambassadors' called on the people to take part the Sept 2 rally and inked their signatures on the anti-cyanide banner, drawing cheers from the crowd.

'Ng', in her capacity as tourism minister, also encouraged Malaysians to visit Raub on the day of the rally.

More than 2,000 signatures collected

More than 2,000 signatures were collected from members of the public at the carnival-like event held by some 50 members of the anti-cyanide movement to boost support for their struggle. They also gave away some 1,000 green balloons during the three-hour programme.

NONE The committee was formed by Bukit Koman residents who maintain that a local gold mine using cyanide, a highly toxic chemical, has caused various illnesses within the community. However, the Health Ministry says it cannot confirm this.

The Sept 2 rally is to be the culmination of five years of protest against the use of cyanide in the gold mine.

The committee's initial application to use Dataran Raub for its gathering was rejected by the Raub District Council on grounds that the site had already been booked for another activity.

NONE The committee then accepted the suggestion by the police to shift the rally to a football field dubbed Padang Milo, located behind Raub Lake Garden.

According to the committee members, police will reply to their rally application permit today.

The committee expects more than 2,000 people from all over the country to attend the rally to show their solidarity with the residents' struggle.