Thinking Malaysians are encouraged at recent changes in government approach recognising that many outside of government can help our leaders to recognise problems and identify solutions.

Law Hieng Ding's comment on Japan's zero emission gasification technology was "absolutely safe" and that the Japanese would not have built incinerators if they thought the technology was dangerous", is foolish and totally out of step with knowledge in this area.

I write this as one with recognised expertise who has conducted a number of technical risk assessments on waste incinerators and other hazardous facilities for various governments. I have also worked with and consulted to Japanese interests including the large chemical companies, although not Ebara.

We expect the minister for science, technology and environment to be informed and responsible in his statements. If this facility ever goes ahead, it is bound to fail to meet the empty promises being made. Like other such facilities it will be later closed down with the health risks and enormous costs causing shame to all those involved.

Readers may be interested to note that the Western Australian authorities have very recently closed down a waste treatment facility failing to meet emission standards as a gesture of goodwill towards the concerned residents.

The Malaysian authorities have probably never had a better opportunity to retract the proposal for this ill-conceived project. However, that will require courage and honesty from the political leadership. I am hopeful that we will see this.