KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA has cautioned NGOs not to allow their organisations to be “penetrated” by political parties.

Party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek cited Lynas Corporation‘s rare earth plant in Kuantan as an example, saying it has been hijacked by the Opposition and made into a political issue.

“There are experts to prove that it is not harmful but some NGOs still say it is.

“I do not believe the Pahang and Federal governments are so insensitive that they would place a radioactive plant in Kuantan.

“Are you saying Barisan Nasional politicians in Kuantan are breathing a different air than Kuantan residents?,” he asked during a press conference after launching the “All I Want Is An EcoGreen Christmas Forum” at the National Science Centre yesterday.

Asked whether the concerns expressed were justified, bearing in mind the Bukit Merah Asian Rare Earth Plant, he said it was not a situation of “comparing apples with apples”.

“Bukit Merah occurred 20 years ago when the mechanism to measure radioactivity was not what it is today,” he said.

Dr Chua added all Malaysians should view issues, including the environment, objectively and not be swayed by emotions.

He said the Lynas issue has been politicised by certain quarters.

“They are out to create suspicion and hatred against the Barisan government,” he said.

He also cited another example of a local joint venture company that used cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman.

“I offered to find a way to sponsor an independent foreign expert to conduct a study if the people were suffering due to cyanide poisoning since some said Malaysian studies cannot be trusted.

“Until today, they have not nominated anyone and we do not see any adverse effects on the health of the residents after about five years of operation,” he said.

On the issue of the electric feed-in tariff, he said the tariff would help contribute to a fund for renewable energy and all Malaysians should support it.

The event, organised by Malaysian Youth 4 EcoGreen Coalition, was sponsored by The Star and supported by MCA.

-The Star-