ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno today denied the party was harping on the rare earth minerals illegal mining activities to score political points ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Its liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the problems revolving around the issue needed to be explained in detail, following the recent disclosure by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“This is not about helping Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan (BN-PH) (in the state elections). This is about matters related to what is prohibited or in accordance with the law. It’s different; the public just wants to know that.
“If he (caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) says he didn’t do it, then make a statement now. Make a statement that it has been approved. Approved where? Who approved it? And then, how is the operation going? That’s all,” he said during a Press conference at Bangunan Tunku, here, today.
On Saturday, Saifuddin claimed Sanusi was fined RM500,000 by the state Land and Mines Office (PTG) last year over the theft of rare earth minerals in Sik district.
He has challenged Sanusi to explain whether it was true that he was slapped with the fine in his capacity as the Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) chairman.
Yesterday, Sanusi denied the allegation. He explained that the compound for illegal rare earth minerals mining in Kampung Chong, Sik was slapped on a man from Kuala Krai, Kelantan.
He was reported as saying that PTG had issued a similar compound against MBI because the state-owned company owned the permit for a forest farming at the site, and not for being involved in the rare earth minerals theft.
Hence, Sanusi said he was mulling to sue Saifuddin for allegedly making defamatory statements against him.
Meanwhile, Mahdzir said that the claims made by Saifuddin regarding the issue were based on the evidence obtained so far.
He said based on his experience as former Kedah MB, all mining activities in the state were subjected to certain standard operating procedures that must be adhered to.
“I believe that when ministers speak to the media, it means that they are speaking based on facts. So, to me, if there are facts, there is no question of defamation. If it’s defamation, bring the matter to court.
“But now we don’t know what is happening in Bukit Enggang. So, we hope that the way the minister is doing it… will show us the real situation. So, I don’t think he is causing any defamation,” he added.
Commenting further, Mahdzir urged Sanusi to stop avoiding the issue and instead answer every question regarding the misconducts revolving around the REE mining theft issue.
“I was informed, but I have never seen the letter. But it is said that the compound is worth RM500,000 from the Department of Environment.
“As for why the company was fined? We don’t know. There is no explanation. So, we request an explanation and the public can know what is actually happening there.” he added.
NST
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