'Pakatan not opposed to Rapid project, but ...'

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub has stressed that Pakatan Rakyat is not opposed to the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Johor, but wants the traditional villages there to be spared by the project.

"I would like to state that we have never opposed development in Pengerang. This is a guarantee I would like to give - that Rapid and Petronas can continue their development in Pengerang,” he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.

"I stand by the principle that Rapid and Petronas can turn Pengerang into an oil and gas hub on the condition that the 10 traditional villages there are not affected."

This, he said, could be achieved by making use of alternative land in the vicinity, instead of acquiring the site of the villages.

He gave an assurance that, should Pakatan take over the Johor government in the next general election, the Rapid project can continue.

‘Consensus in Pakatan’

Asked about Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng's pledge that Pakatan would shelve the RM60 billion plant if it captures Putrajaya, Salahuddin replied: "I think it was not (his) intention to reject development.

“He meant that the project should not proceed if the 10 traditional villages are acquired - that was his intention.”

Asked if this has found consensus in Pakatan, Salahuddin replied in the affirmative.

"I feel that, among the Pakatan leaders, we want (the project) in Johor but without affecting the traditional villages. In terms of that, we have no argument. There is strong consensus,” he said.

Salahuddin also offered an olive branch to Johor Menteri Besar Abduk Ghani Othman, urging the latter to engage the opposition on the best way for the Rapid project to proceed.

"I will be sending a letter to (his) office so that a dialogue can be held. If he doesn't want a debate, its okay, but let us (at least) discuss (it)," he added.