Hunger strikers draw inspiration from Mat Kilau

Eighteen people, including four children, have begun their hunger strike at Dataran Merdeka last night, aimed at creating public awareness on several major environmental issues.

The group began their fast at 8pm last night and will consume only water until the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. 

These issues include the Pengerang oil refinery project, the construction of several hydroelectric dams in Sarawak, the use of cyanide in gold mining and the Rawang high tension electricity cable project.

The organisers, Malaysian Youth Against Public Hazards, said that at the top of the list is Lynas’ rare earth refinery in Gebeng, Pahang.

They are demanding that the authorities withdraw Lynas’ temporary operating licence and publicly disclose the detailed environmental assessment report on the project.

Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Wong Chin Huat, who was delivering a lecture to a group of 50 supporters at Dataran Merdeka last night, said the youth of today will adopt the spirit shown by famous Pahang anti-colonialist warrior Mat Kilau.

“If Mat Kilau were still alive today, wouldn’t he be here with us? If the government doesn’t listen to us, we are still victims of colonialism,” he said. 

Among those who were on hunger strike, the ones who drew the most attention were four children aged between 10 and 17. 

Their father, Tang Fuie Koh, said that he wants his children to understand that they must take a stand on environmental issues at an early age because that was everyone’s responsibility to the country. 

“It is important for the younger generation to be involved at an early age,” he said. 

Another participant, Kin Aw, 27, had shaved a radiation hazard logo on his head as his sign of protest.

The organiser’s spokesperson, Tan Woen Tian, hoped that the authorities would not disrupt the event, adding that they will not be pitching any tents. 

He also urged the public to go to Dataran Merdeka to show their support for those on a hunger strike. 

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