Anti-Lynas rally kicks off with 400 people

At least 400 protesters against the government's decision to extend Lynas' permit to operate a rare earth refinery in Pahang have gathered at at Taman Gelora, Kuantan today.

The protest, which kicked off at about 8am, saw protestors carrying placards and banners denouncing the government and demanding the resignation of Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh and Bentong MP Wong Tack.

Fuziah - a deputy minister - and Wong are two of Pakatan Harapan's most recognisable faces in the anti-Lynas campaign.

One placard featured a caricature of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and read "environmental colonialism".

Another placard contained Chinese calligraphy and was held by DAP assemblyperson Ronnie Liu, which contained a sarcastic message aimed at the federal government.

"While loving the people like his own child, money is also his child," read the message. Liu is the lawmaker for Sungai Pelek in Selangor, but hails from Raub, Pahang.

The rally began with morning exercises at the famous tourist spot. Most participants appear to be of Chinese origins from the vicinity and representatives of environmental groups.

Local authorities had not given the protest organisers permission to use the venue. The local police had advised them to rally elsewhere and the law can be applied because organisers did not obtain permission from the venue owner.

Meanwhile, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) leader Tan Bun Teet told the press that protesters would not burn Pakatan Harapan's manifesto as planned.

"The 'old wise man' said burning the manifesto was useless," said Tan, in reference to comments made by Mahathir.

[More to follow] - Mkini