No intention to tarnish Sanusi’s image over REE theft, says Saifuddin

PENDANG: The disclosure of the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik is not intended to tarnish the image of Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said the move is to show that there is an issue of administrative malpractice.

The Home Minister said his disclosure on the REE theft issue was just the tip of the iceberg of a series of other disclosures on the matter.

"There is no plot to tarnish the reputation of Muhammad Sanusi, rather there is a bigger picture involving bringing in foreign workers from China in addition to the arrests and compounds that have been issued.

"The investigation will continue involving several agencies. This is because the first arrest was made last January which then led to investigation papers being opened by the Forestry Department and the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG),” he said.

Saifuddin, who is also Kedah Development Action Council chairman, told reporters this after a briefing session on the project to upgrade the Jenun Baru Water Treatment Plant (LRA) near here today (July 20).

He was commenting on media reports, which quoted Muhammad Sanusi as claiming that there was a plan to tarnish his image, and attempts to link him to irregularities in the REE mining issue in Kedah.

The media also reported that Saifuddin, while speaking at the Suka Menanti Madani Tour in Alor Setar last night, claimed that Kedah Mentri Besar Inc (MBI) was aware of the REE theft issue in the Bukit Enggang area. - Bernama