Huge turnout at Lynas, a new level of public awakening: Anwar vows to scrap project

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim led thousands of Malaysians in a protest against the Umno-BN government's plan to operate a rare-earth plant in Gebeng, Pahang, vowing to scrap the project proposed by Australia's Lynas, if the Pakatan Rakyat was voted into the federal power at the 13th general election widely expected to be held this year.

Anwar also pledged to table a motion when Parliament convenes in March to scrap the Lynas project, emphasizing that Pakatan would not compromise health and environment for profit.

"Not only do we reject Lynas, but we will also stand against any destructive project and preserve ecology and heritage," the 64-year-old Anwar told a wildly cheering crowd in Kuantan, obviously in a jubilant mood and enjoying the crisp morning air.

The Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally is spearheaded by the residents of Gebeng, activists and PKR MP for Kuantan Fuziah Salleh, whose determined and gutsy challenge won the respect of even the Lynas top guns.

A well-slicked and wealthy company, Lynas is one of Australia's top mining firms. It approached and won the approval of the Najib administration to set up the plant even though the Australian government itself had refused to grant permission for fear of radioactive leaks and contamination.

Huge turnout

According to rally organisers, there were at least 15,000 people who came from all over the nation to lend their support to the cause. The plant is already set up and last week week, speculation had swirled that Prime Minister Najib Razak had given a temporary operating licence to Lynas to start works. Trade minister Mustapa Mohamad was forced to issue a quick denial to douse public anger.

"The turnout and the mood of the crowd is a clear signal for Najib and Umno-BN," PKR vice president Tian Chua toldMalaysia Chronicle.

Indeed, not only was the turnout a giveaway of the project's unpopularity, it also bolstered the fact that the Pakatan held the people's support despite all-out attempts by the Najib administration to deny the opposition in the country its rights and due recognition.

Pundits also said the rally was a 'coming of age' for Malaysians, who have erstwhile been muted on environmental issues. But with such a potentially dangerous project as the rare earth plant at their doorstep, the silent majority may have now reached a new plane of awareness.

"The people are coming out of their shell and this is really good to see. The Pakatan's pledge to help fight the project also gave the anti-Lynas campaigners the courage to push on. Malaysians have reached a higher level of consciousness over the issue," Latheefa Koya, PKR's legal director and human rights activist, told Malaysia Chronicle.

"It also illustrated the 'No Lynas' campaign resonates all over Malaysia knows no racial or religious boundaries - true testimony of genuine 1Malaysia!," said DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, one of the top Pakatan leaders attending the rally.

MCA's 63rd anniversary fights for attention

Until the final moment, the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally was touch and go, with the police bowing to public pressure only at the 11th hour to let the rally take place at the MK4 field subject to 12 conditions, which were severely criticized as unfair and unconstitutional.

Despite the obstacles, the rally was a huge success, notwithstanding the random scuffle with pro-Lynas supporters backed by Najib's Umno-BN coalition.

Hundreds of miles away in Kuala Lumpur, another political event - the MCA's 63rd anniversary celebrations - was taking place at the party headquarters in Jalan Ampang, with more than 3,000 party central delegates attending.

According to MCA president Chua Soi Lek, this was the 'highest turnout' ever, predicting returning support for the party because "we don't talk only unlike the opposition. We walk the talk."

But despite Soi Lek's frantic attempt to gain the media upperhand by unleashing a barrage of tweets meant to eclipse the Lynas reporting, it was clear there was no contest at all.

"It's not just the size. It's the mood itself. In MK4, the people actively took part. It was not just one way with Anwar and Pakatan talking and the people standing and listening. Views were exchanged, opinions and feedback sought, there was two-way communication, give and take. That's why the people are happy. This is governance, not the grand feudal style practiced by Umno and BN, where the people have to bow to them instead of them bowing to the people," said Tian.

Ambiga, Samad Said cheered

In Kuantan at the MPK4 field, the crowd had begun filtering in since dawn. The protestors, most of them in light green attire, had been assembling at various locations leading to the field before marching in groups.

Police were stationed at all entry points leading to the field. A police helicopter is seen monitoring the events from the air. By 9am, the gathering turned into a carnival-like atmosphere with people beating drums and others cycling to the field to join the protest. Many were seen in attire with the words "Stop Lynas" printed on them.

According to the Star, in Kuala Lumpur, a group of people also gathered at Maju Junction to show their support for the anti-Lynas protest, singing Rasa Sayang and Heal The World. They chanted slogans like "Stop Lynas, Save Malaysia". In Sibu, a group gathered at the Sibu Friendship Association to show their support.

Among popular civil society leaders mobbed by the crowd were national laureate A Samad Said and Bersih co-chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Malaysia Chronicle