KUALA LUMPUR – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has claimed that a vote for caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in the state polls is a vote to legitimise the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Kedah.
Saifuddin remarked that the potential of REEs in the state being stolen has not diminished, and that the letter approving Mahir Binari Sdn Bhd to enter the Bukit Enggang forest reserve only allows the alleged robbery to continue.
“A vote for Sanusi is a vote for REE to continue being stolen, (while) a vote for unity government parties is a vote to prevent theft,” he told a press conference today.
“A vote for Sanusi is not for the greater Kedah, but for the greatest robbery for REE.
“It is clear. Sanusi’s reactions (to the issue) are confusing. He has not addressed (anything). At most, he claimed that the issue is solved.”
Saifuddin thanked Sanusi for “falling for his bait” and verifying the existence of a letter dated May 15 which permitted Mahir Binari, a company reportedly owned by one Ho Chung Meng, to enter the Bukit Enggang reserve.
The PKR secretary-general pointed out that Ho was arrested and charged with trespassing in the area earlier this year.
Saifuddin also shared that the local villagers informed him that the number of lorries travelling into the reserve area had increased since its first accidental discovery in September 2022, up until a raid conducted in January this year.
He claimed that Sanusi’s reactions were to “hold the loyalists” and give the impression to Kedahans that the issue has been solved, despite investigations on the matter still being active.
Should the unity government be given a chance to lead Kedah, Saifuddin said it would void a letter dated May 3, which requested permission to enter Felcra land belonging to the state’s Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), which he claimed was the cause of the theft.
He added that it will use ensure that the investigations continue under its administration, and will provide cooperation to relevant agencies.
Saifuddin also said prospecting and exploration licenses for the reserves will only involve registered geologists and engineers moving forward. — August 10, 2023