Lynas’ Malaysian rare earths plant an experiment in irradiating local community
“We will see whether there is any increase of people afflicted with radiation-linked diseases or cancer,”…So what if the future health of the people is adversely affected. Nothing is mentioned about compensation….
It is now abundantly clear that the project had been scheduled to proceed right from the beginning, when it was surreptitiously approved without consultation of the people, way back in 2008.
How else can you explain Lynas construction of the plant, now at 40% completion, when they didn’t have government approval or sanction in the first place?
Gebeng residents mere guinea pigs for Lynas project, Malaysi Kini, Kuantan Resident, Jul 21, 11, All is not quiet on the western front. Some may think they have won the battle. But they have not won the war yet!
Yesterday’s Star report (20.7.2011) on ‘Lynas to compile residents’ health data for future comparison’ is laughable.
Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) director general Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan said it would serve as a baseline data for Lynas before the operation began.
“It will be used later to provide a comparison for assessing the operation’s impact on the people living in nearby areas such as Balok.
“We will see whether there is any increase of people afflicted with radiation-linked diseases or cancer,” he said.
It is shocking and unbelievable that the AELB director general could now make such a statement. It clearly shows he is still unsure of the safety level of the Lynas project. His statement only causes more fear and uncertainty and makes a mockery of the whole project. ……
Note: Lynas compilation of data is just for ‘future comparison’.
So what if the future health of the people is adversely affected. Nothing is mentioned about compensation.
Is Lynas or the Malaysian government willing to compensate for the 700,000 people whose life will be affected one way or another, in terms of health, lost of economic prospects and business opportunities?
Future tourists and foreign investors will likely avoid Kuantan like a plague.
The government and Lynas had promised to keep in touch with the people and to keep them informed at every stage of the operation. It is now clear that all those series of talks and consultations are just sandiwara pulling wools over the eyes of the local people.
It is now clear that the Lynas venture is just a ‘trial run’. The helpless people of Gebeng and the surrounding areas of Kuantan are used as mere guinea pigs in an immoral experiment of immense proportion by people in power.
There is not an iota of sincerity in it. People’s views, concern and fears have not been taken in consideration at all!
It is now abundantly clear that the project had been scheduled to proceed right from the beginning, when it was surreptitiously approved without consultation of the people, way back in 2008.
How else can you explain Lynas construction of the plant, now at 40% completion, when they didn’t have government approval or sanction in the first place? More importantly, why had the Malaysian government approved it when Australia and its people had vehemently rejected it in the first place?
Now even the government has gone back on its words of ‘constant consultation’. Read another report in the Star : Jul 17 : Adnan: We won’t talk with ‘Stop Lynas’ group. The Pahang MB has now refused to talk to the people! What kind of ‘people first’ government is this?
Lynas can’t even convince its own people of the safety of the project! Something does not smell right here. Too much money and power play had been involved.
In spite of all the hoo-hahs and reports, nothing has been concretely mentioned about storage and disposal of the nuclear waste after the twelve years of tax-free operation by Lynas.
Chances are the nuclear waste will be dumped in Kuantan since Australia will not allow any radioactive rare earth residue to be shipped back to her shores! Talk about moral responsibility! …
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/170635
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1.This month.
Zoom webinar – “Nuclear Winter: The Environmental Consequences of a Nuclear Exchange.”
April 7th at 11:30 am PST / 2:30 pm EST
Nuclear Winter: The Environmental Consequences of a Nuclear Exchange”
Join us for an informative webinar with renowned atmospheric scientist, Professor Brian Toon, as he discusses the environmental risks and global impacts of a nuclear war. Despite the potential damage caused by the blast from even small nuclear weapons, many countries continue to invest in and expand nuclear arsenals. Professor Toon will provide a scientific assessment of civilian fatalities, agricultural failures, climate concerns, and complications with food supply that would follow any international nuclear conflict. We need to plan how to prevent nuclear conflict and avoid catastrophe. Politicians and military planners must be made aware of global climate and agricultural complications that would ensue. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from, and engage in, this vital conversation
The Road to War brings a sharp focus to why it is not in Australia’s best interest to be dragged into a war with China which will almost inevitably go nuclear very quickly. The filmmaker has interviewed some of Australia’s senior foreign policy analysts who have vast experience behind them in analysing what really is going on here as the United States rattles its sabres with China. And sets us up to be its proxy, like the poor Ukranians have been fed into the Meatgrinder. So America can remain the Top Dog. The Road to War reveals how the United States through its spy base at Pine Gap and by stationing six nuclear capable B52 bombers in the Top End (without permission from the traditional owners) is making Australia a prime nuclear target if the current war of words suddenly melts down into full scale war.
The Road to War shows the implicit connection between Carbon emissions (the US military uses a whopping 70% of America’s annual petroleum to move its armies and vast War Machine around the globe to its 800+ military bases..but under a loophole wangled at Kyoto, the US military does not have to report its C02 annual emissions). The Road to War starts screening at selected cities and regional centres in March. See the trailer end for details.
Antinuclear 
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