Nazri announces 9-person parliamentary select committee on Lynas

Committee has to submit findings and suggestions by June

PADANG RENGAS: The parliamentary select committee to look into the controversial Lynas rare earth plant in Pahang will be headed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mohd Nazri Aziz said Saturday that four members would come from Barisan Nasional, three from the opposition and one independent member.

"I will suggest the list of Barisan MPs to the Speaker while I hope the Opposition leader can give me his list on Monday morning.

"I will also put forth the motion in Parliament on the same day," he said in a press conference here on Saturday.

Nazri also announced the terms of reference for the PSC; to review the feedback on public opinion regarding the project, to get explanations from various groups, including relevant authorities and interested parties and to suggest steps to be taken regarding the issue to the Parliament.

"The PSC will also summarise their findings and suggestions within three months according to the motion," he said.

"At first, we wanted the various interested parties to find their own solution, but unfortunately there is no end in sight, therefore it is time for the parliament to play its role.

"I believe that PSC suggestions will be accepted by the various parties involved and also reassure rakyat," he said.

The Cabinet agreed to set up the PSC after its meeting on Friday.

The Lynas issue has been in the news following concerns about the disposal of radioactive waste.

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