Photo story: Lynas fails to silence criticism of its toxic plant in Malaysia

Lynas, an Australian corporation that is trying to operate a toxic rare earth refinery in Kuantan, Malaysia, failed in its latest attempt to silence criticism from community groups opposed to the refinery. Lynas sought an injunction under Malaysia's heavy defamation laws against the distribution by the Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) group of an open letter (archived by Internet Archive) of protest to the Malaysian PM.

These photos show SMSL activists making their point before and after the court hearing in Kuala Lumpur on July 25. See SMSL media release below.

Lynas' lawyers have also sent threatening letter to 45 NGOs which endorsed the open letter and to various Malaysian media organisations which reported on the matter.

save-malaysia-stop-lynas-protest-long-banner.jpg

Save Malyasia Stop Lynas protest with long banner.

July 27 press statement by Save Malaysia Stop Lynas.

High Court denies Lynas’ injunction to gag SMSL

SMSL was pleased that the Kuala Lumpur high court has rejected Lynas’ second attempt to get a court injunction to gag SMSL yesterday. Over a hundred concerned citizens consisting of Kuantan residents, supporters from interstates and civil society organisation’s representatives congregated at the high court vicinity peacefully with placards and banner in a show of solidarity to express their outrage with the Lynas’ defamation action.

“'by senior counsel Datuk Bastian who argued that SMSL acted in the interest of the public in issuing the open letter to the Prime Minister which Lynas alleged is defamatory.

"SMSL will brief its various expert witnesses in Malaysia and overseas in preparation for the trial. SMSL aims to use the trial to reveal information in its possession. We have independent opinions and assessments from various highly qualified professionals. We would like to inform the court and the public of the risks and hazards of the Lynas project to our communities, our livelihoods and the local economy as well as Malaysia as a whole," explained Mr Tan.

For further comments, please contact:
Mr Tan Bun Teet, Hp: +60 (0) 17 973 0576
Haji Ismail Abu Bakar, Hp + 60 (0) 19 953 0921
SMSL Hotline :+60 (0) 12-982 3302