MARCH 1 — I received a phone call from a friend and we talked about the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 rally. He asked a few question which are worthy of our refection:
Firstly, after a massive petition, have we really woken up? Ask yourself, you have responded to the green rally today, but what have you done for environmental protection on ordinary days? Have you forgotten about environmental protection and kept littering and polluting the environment after the event?
Secondly, everyone is talking about anti-Lynas, but do we really understand the issue? Have we seriously studied the words of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?
Thirdly, we use mobile phones and cars containing rare-earth everyday. Before scientists develop a new non-toxic energy to replace rare-earth, should we set a good example by reducing the use of mobile phones and cars, or go extreme to the extend of boycotting all products containing rare-earth?
Fourthly, since our daily life is still inseparable from rare-earth, does it also mean that we will not oppose it as long as the rare earth plant is not built in Malaysia?
Fifthly, could the Himpunan Hijau rally meant to express opposition against the Lynas rare-earth refinery plant in Kuantan gather more evidence to ensure the improvement of environmental awareness among the public, so that it will be a steadfast movement instead of only a flash in the pan?
It is predictable that the government will respond to the great rebound from the public. In the face of a new situation, the Himpunan Hijau rally committee and its supporters should also keep rethinking and adjusting their actions accordingly.
After the passion, what we need the most is not the continuation of emotions, but calm thinking and deep reflection. We need to think to strengthen ourselves in theories and reflect to improve in terms of actions. What should be done? What should be changed? How to mobilise the public? How to educate the public? How to create effects? How to gain support from not only the opposition parties, but as well as members of the ruling coalition and non-governmental organisations?
These are new questions that must be seen and recognised clearly by the Himpunan Hijau rally committee.
More importantly, can our voice be effectively spread throughout the world and draw the whole world to stand by our side, in opposing to the rare-earth plant being built near our homes? Can we take the opportunity to force the scientific community to develop as soon as possible a substitute for rare earth or invent a non-toxic rare-earth refinery method?
China used to sacrifice environment as a cost to export a large amount of cheap rare earth and in recent years, it started to implement rare earth export restrictions. However, western countries, claimed to be stressing on human rights and environmental protection, have actually pressured China frequently, asking it to relax the rare earth export restrictions, in the name of the violation of free trade. It has actually exposed the selfishness, as well as the hypocritical and evil side of human beings.
Therefore, after the roar and uproar, the people and government of Malaysia should not be the only ones to reflect on the rare earth and environmental issues! — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
