Probe Sanusi over Kedah rare earth project, state PKR urges MACC

ALOR SETAR - Kedah PKR has called for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe state caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor on a possible power abuse and mismanagement in a rare earth project located in the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, Sik.

Kedah PKR Strategy Deputy Director Firdaus Johari said the report was filed due to concerns about the management of the mineral exploration project, which is valued at nearly RM60 billion and managed by the Menteri Besar Corporation (MBI).

The report was filed based on two media articles, namely 'Anti-Sanusi Movement submitted a memorandum related to REE' published on March 2, and 'Kedah Government urged to clarify issues on REE exploration theft' published on July 14," Firdaus said.

"We suspect that there are elements of power abuse and irregularities in the management of the REE exploration project, as highlighted in these articles," he said at a press conference at the Kedah MACC office, today.

Firdaus added a tweet by Umno Supreme Council Member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam on a letter dated August 3, 2020, was also referred to when submitting the report.

"The letter shows the Kedah Mentri Besar had applied for a Foreign Worker Visit Pass from China for work on a 1,220-hectare site in Sik, Kedah, which is addressed to the Home Ministry.

"However, the caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar's action in applying for it falls outside his jurisdiction, as it should be done by the appointed company," he said.

Firdaus expressed concern that Sanusi's actions as the caretaker of Kedah MB raised the possibility of power abuse and he also suggested that there might be elements of corruption involving the companies involved.

PKR condemns all forms of power abuse and Firdaus said their strong opposition to it and due to that has urged the MACC to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation into the allegations of power abuse.