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By Mihar Dias Copyright August 2023
In the midst of the ongoing debate surrounding rare earth elements (REE) in Kedah, an intriguing twist has emerged.
The witty and ever vocal, sometimes crude caretaker Menteri Besar of Kedah, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, has alleged that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim brought an Indonesian tycoon to the state with the intention of applying for REE mining rights.
According to reports, Sanusi claimed that the prime minister and the Indonesian tycoon visited Kedah just a few weeks before the dissolution of the state assembly.
The details of the tycoon's identity have been withheld from the press.
But Sanusi disclosed the visitor's name during a Perikatan Nasional ceramah session in Pedu a few days ago, identifying the individual as Riza Chalid or Pak Riza.
He suggested that home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s recent attacks on the issue and himself as MB may be likely related to Pak Riza's visit.
One of the most concerning aspects of the situation is the alleged offer of hundreds of sacrificial cows by the Indonesian man, Pak Riza to Sanusi, just before Hari Raya Haji.
Sanusi obviously declined the offer, fearing it could be seen as a bribe in light of the upcoming state election in August.
Sanusi believes that the Indonesian tycoon's interest in REE mining was promoted during his visit to Kedah with Anwar, raising suspicions among certain quarters. We, too, find it peculiar as to why the PM himself has to be the one promoting Pak Riza's prospecting for REE land.
In fact, the heated exchanges between Sanusi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail have further intensified the controversy.
Both sides have uploaded videos on social media platforms like TikTok giving their own interpretations of the truth.
For instance, Saifuddin has accused Sanusi of mismanaging the REE issue and has even brought up concerns related to human trafficking.
In response to the allegations, Sanusi clarified that he has no objections to parties applying for REE mining licenses in Kedah.
However, he stressed the importance of following the proper channels to ensure that the state government and its people receive fair returns from such endeavours. This probably refers to PMX's approach in trying to involve a certain Pak Riza from Indonesia.
On a different note, Saifuddin produced a photograph linking Sanusi to a Chinese national named "So Loi Fat," claiming his involvement in REE extraction in Kedah.
Sanusi acknowledged his acquaintance with the individual whom he said speaks neither English nor Malay.
But Sanusi asserted that he was not involved in So's business affairs, which were conducted with the state's Land and Minerals Office and the Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (Kedah MBI).
Besides, So's business was approved by other MBs long before Sanusi held the post.
The situation has led to a clash between politicians, with each side trying to control the narrative and public perception.
Such political confrontations can be distracting and confusing for the public, who may struggle to ascertain the truth behind the REE issue, more do during the campaign period for the state elections.
It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize transparency and accountability in handling this matter.
The focus should be on ensuring the sustainable and responsible extraction of rare earth elements while also protecting the interests of the state and its citizens. These elements have the potential of moving Kedah out of the category of being one of the poorer states in the country.
In conclusion, the REE issue in Kedah is not just about mining rights and potential economic benefits but also raises questions about political motives and governance.
It is crucial for the authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations made by both sides.
Ultimately, finding common ground and working together to address the concerns surrounding rare earth elements will be key to achieving a balanced and beneficial outcome for everyone involved. The federal government ought to set aside political agenda for the sake of the people of Kedah.
In the meantime, people like So Loi Fatt, whose name means money (loi) and prosperity (fatt), cannot wait to enrich Kedah state and its people with these valuable elements.
Riza Chalid, Anwar's hand-picked entrepreneur from Indonesia, too, is best advised to do likewise.
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