THE police today took Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung’s statement to assist with investigations into the Lynas protest rally held in Taman Gelora, Kuantan, on August 18.

Lee said he sat with the investigating officer for 45 minutes at the Semambu State Assembly Service Centre in Kuantan today, and that he had given full co-operation to the authorities.

“One of the questions asked was of my involvement in the rally, if I knew the rally was being held without a permit, and whether I delivered a speech that day,” he said.

Lee said police also took statements from Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) chairman Tan Bun Teet, as the organiser of the assembly, and Kuantan Green Solidarity Association secretary Chu Seng Pong.

On August 18, Kuantan district police chief Mohamad Noor Yusof Ali confirmed that the rally held to oppose the operating licence extension given to a rare earth processing plant owned by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Lynas), did not meet regulations under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 because the assembly, which attracted only 200 people, did not receive approval from Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) – as the owner of the premises – for the rally to take place.

On August 22, the police also took statements from Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang and SMSL lawyer Hon Kai Ping to assist with investigations. – Bernama, August 24, 2019.