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Published: Thursday October 4, 2012 MYT 9:33:00 PM
Updated: Thursday October 4, 2012 MYT 10:20:55 PM

Muhyiddin: Opposition uses Rapid project to divert attention


PETALING JAYA: The Opposition's continuous move to question the Oil and Petrochemical Filtering Integrated Development Project (Rapid) in Pengerang, Johor to divert the people's attention from their domestic issues, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also did not rule out the possibility that the Opposition pact would increase their attacks on Barisan Nasional until the people cast their votes at the 13th general election.

"I think they will not stop, but will increase attacks on the Government, whether for Lynas, Rapid or for any other projects implemented by the Government, supported by the people and involved a huge allocation. Everything will be politicised.

"Various efforts have been taken by the Government to ensure that the Lynas plant is safe, perfectly licensed, accepted and understood by the people but the Opposition will not stop, they will raise other issues, like Rapid and the green campaign," he told reporters after attending the 'Mesra Rakyat' programme at Lembah Subang PPR flats here Thursday.

Muhyiddin, who is also Barisan deputy chairman, said Rapid Pengerang was a national project under Petronas which would generate major revenue for the state and benefit the people.

Muhyiddin said he was informed by Pengerang Member of Parliament Datuk Azalina Othman said yesterday that most people involved in the area had accepted the fact that the area would be developed.

"Before this, the land compensation issue was quite unclear but now, it has been resolved. If some people find it hard to accept, they can take it to court. Those who are involved can understand this, but it was the outsiders who are spinning the stories and say that this project is unnecessary," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said all the fusses made by the Opposition were unreasonable and they were expected to subside sooner or later.

"They will find another issue, the Langat 2 project for example, they have the list. One after another, after another until the time comes for the general election," he said.

Commenting further, Muhyiddin said the relationship among the opposition's component parties was actually troubled with various unexplainable issues.

He said as 'politicians' the Barisan government understood what the Opposition was trying to do, but he also believed that the people were capable of judging for themselves.

"What matters is that whatever project implemented by the Barisan government, whether Rapid or Lynas, will do more good to the people. We are a responsible government. We engage, meet and discuss. To accuse this and that is unfair and unethical, but that's the Opposition's way to attract attention," he said.

Muhyiddin also thanked the people in Pengerang for their cooperation in ensuring that the Rapid project would run smoothly. - Bernama

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