PETALING JAYA: Seven DAP assemblymen from Pahang remain firm in opposing the resumption of operations at the Gebeng plant of rare earth producer Lynas Malaysia.

"Pahang DAP stands firm in opposing Lynas and is disappointed with Cabinet’s decision to renew its licence, " the group said in a joint statement on Friday (Aug 16).

The statement by the DAP state lawmakers comes in the wake of the government's decision to renew Lynas' licence for another six months, subject to stricter conditions.

The seven are Bilut assemblyman Lee Chin Chen, Young Syefura Othman (Ketari), Kamache Doray Rajoo (Sabai), Chow Yu Hui (Tras), Chiong Yoke Kong (Tanah Rata), Woo Chee Wan (Mentakab) and Leong Yu Man (Triang).

The group said Cabinet should listen to the views of the Anti-Lynas Movement although the nation was not bound by the Basel Convention.

The group also questioned the government regarding its election manifesto of balancing economic growth with environmental protection in light of Lynas' continued operation.

They asked why the government decided to send back foreign rubbish dumped here but allowed radioactive residue of rare-earth to remain in the country.

The group said Lynas had accumulated radioactive residue exceeding 580, 000 tonnes at residue storage facilities over the past eight years, which were vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods.

"Such a decision has deeply disappointed many anti-Lynas activists who have been struggling at the forefront for the past eight years, " they said.

The state assemblymen also affirmed their support for Bentong MP Wong Tack, who continues to voice out against Lynas' operations.