Anyone with an interest in SE Asian politics should take a look at today's rally in KL. Here's an independent source to read how it develops:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/
Elections are due in the coming months and the rally has surfaced some less-than-positive reactions to recent government policy decisions, including the Lynas waste issue/scandal (see photos in above weblink). The Lynas issue is focused on the construction of a radioactive waste management plant currently being built in Malaysia to treat hazardous wastes originating in Australia. The plant is owned by an Australian company called Lynas and they intend to ship radioactive wastes from their rare earth mine in Western Australia to treat at this new plant in Malaysia. There is big opposition in Malaysia (as there is in some quaters of Australia) and with an election likely in the next few months, the story has taken on added significance - especially for many of the protesters today.
Rory Padfield
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