PRESS RELEASE
HIMPUNAN HIJAU 2.0
Friday, 27th January 2012
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF HIMPUNAN HIJAU 2.0
The purpose of this press conference today is to announce the national launch of Himpunan Hijau 2.0.
Himpunan Hijau is an initiative to build an alliance of people dedicated to environmental justice and humanity. It is a platform to galvanize the support of all individuals and groups to fight the injustice which is running rampant and taking control of society.
The first Himpunan Hijau was held in Kuantan on October 9th last year. On that day, thousands of people from across the nation gathered peacefully in solidarity to make the strongest voice ever on environmental concerns. On that day, the people have made it very clear that we want the Lynas project scrapped immediately.
However, to our great disappointment, the authorities have not only blatantly ignored the wishes of the people but they continue to insult and belittle our intelligence from their various actions suspected to be taken to bulldoze the project through. Lynas has continued to lie and manipulate the people. Millions of ringgits were spent disseminating false and misleading information through intensive placements of advertisements in major newspapers instead of sincerely facing the issue according to proper EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) process which include open and transparent public participation with the involvement of all stakeholders.
This issue has been dragged for months. The entire community of Kuantan has been living under immense unnecessary stress and anxiety. We feel that enough time has been given to the authorities. How much longer do you want us to suffer?
Therefore, in view of this, we, the Himpunan Hijau group decided to call for a massive peaceful display of people’s voices on February 26th in Kuantan to call for an end to this massively polluting project.
We call upon everyone who cares about the future of their children ,regardless of race, religion and political standing to come forward and exercise their moral responsibilities by joining us in Kuantan. This issue is not only about us. It is about our children. It is not only about Kuantan but the nation and the world.
We are all made up of ordinary people who are seriously concerned about the future wellbeing of our children. We will not allow a foreign company to come into our country and harm our children. The plant will not be allowed to run without the consent of the people.
We reiterated our call to the authorities especially the Prime Minister to make right decision for the people by putting an end to this project before the next general election for the people will only vote for those who stand on the side of the people.
Himpunan Hijau is a movement for the people, by the people.
The first Himpunan Hijau was endorsed by more than 80 NGOs, civil movements and political parties and was attended by an estimated 5000-7000 people. This time around, at Himpunan Hijau 2.0, we are highly confident that people will come out in multiple folds.
Event details
Name : Himpunan Hijau 2.0
Langkah Lestari
“Pilihan di tangan kita!”
Date : 26th February 2012, Sunday
Time : 10am
Venue : Padang MPK1, Kuantan
Program
10.00am Arrival of participants
10.30am Negaraku
10.35am Words of Prayer
10.45am Recitation of a Poem
11.00am “Aspirations of the People”
11.20am Rasa Sayang led by mothers & children
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