Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is prepared to face any legal action by caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over his claims on rare earth minerals theft in the state.
Saifuddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general, said he is standing firm behind what he said, adding that he has proof to back the claims.
“It is okay, I welcome it (the legal action), just bring it on,” he told reporters.
“In Kedah, there is no company being granted rare earth mineral mining or export, but how come the minerals could end up in Port Klang?
“Then, there are also questions as to how come foreign workers who were granted professional visas endorsed by MBI (Menteri Besar Incorporated) were arrested for trespassing into forest reserves.
“Some of them entered this country on social visit passes and ended up being caught by the law enforcement agency. Did they have any link to him?” he said.
Saifuddin added that there has to be a reason for former Kedah Lands and Mines Office (PTG) director Datuk Fauzi Mustaffa to issue a compound to MBI.
“The question is who paid for the compound?” he asked.
Saifuddin stressed that the state government, through MBI, should be held accountable for the rare earth minerals theft at the site since a permit to work on the site was approved by the state-owned company.
“He has to answer first how the foreign nationals with professional visas ended up being arrested by the police. He has to answer that first.
“I have photos of those who have been arrested, where and when they were photographed with Sanusi, I have all the information.
“He needs to explain everything, not just simply claiming that MBI was not involved. I have a good collection of photos, but I am not revealing them now,” he said.
Saifuddin was responding to Sanusi’s statement that he has ordered his officers to lodge a police report against the home minister over allegations of his involvement in the theft of rare earth minerals.
Sanusi said he was also contemplating taking legal action against Saifuddin for the latter’s remarks during the “Jelajah Perpaduan Madani” event in Gurun, which he described as “malicious and slanderous”.