Anwar: Audience with Kedah Ruler unrelated to REE

KUALA LUMPUR: The audience with Kedah’s Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has nothing to do with the rare earth elements (REE), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister clarified that the event, in which prominent Indonesian businessman Riza Chalid was present, was granted based on the Kedah Ruler’s schedule.

“The meeting did not involve the REE. I was called to discuss other issues.

“There was a visit to the royal mausoleum, but I would like to emphasis that REE was not brought up during the audience,” he told the media on Friday (Aug 4).

Anwar was responding to caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s claim that he had brought Riza with the prospect of mining REE in the state.

“The main issue concerning the REE is the theft, it should not be deflected,” he said.

On Oct 2 last year, a Facebook page of the Kedah royal family had posted Anwar, who was then Port Dickson MP, and Riza’s audience with the state Ruler.

Earlier today, Anwar inaugurated the Malaysia Commercialisation Year Summit 2023, organised by Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry from Aug 3 to 4.