The Kelantan government has urged Putrajaya to disclose full details of the Malaysia-US trade pact, expressing concerns it could affect the rights of states rich with rare earth element (REE) deposits.
Deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan said states like Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, which were rich in REE resources, should have been consulted before the deal was signed as it directly affected their control over their natural resources.
He described the lack of consultation as a departure from the spirit of federalism, and called for greater transparency and state involvement in future policy decisions.
“REE is found on land and is the absolute right of the state and people of Kelantan. It is a natural resource that must be utilised for the wellbeing of the people, instead of being determined by outside parties or foreign…