Malaysia not ready yet for first nuclear power plant, says GMM chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is still not ready for its first nuclear plant as it needs to increase public awareness on what nuclear energy is all about, said the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM) chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail.
If done 100% right, he said, nuclear technology would help the environment, amongst others.
"But if even 1% or 2% is flawed, the repercussions would be severe," he added.
Speaking at Soka Gakkai Malaysia's peace exhibition on the 70th anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, Razali expressed deep concern over decisions made by political leaders in pursuing nuclear energy.
"I fear they may not thoroughly understand the pros and cons of nuclear technology," he said, adding he was also worried the leaders could be unduly influenced by certain parties with vested interests into hastening the process.
Stating his view that Malaysia needs at least a decade before looking at nuclear energy, Razali said that educating the public especially the younger generation is very important.
"But are we in a position to do this? Can we run nuclear power plants as how Sweden does, for instance? What about nuclear waste disposal?" he questioned, citing Finland's Onkalo spent nuclear fuel repository as an example.
On another issue, Razali said moderation would only work if issues of social marginalisation and anger at unequal treatment are addressed.
"I'll be attending a conference in KL on Oct 26 to 27 on moderation, where one of the many topics to be discussed is how terrorist or extremist entities manage to entice supporters," he said.
Razali added: "In many instances, such individuals turn to extremism when they see no alternative solutions to their predicament. When this happens, efforts to promote moderation would be in vain."