The Malaysian parliament will hold a session on July 16 to discuss the $96 million rare earth supply deal signed earlier this year between Australian miner Lynas Rare Earths and the US Department of Defense.
Lynas, which operates one of the world's largest rare earth processing plants in Malaysia, has faced protests over the four-year deal. Some rights groups claim the deal supplies materials for US-made weapons used in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.
Wong Chen, chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on International Relations and Trade, said the session aims to determine the details of the deal between Lynas and the Pentagon and whether it violates local policies.
Wong told reporters that representatives from Lynas, Malaysian government officials, as well as environmental groups and rights activists, will be heard.
He noted that the session's findings will be presented as recommendations to shape the country's rare earth policy, at a time when Malaysia is seeking investment to develop its domestic rare earth industry.
Wong said, "What are these rare earths for? If it's for renewable energy, we support it, but if it's for weapons, I think we need to say no."
Wong made the remarks after about 50 protesters, including activists from Greenpeace and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, gathered outside parliament to submit a memorandum demanding greater transparency and accountability in the rare earth supply chain.