Malaysia has no immediate plans to develop nuclear energy

Choi Tuck Wo, The Star 8 Oct 09;

PARIS: Malaysia has no immediate plans to develop nuclear energy for power generation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the Government would have to increase the contribution of hydro-electric energy first, as part of its review of the fuel mix for the country.

“Somewhere along the line, if we decide there’s a strong case to generate electricity using nuclear power, we will take that decision but not immediately,” he said after holding talks with his French counterpart Francois Fillon on Tuesday.

Earlier, Najib attended the official welcoming ceremony at the Invalides before meeting Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) secretary-general Angel Gurria.

The Prime Minister said nuclear energy could be a long-term option but it would not be an easy undertaking.

He said the Government was studying the hydro option first and looking at renewable energy like solar power, although it was quite expensive.

“We have to correct our fuel mix now as it is not at an optimum level and utilises too much coal and natural gas,” he said in reply to a question on whether Malaysia was looking at nuclear energy seriously.

On his meeting with Fillon, he said the French leader expressed his wish to further enhance good relations between the two countries.

Najib said Malaysia was also asked to consider the technological capability of French firms in waste management, land transport and nuclear power as well as explore other new fields.

Najib said he brought up AirAsia Bhd’s application for landing rights at Orly Airport with Fillon.

“I feel the request is fair as it is the largest purchaser of A320-200 aircraft,” he said.

The French leader told him the application would be considered as the budget airline had been offered landing rights outside Paris, he added.

Najib said they also discussed global issues such as Malaysia’s views on the new global financial architecture, the nuclear issue with Iran, Myanmar and the climate change conference in Copenhagen.

On his meeting with Gurria, he said he was told that the group had taken note of Malaysia’s efforts to improve its standing after it was reportedly blacklisted earlier this year.

Najib said Gurria suggested that Malaysia take part in a study on educational performance involving more than 60 countries, to benchmark its standard against other countries.

However, Malaysia along with the Philippines, Uruguay and Costa Rica were reportedly struck off the list as uncooperative tax havens in April, after abiding by OECD regulations.

Najib also elaborated on the Unesco-Malaysia Co-operative Trust Fund, saying it was meant to provide less developed countries with enhanced capacity to deliver quality education.

“This is a significant contribution because if you train a teacher, the person will be productive for many years.

“It’s much better than giving financial assistance because the teacher can be a multiplier factor in terms of educating students with quality teaching,” he added.