KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 26 -- Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reiterated his stand on Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd today, warning that attempts to cast out the firm like a "pariah" would harm Malaysia's standing among international investors.

He said forcing the firm to cease operating here after previously approving of its investment and presence would dissuade potential investors, adding that the "problem" was not with Lynas but rather concerns about the waste produced in its refinery.

The prime minister added that the government's experts have also concluded that the by-products of the Lynas refinery were "not dangerous".

"But the people who are against Lynas, they still want to get rid of Lynas.

"It is a big investment, RM1.7 billion,...