In The Star Online dated 14th February, 2014, writer Zaid

Ibrahim in his article Nuclear Energy is not an Option

argues about follies of nuclear energy and cautions
readers not to consider it as an alternative power for
Malaysia to replace the decreasing natural resources and
prevent pollution caused by fossil fuels. Even though he is
not an expert on nuclear energy, the way he puts forward
his argument in the article such as exposing weaknesses
in opposing arguments, providing good support and using
effective language, is effective in convincing readers to
agree that nuclear energy is not a good choice.
The writer has raised three main issues regarding nuclear
power, that is, it has been publicized as safe, clean and
virtually accident free. Towards the end of the article, he
proposes that Malaysia invests into other forms of nonnuclear energy which are not as destructive as nuclear
energy should there be any mishaps.
The writer has effectively convinced readers to accept his
argument by portraying the opposing arguments as weak.
One example he mentioned was the probability theory
that was deemed by all scientists to be accurate in
predicting that accidents are unlikely to happen because
of the strict preventive measures. However, what
happened at Fukushima belied the theory.
The writer has also successfully provided strong support
by giving facts in the form of historical evidence and
statistics. He mentions three nuclear accidents involving
nuclear plants situated on Three Mile Island (1979),
Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011). He further gives

statistical examples of countries such as Denmark and 3

German states that have benefited from the use of other
non-nuclear energy.
Last but not least, by using powerful words, the writer has
succeeded in showing the seriousness of the situation.
For example, the words massive loss of life, standards
failed, contaminated soil, radiation damage, astronomical
clean-up costs to mention a few, will make the readers
think twice before they agree to the option of using
nuclear power.

All in all, Zaid Ibrahim has provided a convincing

argument against the use of nuclear energy to replace
Malaysias natural resources that are diminishing. He has
succeeded in doing this by proving the weaknesses of the
other side of the argument, besides providing good
evidence and using effective words.