Colour me stumped.When I read that the state of Terengganu purchased 14 Mercedes E200 Compressor cars to replace the Proton Perdana cars used by the state executive councillors, I was somewhat astonished. [The 14 Mercedes E200 Compressor cars cost RM3.43 million while one unit of Proton Perdana, I estimate, costs about RM100,000 - so, do the math].
Talk about bad timing that leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. When the rest of the people are adjusting their lives to the fuel price hike, suddenly we read something like this which certainly would anger a lot of people.
After the news was out, there was a statement to the effect that the measure was to save cost. [Read here].
While I agree that Mercedes is a more reliable brand, is it not also more expensive to maintain? Is it not also a fuel-guzzler? Fine, some people may argue that the Mercedes would be in line with an executive councillor's stature, but come on... what's wrong with moderation and modesty? I think a kampung folk would be happier to see a leader visiting his kampung in a modest locally-made car compared to a luxurious continental car. [Even the Prime Minister's official car is a locally-made Proton].
At the very least, using a Proton is a way to support the local automotive industry. Who best to support the industry but the government (both federal and state) itself? If all state governments as well as the federal government opt for a foreign brand, then no wonder Proton is in bad shape and in need of help.
I was informed that in the last general election, a few candidates lost because they drove into kampungs using luxury SUVs and continental cars. The kampung folks saw that as being snobbish and out-of-touch with the realities of life. And hence, these candidates lost (even in seats where they were tipped to win easily).
At a time when people are finding it difficult to adjust to the current socio-economic scenario, I just hope that these politicians would find it in their hearts to be a lot more in tune to the plight and sensitivities of the people. I just don't see how they can do that in their Mercedes.
Ironically, the government is talking about minimising wastage of funds.
I guess it is something like this that made me lost my interest in politics a while back.
2 comments:
They all want to live lavish lives at the expense of the rakyat.
It's such a waste of money.
Personally, I think Proton cars are crappy and in the long run they cost a lot to maintain and upkeep.
Replacing it is not necessarily a bad idea though in our impending economic situation, bicycles would have been a better option.
But seriously, if they were really into cost cutting, why didn't they buy Toyotas or Hondas? The Japanese cars are so much more high quality in terms of fuel efficiency, maintenance and pricing.
I think it's a lie. The Terengganu administration is probably using money from oil royalty, regardless of what they claim.
Are they armored cars? Have there been security issues lately? I agree that needlessly spending money just to look more "dignified" is stupid, but there could be an ulterior motive. Mercedes is a company that can meet the security needs of dignitaries.
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