GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says he bears full responsibility for the Penang government’s move to purchase a new official Mercedes Benz vehicle for him despite the prevailing circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I take full responsibility. We will learn from this episode,” he said by the media when approached to comment on criticisms of the purchase.
Stopping short of an apology, Chow acknowledged that the timing of the purchase may be inappropriate, but the state will learn from this episode.
He said that the state administration went through the proper channels for the purchase.
It was reported that the state government had taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz S560e luxury sedan, a hybrid electronics-powered sedan, at a cost of RM458,122.78, which replaces the previous model of a Mercedes S300L for the Penang chief minister bought for RM298,263 seven years ago.
Although there was a cost saving of some RM250,000, the purchase has received sharp rebuke from various segments of society here.
Some quarters however have defended the state’s decision.
Lawyers for Justice coordinator S. Raveentharan said the state has done nothing wrong in purchasing the vehicle as it will save money in the long run, considering the high maintenance costs of the chief minister’s last official car.
“The previous model cost the state up to RM60,000 in maintenance fees annually. So, it is best to change the vehicle and, since there is a discount now, it is best to buy it,” said the former Batu Uban assemblyman.
He added that it is not for Chow’s private use, adding that those who drive a Mercedes-Benz understand the value of rationalising maintenance costs, which can be costly.
“I do not think he desired a Mercedes-Benz but he agreed on the purchase because the chief minister needs a new vehicle,” Raveentharan said.
“We cannot expect the chief minister’s vehicle to break down in the middle of an official duty. We must be practical and not criticise blindly.”
Academician Mustafa K Annuar pointed out that the timing was not quite right, saying it is most disheartening that Chow, like his counterparts in Kedah and Kelantan, chose to acquire the luxury car at a time when many people in the state are struggling to make ends meet in the wake of the pandemic. – The Vibes, January 10, 2021
