GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government’s purchase of a RM458,000 official vehicle for the chief minister has deeply disappointed Gerakan, which said it should not have been done during the Covid-19 crisis.
Deputy president Oh Tong Keong told The Vibes that the pandemic has dealt numerous hardships to the people.
“Gerakan is very disappointed that the state government bought a luxury car (for the chief minister) at a time when there are still many people struggling to survive.
“This is not the time to buy a new car. The state government should postpone the purchase of official cars, at least until the economy recovers.”
He pointed out that former chief minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon used the same official car for 13 years.
The reason given by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for the need to change his official vehicle, namely high maintenance costs, is absurd as the car is only 7 years old, said Oh.
“It does not make sense for the state government to use the excuse of high maintenance costs.
“Everyone knows that Mercedes-Benz cars are durable and can be used for a long time.”
He said Gerakan is not opposed to Chow having a safe and comfortable official vehicle, but objects to the timing of the purchase.
“The timing is not right. If Chow is a leader who prioritises the people, he can choose to use the exco car, or buy a car that is much cheaper.”
The Vibes reported that Chow yesterday received the new car, a luxury hybrid saloon Mercedes S560e, which is priced at RM458,122.78.
It replaces the Mercedes S300L bought by former chief minister Lim Guan Eng in 2014.
Lim’s predecessor, Koh, used a Mercedes S320L that was bought in 1995, and was used by Lim himself for 18 years. – The Vibes, January 8, 2021
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