GEORGE TOWN – Although the Penang government has been slammed by various quarters for its untimely splurge on a new Mercedes-Benz for its chief minister, other parties are coming to its defence, saying it will result in long-term cost savings.
Lawyer 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, of the Mercedes S-class series.
“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 Lawyers for Justice coordinator.
He added that Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was purchasing it on behalf of the state, and it is not for his private use, adding that those who drive a Mercedes-Benz understand the value of rationalising maintenance costs, which can be costly.
“He did not take it for a ride with his wife or children. It is an official car strictly for official engagements and it belongs to the state.
“Surely we want our leaders to be accorded a special vehicle in line with their social status as a leader of the people of Penang.
“When a car is purchased, it is not just buying something new; we must take into account maintenance costs and the wear and tear factor. It is not the marriage ceremony that is important but sustaining the marriage."
While agreeing that the timing for the purchase may be a cause for concern, Raveentharan, who is also former PKR deputy secretary-general, said that Chow is not a flamboyant politician, but a reserved and humble man.
“I do not think he desired a Mercedes-Benz but he agreed on the purchase because the chief minister needs a new vehicle. 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.”
He said Mercedes-Benz cars are durable, and the marque has recently upgraded its models with advanced electronic features that make its cars more environmentally friendly.
Penang PAS, however, has lambasted the decision by the state government to sanction the purchase of the new Mercedes-Benz S560e luxury sedan, a hybrid electronics-powered sedan, at a cost of RM458,122.78.
Despite savings of about RM250,000, state PAS secretary Yusni Mat Piah said he was shocked that the purchase was made at a time when the people are suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the state is sending the wrong message to the people.
“The actions of the state are insensitive and lack care by going ahead with the purchase of such a vehicle now,” he said.
The value of the vehicle could supply fruit baskets to 9,162 families at RM50 for each household, Yusni had said in an interview.
“What happened to the critics allied with DAP when Kelantan also purchased a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles? They are now silent over the move by Penang to similarly purchase a high-end vehicle,” said Yusni.
He had also urged the state to reconsider the move as the money could instead be used to help 5,443 people who work at eight hotels but lost their jobs after the businesses were forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, Penang has a budget deficit of RM403.8 million, which shows the state is not prudent in its financial management, Yusni said.
“Penang should have waited until the economy recovered before the DAP-led leadership allowed for such a purchase."
Yusni had also urged the Penang people to reject Pakatan Harapan in the next general election and throw their support behind a government that is more people-centric instead of one that reeks of double standards.
Meanwhile, Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) executive director Cynthia Gabriel said the people recognise that all government assets, such as cars, need to be changed or maintained.
“But in the face of the hardships during this pandemic, a chief minister who places good governance on all of the state’s policies could have easily delayed this.
“It leaves a poor impression that political leaders live by their own standards, up in the clouds, and separate their stature and lifestyles from ordinary taxpayers.”
Academician Mustafa K. Anuar agreed 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 Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, January 10, 2021
