ALOR SETAR – Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today denied claims that 12 Honda Accord cars were purchased exclusively for use by Kedah state executive councillors.
He said the allegations, which have gone viral on social media recently, were baseless and false, as the cars were bought for department heads in the state.
He said the approval for the purchase, which was listed in the 2020 Kedah budget, was made during former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir’s administration.
“Some department vehicles were bought by officers (department heads) who retired, so there was a need to purchase new vehicles as replacements.
“Other vehicles were written off after maintenance costs exceeded 100% of their purchase price… there were also department vehicles that were over 10 years old and with high maintenance costs,” he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting today.
Besides the Honda Accords, 11 Toyota Hilux four-wheel drive vehicles were also purchased for state departments.
“There are some departments without a single vehicle, and also officers who are forced to use their private vehicles for outdoor assignments, so we need to purchase new vehicles for official use,” he said.
His explanation was made in response to a video clip of a row of Honda Accords allegedly bought for the use of Kedah excos. – Bernama, November 25, 2020
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