IPOH, 15 Dec 2008: The Perak state government is “not practising what it preaches” by deciding to replace its Proton Perdana V6 Executive with the Toyota Camry 2.4 as the official car for its State executive councillors (excos) and senior officers.
The state Gerakan chairperson Datuk Chang Ko Youn said this at a press conference at Wisma Gerakan here today, and hit out at the Pakatan Rakyat state government for its failure to place the welfare of the people over its own comfort.
“The excuse given by the Pakatan Rakyat government that the maintenance cost for the national car is high is not true and meant to mislead the people so that they can buy the Japanese imported cars,” said Chang, who is also the Gerakan deputy president.
As a tax-paying citizen, Chang said he was totally against the move as the money used to pay for the cars belonged to the people and should be used for the development of the country.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Malim Umno division head Datuk Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib said the Perak state government should support the national car industry, Proton, by giving priority to Proton cars.
He said this was because the Proton factory in Tanjung Malim contributed RM3.7 million each year in terms of assessment paid to the Tanjung Malim District Council.
Mohd Khusairi, who is also the state assemblyperson for Slim, said the maintenance cost for the Proton Perdana V6 used by the state excos and senior officers could be considered high, but the amount contributed by Proton to the Perak state government each year was much higher.
The Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said yesterday the state would go ahead with the purchase of 16 Toyota Camry 2.4 for official use to replace the Proton Perdana V6 Executive cars.
He cited the high repair and maintenance cost of the Proton fleet for the decision. — Bernama
