Terengganu MB prefers Mercedes (update 8)

Update 8 (27/7): Excos were seen using the mercs less the visitors, despite instructions from numero uno. So far, 9 have been questioned by ACA regarding the high maintenance costs incurred for the Perdana V6 fleet.

Update 7 (26/7): Now Datuk Ahmad Said is requesting ACA to investigate the other 'mega projects' instead of picking on the little cases. Meanwhile, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin made it clear that the cars used by Terengganu State Executives cost RM542 per year on average for maintenance. Meanwhile, correction for update 6: PM approved the procurement of the cars but not to be used by Excos, only for state visitors. Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh is also considering to file a lawsuit against the Terengganu State Government for producing erroneous figures. State Secretary Datuk Mokhtar Nong apologized for the inaccurate figure, claiming it was a regrettable by a clerk. Dato' Seri Najib is urging Terengganu to consider this case closed.

Update 6 (25/7): PM approved the use of Mercedes for Terengganu MB and State Excos, according to Terengganu MB himself during a press conference today after lunch.

Update 5 (25/7): The Terengganu Exco spent RM1M for the last 4 years to maintain their fleet of Perdana V6 cars (clever attempt to divert attention to the former MB). Meanwhile, the current Exco line up is adamant to use the newly procured Benzs.

Update 4 (24/7): BPR has been mobilized to investigate the procurement of the Merdeces cars and whether proper procedure was followed. Datuk Ahmad Said defended himself by releasing the maintenance expense of the car used by former MB, Dato' Idris Jusoh. The costs of maintenance were allegedly increased by 25% higher than actual for some reason.

Update 3 (24/7): For someone who defied the Prime Minister of Malaysia during the selection of Menteri Besar, I don't think Datuk Ahmad Said really cares what people think about the procurement of the cars. Despite showing the "Surat Pekeliling Perbendaharaan Bil. 1 Tahun 2008", Datuk Shahrir Samad said that all administrators including Menteri Besar are supposed to use the national car. The need for other CKD cars apply for 4-wheel drives for special purposes or other types of vehicles for specific use.

Update 2 (23/7): Cost to maintain Perdana V6 is RM175k.

Update 1 (21/7) : DS Najib to discuss the purchase by Terengganu MB in the next cabinet meeting. " “Saya guna kereta nasional dan Perdana Menteri pun gunakan kereta nasional,” katanya.

After bulldozing his way to MB's office, defying the Prime Minister with the backing of the King himself and demanding the return of royalty money for Terengganu from oil exploration.... his first act as Menteri Besar.....is to purchase Mercedes for fellow exco members. His justification is that Proton cars don't last for more than 2 years. Should he suggest that PM, DPM and cabinet ministers trade-in their V6's to E200s? Syabas Terengganu folks for choosing your distinguished leader! Please let us know when leaders are ready to get some work done.