GEORGE TOWN: Aliran, Malaysia's first multi-ethnic reform movement, is appalled that RM458,000 in public funds was spent on a Mercedes-Benz S560e limousine for Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's official use.
Aliran executive committee said with the economy battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the chief minister should have shown more restraint in spending, even if the budget for the purchase had been approved in late 2019 and even if there was a discount.
It said much money spent on a limousine – a vehicle which one car reviewer had described as "sheer luxury" - could have been better used to help those struggling during these tough times.
"The Penang government should have set an example for other state governments like Kelantan, which last year blew RM3.5 million on 14 Mercedes-Benz cars for state government leaders (RM320,000 for the menteri besar and RM200,000 each for executive council members).
"In 2019, the then deputy rural development minister had pointed out that of the 28 poorest districts in the country due to a lack of critical infrastructure, seven were in Kelantan. These areas, among others, does not even have water treatment facilities.
"Keeping up with the Joneses by indulging in luxury and extravagance when many others are suffering is not what we would expect of an accountable and transparent government or people-centred politicians," it said in a statement today.
It was reported yesterday that the state government had bought a new Mercedes-Benz S560e luxury hybrid saloon for Chow to replace the existing official car which was purchased in 2013.
The State Secretary's Office confirmed the purchase of the 2019 selenite grey model at a price of RM458,122.78, with a discount of RM127,765.22.
The price of the brand new car is almost double the price of the previous official car used by Chow, a Mercedes S300L bought for RM298,263.
Aliran executive committee said political leaders here should take a leaf from their counterparts in certain advanced countries, who use public transport to commute to work and perform other duties.
It added taking public transport would familiarise leaders here with the shortcomings in our public transport system, including poor last-mile connectivity, which many commuters have to put up with every day.
It went on to say that respect for political leaders is earned from their humility and empathy for the people's difficulties. The flashy cars leaders zip around in are unlikely to impress the public and may only breed resentment.
"At a time when many have lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts, leaders should lead by example. They should avoid all forms of extravagance during these tough times, such as the penchant for fine dining in luxury hotels, photos of which have periodically surfaced in social media.
"One politician even organised a mass wedding event for thousands of guests. Even if it was privately-funded, many felt it was in bad taste, especially when job losses have hit so many people.
"When spending involves public funds, the people expect leaders to exercise utmost restraint.
"As such, we urged national and state leaders to be more financially prudent, avoid extravagant spending, and use public funds to help those struggling to put food on the table and a roof over their heads," it said.