PM okays Merc for T'ganu govt (updated)
PM okays Merc for T'ganu govt (updated)
By R.S.N. MURALI
KUALA TERENGGANU: Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said was in a jubilant mood Friday stressing that the Mercedes-Benz saga ended after the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday, indicating that he had received the PM’s blessings to use the German-made vehicles as official cars.
Ahmad also met with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the same venue. "Yes, we (Abdullah and Najib) reached a consensus on the matter during the meeting at Putra World Trade Centre (on Thursday). The matter has been solved. I can't elaborate further," he said Friday after opening the Seri Kandi's Annual General Meeting at his official residence here.
The Terengganu Government was criticised recently after it purchased 14 Mercedes E200 Kompressors for RM3.43mil.
Ahmad said both leaders have told him that the matter is solved and should be laid to rest.
Asked whether the Mercedes Benz E200 Kompressor could be now regarded as official cars for state executive councillors and ex officio, Ahmad quipped ``Make your own presumption. I was told the matter has been solved."
Ahmad described his meeting with both Abdullah and Najib as cordial.
"I explained my rationale for switching the Proton Perdanas to Mercedes-Benz and they have accepted it.
"I told them that the state government has not spent extravagantly and the decision to procure the Mercedes was done after two years of evaluation," he said.
When reporters continued to pose questions whether the Mercedes would be used a official cars, Ahmad replied ``Wait and see.
"Let me stress again that this matter is solved and I have also received support from other state leaders and ministers on my move (to replace the Proton Perdanas)."
Ahmad was seen beaming throughout the press conference and also welcomed the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to investigate the purported high cost of maintaining the Proton Perdana V6 Executive.
The state owns 16 of these Proton Perdanas and the servicing cost had hit a whopping RM1.07mil over the last four years.
Ahmad said ACA should carry out the probe diligently as he has no qualms assisting the agency.
"I also urge them (the ACA) to probe the high service charges by Spanco," he said.
Spanco Sdn Bhd is the service agent engaged by the Federal Government to maintain the fleet of Proton Perdanas.
Ahmad said the state government's move should not be seen as giving preference to Mercedes and deserting the national car. "Proton should take it constructively to enhance their quality. Even my previous official car as an exco had no seatbelt buckle and had inferior safety features," he added.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/25/nation/20080725122551&sec=nation
seals: when Penang BN asking DAP government to take a pay cut and here the BN government spending the TAX payers money. I take as BN in Penang telling a joke. Something that they them self can't do, but asking others to do.
BN, wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By R.S.N. MURALI
KUALA TERENGGANU: Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said was in a jubilant mood Friday stressing that the Mercedes-Benz saga ended after the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday, indicating that he had received the PM’s blessings to use the German-made vehicles as official cars.
Ahmad also met with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the same venue. "Yes, we (Abdullah and Najib) reached a consensus on the matter during the meeting at Putra World Trade Centre (on Thursday). The matter has been solved. I can't elaborate further," he said Friday after opening the Seri Kandi's Annual General Meeting at his official residence here.
The Terengganu Government was criticised recently after it purchased 14 Mercedes E200 Kompressors for RM3.43mil.
Ahmad said both leaders have told him that the matter is solved and should be laid to rest.
Asked whether the Mercedes Benz E200 Kompressor could be now regarded as official cars for state executive councillors and ex officio, Ahmad quipped ``Make your own presumption. I was told the matter has been solved."
Ahmad described his meeting with both Abdullah and Najib as cordial.
"I explained my rationale for switching the Proton Perdanas to Mercedes-Benz and they have accepted it.
"I told them that the state government has not spent extravagantly and the decision to procure the Mercedes was done after two years of evaluation," he said.
When reporters continued to pose questions whether the Mercedes would be used a official cars, Ahmad replied ``Wait and see.
"Let me stress again that this matter is solved and I have also received support from other state leaders and ministers on my move (to replace the Proton Perdanas)."
Ahmad was seen beaming throughout the press conference and also welcomed the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to investigate the purported high cost of maintaining the Proton Perdana V6 Executive.
The state owns 16 of these Proton Perdanas and the servicing cost had hit a whopping RM1.07mil over the last four years.
Ahmad said ACA should carry out the probe diligently as he has no qualms assisting the agency.
"I also urge them (the ACA) to probe the high service charges by Spanco," he said.
Spanco Sdn Bhd is the service agent engaged by the Federal Government to maintain the fleet of Proton Perdanas.
Ahmad said the state government's move should not be seen as giving preference to Mercedes and deserting the national car. "Proton should take it constructively to enhance their quality. Even my previous official car as an exco had no seatbelt buckle and had inferior safety features," he added.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/25/nation/20080725122551&sec=nation
seals: when Penang BN asking DAP government to take a pay cut and here the BN government spending the TAX payers money. I take as BN in Penang telling a joke. Something that they them self can't do, but asking others to do.
BN, wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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