If the Menteri Besar of Terengganu is to be believed, yes that is true.

Does that mean that we all, if we can afford it of course, better go out and buy Mercedes-Benzs, instead of the top-of-the range national car, despite the fact that its initial cost is double the national car’s?

Needless to say, this is a big slap to local car manufacturers: if leaders don’t have confidence in the national car, how about the masses?

It was reported that the Terengganu state government has purchased 14 units of the Mercedes E200 Kompressor costing RM245,000 each:

… to replace its fleet of Proton Perdana V6 Executives, which are a mere 4 years old.

Reasons given:

To cut cost in the long run: Proton Perdanas are not robust enough for continuous long-distance journeys, which is the norm for state executive councillors and senior officials. They are expensive to maintain, and the gear boxes are particularly vulnerable. Extensive repairs can cost RM50,000 within less than 2 years. In the long run, the Merc is cheaper to maintain and easier on the fuel. Of course, reading this, we wonder how the Perdana was driven.

High second hand market price: this one I dont think anybody could argue.

Still, this decision did not go down well with the top guns, where the Deputy Prime Minister was quoted to have said, in essence: everybody must use national cars. I use one and the PM uses one too.

Someone commented:

Well, If you really want to save cost, you can buy proton saga or myvi or any cheaper car. Let say, Kancil: really save cost! Why, it must be Mercedes E200 Kompressor??? They can’t sit in any non executive cars? We vote you to serve us with public money. Not to buy luxury cars and enjoy it! Dear public, do you will avoid or say don’t to any MP if they use Kancil or Viva? Than, why they need all this? Please don’t give Status as reason. Well, public is your boss. and we vote you to serve us.

What do you think? Should we all drive our old heap for a little while longer while we save up for that brand new SLK, all in the name of long-term cost savings?

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