Proton has no class? LOL


http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/25/nation/20080725122551&sec=nation
Friday July 25, 2008 MYT 3:58:57 PM
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.


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