KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has downplayed the state government’s procurement of a vehicle valued at nearly RM400,000 for his official use.
According to Sinar Harian, Sanusi said the procurement of state government vehicles, including official cars for the menteri besar’s use, was conducted based on necessity.
He explained that the state government routinely acquires various assets, including vehicles. This year, the decision was made to purchase an official vehicle for the menteri besar’s use.
Responding to viral reports concerning the acquisition of a Hyundai Palisade for his use, Sanusi justified the necessity of the purchase. He said that the decision was prompted by frequent breakdowns of the existing vehicles, rendering them uneconomical to maintain.
Sanusi clarified that since assuming office, there have been no previous purchases of new vehicles for his use.
Instead, he utilised a Mercedes-Benz car purchased by the late Kedah menteri mesar Tan Sri Azizan Abd Razak in 2012, and another acquired by Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir in 2014.
“The registration number KCX 8 is for the MB’s official car, since I became menteri besar, the state government has never bought a new vehicle for my use,” he said at an event in Alor Star today.
Launched in January last year, the latest 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a three-row sports utility vehicle priced between RM368,888 for the baseline model and RM399,888 for the highest trim level.
Furthermore, he explained that the necessity of purchasing the vehicle was to replace both existing cars that frequently experienced breakdowns, not for luxury.
“Both Mercedes-Benz cars broke down on the road, often had problems, and reached a point where they were no longer economical to use.
“But we took them to the repair shop because they still looked good.
“The spare parts are expensive, and repairing them once costs tens of thousands of ringgit. So, it’s not economical to keep using those cars,” he said.
Sanusi said the state government decided to purchase a more rugged vehicle because he often travels long distances for official visits.
“My work movement as the menteri besar is extensive and unpredictable, travelling tens of thousands of km a month. So a sturdy car is needed.
“It’s not a luxury car, just a regular brand. If I wanted to buy it for personal use, I could afford it, but since it’s purchased by the state government, I use it,” he said.
Sanusi also criticised the Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin who linked the purchase of the vehicle to the issue of unpaid salaries for Kedah Agro workers, which he deemed unrelated.
“Anyone envious of that car, wait until you become the MB, then buy one. It’s not even an issue.
“In politics, if you’re only discussing car issues, it’s better to go back to kindergarten.
“In today’s world, no one talks about car issues in politics. The world has moved far ahead, yet you’re still stuck on outdated issues.
“Those who talk lost heavily in the previous elections, losing more at the state assembly level than in parliament,” he added.
Sanusi also challenged Shaiful to raise more intellectually challenging issues, rather than deliberately stirring up controversy about the vehicle purchase. – March 24, 2024