A Big Can of Worms

Buy Barangan Buatan Malaysia?

The controversy surrounding the purchase of 14 Merc E200 Kompressor by the Terengganu State Government has now snowballed into stories that can really help sell newspapers. Ever since its MB announced the purchase, the Rakyat has been jumping and demand an explanation and action by the Fed Government on what is seen as a big waste of public funds. Datuk Ahmad Said is not a very bright man indeed with his justification on this matter. Or he has been ill advised by someone? And now, BPR has swung into action in investigating this scandal.

The very reason to justify the purchase itself is tainted with corruption. Why? Just imagine spending more than RM1million to maintain a fleet of Perdana V6; and by fleet its only 16 cars! And spending more than RM3millions is to cut cost?! I'm not very good in maths but I sure know how to do simple calculations. This alone justifies action by the BPR. What the heck!? It put Proton into a tight spot. Either the car itself is lousy or to maintain it, you need millions. Of course Proton will come out like a wounded lion to defend its dignity. Proton's MD has come out and tell us that some parts used in the fleet were indeed non-genuine or 2nd hand. A service outlet in the state has been suspended.

All these hoo-hah is a no win for all parties. To me, the Feds were chicken when dealing with Terengganu. Why allow them to keep the cars for "VIP" visitors? How many VIP visited the state; hell, how many times our PM or DPM visited the state? Expensive white elephants on four wheels? You bet! Get them to sell it off! Making loss? Get the MB and the exco pay from their pockets! Tunjuk terror and hold the Government balls?

Show them who's boss, Pak Lah.

So all these drama certainly gives all the actors involved bad publicity. The Feds is seen as weak in dealing with the state. The state is abusing the state's coffer. Proton's product is seen as low quality and not even supported by the state government; which is against the wish of the Feds. So, it's now up to the BPR to clean up the mess. Since BPR has already taking some sort of action, it'll be interesting to see what happens in these few weeks. A can of worms has already been opened for all to see. It's their job to catch the big fish again. Fishing trip anyone?