Kelantan deputy MB: Mercedes-Benz for state sec is 'a necessity, not a luxury'

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government says that the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle for the state secretary's use is an economic decision that will save the state money.

Deputy Kelantan Mentri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah (pic) said the car was more cost-effective as its upkeep would be less in the long run.

"It is a necessity, not a luxury. We bought only one car, and the car for the state secretary is old," he said.

He said this in response to Kelantan Pakatan Harapan chief Husam Musa's criticism of the PAS government for splurging on a luxury vehicle despite its poor financial standing.

Mohd Amar said it was not like they were changing the entire fleet of cars belonging to the state.

"Although the existing policy allows us to change cars every five years, we have not changed it for 10 or 12 years," he said.

Mohd Amar said they have been buying higher-end cars even during the era of PAS icon and former mentri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat because of its long-term durability and lower maintenance.

"It should not even be an issue," he said.