According to Sinar Harian, Azizan said that the vehicle has been used to accommodate former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his visit to Kedah and the Johor crown prince when he was attending a training for a week in Kuala Nerang recently.
“It is true that we have bought the car but it is more for the guests of honour who visit this state, not just for me. I prefer using the old KBV 8 bought by the government. Even though that car always breaks down, even in Kuala Lumpur, but I still use it,” he explained.The menteri besar also denied claims that he tried to hide the new vehicle, instead said that the car is rarely used because its main purpose is to serve as an official car for the VVIPs.
According to him, throughout this year only one car has been bought for the use of the menteri besar, whereas another five Toyota Camrys and four Toyota Fortuner were bought in 2010 to replace faulty official vehicles.
Azizan also stated that he prefers travelling to official events in Kuala Lumpur by car instead of taking flights, and it is proper to have two cars so that the journey would not be interrupted.
“Travelling by car is more economical compared to flying. I am doing this for convenience. With flights, schedules might be delayed. So as a government leader, I do not like to do things like that because it will affect the state’s business. I prefer using the car because it is easier for us to make arrangements,” he said.
Kedah Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director Ahmad Musadad Sulaiman confirmed that the Mercedes Benz KCX 8 was bought by the state government.
“KCX 8 was registered on 20 June 2011, whereas KBV 8 was registered on 5 April 2006. Both cars are under Kedah state secretariat,” said Musadad.
Previously, Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang had accused Azizan of wasting public funds on the vehicle which he said cost RM850,000 brand new.
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