Push for a welfare state but luxury cars for officials justified, says PAS deputy chief

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KUALA LUMPUR: PAS has defended the purchase of luxury cars for its state administration while calling on political parties for a push towards a welfare state.

PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic) said there was a need for political parties to push for a welfare state which looks after everyone regardless of race, religion and political views.

He said that leaders should also be willing to part with what they love most and should not enrich themselves but instead ensure that the welfare of society's underprivileged was taken care of.

Citing examples of the late Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Nik Aziz Nik Mat who lived a simple life and yet gave away much to those who needed more, he said PAS leaders should also do the same.

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Tuan Ibrahim said this while officiating the National Welfare Convention of PAS.

However, he defended the purchase of 14 Mercedes-Benz official cars by the Kelantan PAS state government.

"All state governments buy official cars once every 10 years, not only Kelantan. The question is whether the government had disregarded its people when it bought the vehicles?

"Kelantan is one state which had a surplus state budget for the past three years and we did not buy those vehicles using the money from the Federal Government.

"On top of that, the Kelantan state government agencies are among those which have been recognised as five-star departments by the Federal Government.

"We have to see the whole picture behind the buying of vehicles that can keep maintenance at a lower cost for a period of 10 years," said Tuan Ibrahim.

Kelantan state government recently came under fire after pictures were published in the social media of a Mercedes S450 L AMG, with "DV 1" registration number plate, allegedly priced above RM600,000 for the MB's use.