The number plate storm in Health Minister Liow Liong Lai's life could turn out to be just a hiccup in a tea cup.

Malaysiakini has learnt that all ministers are entitled to a free car number plate following a 2004 cabinet decision.

An officer of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) who declined to be named explained that this decision allows Liow to own the 'WWW15' car plate number he bid for without having to pay the RM24,200 bidding price.

This is further confirmed by a statement issued today by JPJ director-general Solah Mat Hassan that currently Liow has three options - accept the offer for free which is in line with his official status, pay the bidding price, or reject the number plate.

NONE Solah also revealed that Liow's ( right ) application to bid for the number was dated May 14, the last day for the public to bid for the glamorous WWW plate numbers.

"The evaluation committee for the bidding of WWW plate numbers then decided that the WWW15 plate number will be offered to Liow with highest bidding price of RM24,200," read the statement.

Solah explained that it is the department policy to publish the names of all successful bidders in keeping with the principle of transparency.

Minister turns dart board

"This is also because for those who have made their bidding, of course they want to know the winner of the numbers open for bidding. We had also published successful bidders for the series of numbers before this," he added.

Liow was panned for failing to answer reporters' queries on who had paid for the bidding of the plate number, which he claimed was for his new official car.

He initially claimed that he "does not know the cost" and had left the matter in the hands of his officer.

He also failed to give a convincing answer on the need to bid for the number, saying that his grandfather is also using the same number but at the same time he is "okay with any number".

Liow later revealed that he had received word from the JPJ that he need not pay the RM24,200 bidding price he had offered, as the number is " free ".

Earlier it was reported that the transport minister or JPJ director-general has the power to waive Liow's bidding payment.

The current Transport Minister is Kong Cho Ha, who is also MCA secretary-general, while Liow is MCA deputy president.

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