I refer to the Malaysiakini report Mercedes Benz 2008 Classic Flip Flop.

It was without a hint of irony that the members of the Terengganu state assembly recently procured a number of luxury cars for use during official functions. It was also without a hint of remorse that more than RM3,000,000 was taken from the state’s coffers during a time when the price of oil is at a global high.

This would be harmful enough during normal times, but it is bordering on the absurd during a time when the international economy is shuddering to a halt and environmental concerns are reaching a tipping point.

The justification of the state was one of long-term cost-effectiveness. Naturally the rakyat would be suspicious of such proclamations during a time when the upper echelons of the executive are preaching the need for austerity and as a subsequence, a change to the lifestyles that we have grown accustomed to in our quest to reach the status of a developed country.

The outcry by the rakyat should not fall on deaf ears, and it would be an easy matter for the state government to publish the details of the evaluation into the costing of official cars.

What factors were taken into consideration? The cost per unit? The estimated cost of maintenance? The fuel efficiency?

The evaluation process had apparently taken a couple of years, and if it is as intense and comprehensive as it is made out to be, it would prove to be of value to the federal government and other state councillors when the time comes for them to renew their cars.

It would also be in keeping with the prime minister’s policy of increasing transparency within the government.

I do believe that it would be appropriate for the government to form a committee that can help develop a common policy for all federal and state departments to adhere to when it comes to the purchase of vehicles for official functions.

A number of factors should be taken into consideration – such as a limit to the cost of purchase and the fuel efficiency and green credentials of the manufacturer.

As cliché as it sounds, the government should lead by example. This could be done by promoting (eg, via tax relief) and utilising vehicles such as the new brand of diesel-powered vehicles and those powered by hybrid engines.

Without discrepancies in policy, the government is in a position to chart a new direction that would not only benefit the rakyat from a financial sense, but would be salubrious for future generations.