In view of a pending recession, it is indeed disappointing to see that the Pakatan Rakyat-led governments in Perak, Penang and Kedah are not being prudent in the management of the rakyat ’s money.

These state governments should defer the purchase of new Toyota Camrys which are viewed as luxury cars in Malaysia and focus on how to tackle the global financial crisis which is fast turning into a global recession.

Do we really think that Malaysia will be spared from this global crisis? Is this the right time to be spending millions when the existing cars can still run?

If indeed the cost of maintaining a Proton is as high as has been reported in the media, the Pakatan governments should investigate whether the repair bills are genuine and pursue the matter with Proton and other experts and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Just like in Terrenganu, the repair bills for the Perdanas in Penang, Perak and Kedah as reported in the media, are very fishy and the first course of action that the state governments should have taken was to resolve the matter with Proton.

If there is anything which is not above board in the servicing and maintenance of the Perdana V6, let it be made public. In addition, the state and federal governments, regardless of political affiliation, should support local industries whenever possible and buying a foreign car should be the last resort.

If the Pakatan governments are really adamant in their decision to change the Perdana V6 and not support Proton anymore, they should buy a smaller sedan such as the Toyota Vios or Honda City for the exco’s daily use and only a handful of Toyota Camrys for official functions or to ferry investors.

By buying a smaller sedan which is cheaper and more fuel efficient, Pakatan will show a good example of financial prudence and humility. There are countless rakyat who are sticking to their old cars despite a high repair and maintenance cost simply because the cost of a new car is beyond their reach.

Buying new luxury cars during such times puts the Pakatan government in the same boat as the Barisan Nasional government.