PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli was served a plate of humble pie when he misfired on a fleet of BMW cars with government emblems.

However, short of admitting wrong, he says he is grateful that taxpayers are not paying for the luxury cars as earlier suspected.

"I was informed that BMW Malaysia said the six cars are sponsored by them for the Asean Summit.

"Thanks to the public who took pictures of the cars, I am grateful that money paid by the people in goods and services tax is not used to buy these cars," he said on Facebook.

Saya telah dimaklumkan bahawa BMW Malaysia menyatakan 6 kereta BMW yang dipaparkan ditaja oleh BMW bagi persidangan...

Posted by Rafizi Ramli on Wednesday, 8 April 2015

This comes after BMW Malaysia managing director Alan Harris explained that the luxury cars were not purchased by the government but sponsored for the summit on April 24 to 28.

BMW is providing a fleet of BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series for the dignataries, Harris said in a statement.

Rafizi raised the issue at a press conference at the Parliament lobby earlier today after he received photos of the vehicles with the national emblem instead of registration numbers.

The BMW 7 Series cars were parked at the BMW showroom in Bandar Puteri, Puchong.

Rafizi also asked why the government purchased the luxury cars at a time when the people were angry with the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST).

"It may sound extremely small and petty, but it is this kind of anecdote that really riles up the public," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

According to a price list displayed on BMW Malaysia's website, the recommended retail price for a BMW 7-Series ranges from RM648,800 to RM818,800, depending on the model.

This price excludes insurance but includes taxes and tariffs.

Lack of confidence in local car-makers

Rafizi's press conference comes days after International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamad compared BMW cars to Proton cars.

Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul told the same press conference that if it is true that the government had purchased the cars for official use or for foreign dignitaries, then it shows a lack of confidence in local car manufacturers.

He pointed out that in car-producing nations such as Europe, Japan, and South Korea, official cars are often manufactured within those countries, and even the Malaysian prime minister and deputy prime minister uses Proton cars.

"I think if we truly believe that Proton cars are good, then let’s put it to the test. This would be the car used by guests," Johari said.

 

If the cars are for ministers or civil servants, then the timing of the purchase is wrong, he added.