Since the government increased fuel prices, a scooter has been zig-zagging through the streets of the administrative capital.

The identity of the rider, who dons a full-face helmet, has remained a mystery to the people of Putrajaya.

But the grapevines claimed he was a man of authority, who carried the esteemed 'Tan Sri' title. A person, who once in five years, is sought after by everyone, including the prime minister.

The mystery ended this morning. The rider revealed himself.

It is none other than Election Commission (EC) chief Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, whose office had felt the pinch of last month's 30 sen increase in fuel prices.

In view of this, he decided to get himself a Modenas scooter worth RM6,900.

"It is not proper for me to use my official car to join my friends for tea," he said when met by reporters at his office this morning.

Apart from reducing cost, he said a scooter was more convenient and discreet. Lower mileage claims would also help lessen government expenditure, he added.

Pedal power

On Feb 27, the government increased the price of petrol and petroleum products, following an upsurge in the world's oil prices.

Announcing the hike, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government would use the savings, amounting to more than RM4 billion, from reduced oil subsidies to improve public transportation.

The price hike had ignited widespread protests and even street demonstrations.

While Abdul Rashid reduced four wheels to two but maintained an engine, Perlis Menteri Besar Shahidan Kassim ( right ) had called for pedal power instead.

Early this month, he urged all directors, heads of department and civil servants in the state to cycle to work in view of the increase in fuel prices.

The move, he said, would appear odd at first but over time people would get used to the idea.

Shahidan, who made the same call during the 1997 economic crisis, said in Holland, cycling was common and even the nation's leaders were doing so.

Following the price hike, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak urged Malaysians to change their lifestyle but this was met with criticism.