THE debate on the controversial purchase of 14 Mercedes E200 Kompressors by the Terengganu state government shows that the rakyat are very concerned about what their elected representatives do or don’t do.

The excuses for buying the luxury cars are laughable at best, and downright immoral at worst, especially in this inflationary times when we have been advised to cut down on unnecessary expenses.

The least we can expect from our leaders and elected representatives is they set a good example.

I find the suggestion that they should use public transport instead of being driven in luxury cars very attractive.

This issue is surely only the tip of an iceberg. It exposes the mercenary mentality of these elected representatives in the use of public funds and taxpayers’ money.

Elected representatives must bear in mind that their positions are given them in trust and must be taken seriously with a responsible attitude. It is incumbent on them not to exploit this trusted position and misuse public funds to pander to their private needs and lifestyle concepts.

Tam Yong Yuee
Johor

Source: The Sun – August 1, 2008