Liow condemned for using public funds for RM24,200 number

THE NUMBER MAN … Liow used ministry funds to pay RM24,200 for the number ‘WWW 15’

(HARAKAH) – Health minister Liow Tiong Lai’s recent purchase of a car registration number for RM24,200 has continued to attract criticisms despite his defence.

Northern-based Malay empowerment group Teras questioned the rationale behind spend such an amount on a vehicle number plate for an official car, saying there were other priorities to be attended to.

“Such attitude and mentality by our minister is why people are disgusted with national leadership. Just because they are in power, they justify everything,” said Teras chairman Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid in a statement to Harakahdaily.

Liow had argued that the bid was for his new official car as his old car had reached its “expiry date”.

Liow justified paying for the number, saying Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng was also allocated ‘PG1’ for his official car, under the entitlement provided to minister.

But Azmi said Liow was being simplistic, and asked whether there were rules for government agencies and ministries to purchase vehicle numbers.

He also reiterated that his organisation would not accept public funds being used for anything other than for the people.

“We condemn and oppose this extravagant habit and abuse of public funds for such vanities. We urge the bid be nullified and the money returned to the treasury,” he added.