Who's telling the truth on Toyota tax relief, asks MCA

MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon is demanding answers after conflicting statements were issued on the Perak government's purchase of a fleet of Toyota Camry.

"The state government claimed that the purchase of new Toyota Camry as official cars for state excos enjoyed duty or tax exemption, yet the Finance Ministry claims that they have never granted duty or tax exemption for Perak’s purchase.

"Moreover, duty or tax exemption is exclusive to the purchase of locally assembled vehicles, thus, the new official cars are totally ineligible for such benefits," he said in a statement today.

The Finance Ministry said yesterday that it had not granted the Perak government tax exemptions for the purchase of the vehicles.

Last Friday, the Penang government announced that it purchased 15 new Toyota Camrys for its exco members at RM184,912.50 each after discount, for a total of RM2.77 million.

Perak, however, claimed it acquired 16 of the same cars at around RM109,000 each, for a total of RM1.74 million.

Exco Asmuni Awi told the state assembly last month that this lower price tag was because of tax rebates and other discounts, totalling RM81,000 per vehicle.

"A conundrum arises, as the Perak government's reported total figure and its eligibility for duty or tax exemption appear to be at odds with regard to the Finance Ministry’s statement. Who is the one making a blunder here?" Mah asked in his statement.

"Once again, who is at fault here? The state government or the Finance Ministry?"

Mah pointed out that the ministry had previously said it had not received any application for tax exemption on imported, complete built-up (CBU) Toyota Camry, and that it does not approve such exemptions.

He urged the Perak government to clarify its purchase of the official cars and make the relevant documents public.

"MCA urges the state government to swiftly make public the transaction, and respond transparently without holding back, so that the people’s suspicions can be cleared," he stressed.