Mukhriz's remark 'proves viability of cheaper cars'

A deputy minister’s remark that a car import permit (AP) in an open tender is worth up to RM60,000 has proved that Pakatan Rakyat's low car-price pledge is viable, said PKR.

“If APs issued annually reach 70,000 as estimated, the country and rakyat would lose RM3 billion to RM3.5 billion each year,” argued director of strategy Rafizi Ramli.

This is because the International Trade and Industry (Miti) only charges RM10,000 for each permit, he said.

The RM4 billion in extra income a year can be used to offset any losses from the gradual reduction in excise tax, which must be done to reduce car prices.

He was picking up on a remark last Friday by Miti deputy minister Muhkriz Mahathir, when addressing Umno members in his parliamentary constituency of Jerlun in Kedah.

[More to follow]