The federal government should provide more funding to the state government instead of handing state assemblypersons car import Approved Permits (AP), said Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San. 


In a statement today, Lau said the government recent decision to grant all state assemblypersons with a free AP does not benefit the public as compared to increasing development funds for the state. 


“The state government can then issue the payments either directly to the state assemblypersons or into their constituency allocation account. This would be very much welcomed,” he added.


Lau was commenting on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's decision to issue APs in recognition of their contributions. 


He questioned the government's move because currently, all state assemblypersons are already entitled to buy duty free vehicles, according to Finance Ministry rules. 


He revealed that Selangor Pakatan Rakyat assemblypersons will meet soon to discuss the latest developments.


When contacted, opposition leader Mohd Khir Toyo said AP's for elected representatives were "nothing new" and that a premium must still be paid for imported cars. 


Asked what he would do with his newly obtained AP, Mohd Khir replied: "For me, one car is enough". 


Based on the present system, car importers need to purchase an AP from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) at RM10,000. 


It is believed that an AP is valued at RM40,000 in the open market.