Premier Hybrid Cars is run by people with political connections. Its chairman is Datuk Shahrin Zahari, a 28 year old EXCO member of Putera UMNO and son of the late Datuk Zahari Wahab of the Ranhill Group. The company’s executive director is 22 year old Nik Iruwan Nik Izani, supposedly a racecar driver and son of Nik Izani Nik Ibrahim, senior Vice-President of FMCG division in Mofaz group.

A quick check with the SSM shows that Premier Hybrid Cars Sdn Bhd was established on the 3rd of January 2008 with a paid up capital of RM2. Its shareholders are Nik Iruwan and his father Nik Izani with 1 out of 2 shares each.

Yes, we all know that they are somebodies, that’s why they managed to get these new set of Open APs. They currently have about 20 on hand, but once those are finished they can apply for more up to 1,200 for this year. But one good thing for the public may just come out of this. The company is currently lobbying for the government to drop taxes for it hybrid cars to encourage the usage of the relatively fuel efficient cars. We could see something like this happening when the Budget 2009 is unveiled as we all know that when the people lobby, it falls to deaf ears but when connected people lobby things happen.

If this happens and the reduced taxes applies to all hybrid cars (instead of just Premier Hybrid Cars Sdn Bhd’s cars), some of us may be able to buy the Civic Hybrid from Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd at reduced prices than the current price which is about the same as an Accord 2.4. Cheaper price tags on these luxury Toyotas don’t really mean a thing at all for the people that actually have trouble paying the new fuel prices.

Anyway, I would like to advise people that hybrid powertrains are very complicated things… it would be a good idea to get them from principals who can competently back your warranty and maintenance. They will have better access to technical knowledge and spareparts inventory.

Malaysian never been untold about this stupid political act by our minister/sin nister !!!!