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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been using an armoured BMW 7 Series Protection — a vehicle capable of withstanding sniper fire and explosions — but not because of a new purchase or a change in policy.

His regular official car, gifted to him by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is currently undergoing routine maintenance.

With the vehicle temporarily out of service, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) advised that he use the armoured BMW as a substitute.

No new public funds were spent on the arrangement.

The car belongs to the government’s Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division, also known as BIUPA (Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa), and is typically used to transport visiting foreign heads of state.

Because the vehicle is a federal asset used for international diplomacy, the BMW falls under their specific inventory.

Not His First Vehicle Decision to Make Headlines

When Anwar took office in November 2022, he turned down a newly ordered Mercedes-Benz S600 that had been arranged by the previous administration.

He also directed government departments to use existing vehicles or national cars, such as the Proton Perdana, wherever possible.

The armoured BMW predates his tenure and was already part of the federal government’s fleet.

The Prime Minister’s Department and BIUPA confirmed the arrangement after the vehicle attracted public attention.

Three separate government bodies — JPM, BIUPA, and the Royal Malaysia Police — issued statements explaining the circumstances.

The vehicle’s temporary use continues while Anwar’s primary car remains in service.

Not Everyone Accepted The Explanation

Critics point out that the armoured BMW 7 Series Protection — the vehicle now carrying the Prime Minister — is not a modest car.

On the open market, vehicles of its specification cost millions of ringgit.

The fact that it was already a government asset has not stopped naysayers from attacking Anwar over his use of the vehicle.

Some have called him a hypocrite, largely building their case on the prime minister’s public refusal of one luxury vehicle, only to be seen in another, regardless of the circumstances.

The government’s position — that the car is temporary, pre-owned, and police-advised — has been stated clearly.

Whether that explanation lands depends largely on how much trust a voter already extends to the Prime Minister.

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