A document issued by the Ministry of Religious Endowments revealed a request to purchase a fleet of luxury vehicles, all 2026 models, at a total cost of $1,850,500, including a Tahoe for the minister.
The ministry directed the request to the General Authority for Supply and Procurement under the pretext of "enabling department directors to perform their field duties," at a time when the country is suffering from a severe shortage of foreign currency and an unprecedented economic collapse.
Details of the 2026 "Luxury List":
The document, signed by Minister Mohamed Ayalkheir Shukri and dated February 26, 2026, included the purchase of 44 modern vehicles distributed as follows:
Shocking Figures and Legitimate Questions:
- Waste of Foreign Currency: The total value of the deal is approximately $1.85 million, an amount that raises questions about how it will be secured.
- Current Fleet: The ministry already owns approximately 80 vehicles, most of which are recent models and suitable for field use, making the new purchase an unnecessary and extravagant expense.
- Operating Costs: The engines of these models (especially the Tahoe and Palisade) consume enormous quantities of fuel, which will burden the already strained state treasury with billions in daily maintenance and fuel costs.
- The Paradox of "Philanthropists": The ministry relies on endowments and donations from philanthropists to fund many of its activities, funds which appear to have been diverted to finance the luxuries of officials rather than serving the greater good.
The ministry appointed a representative named Abdul Razzaq Awad to receive the vehicles immediately upon approval and transfer of funds.
- Due to the inexperience of the employee responsible for the purchase, he failed to distinguish between "GMC" and its spelling "GMS," even though the Tahoe is manufactured by Chevrolet.
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