I think these days maybe not, Panasonic prices are nuts. My concern around ME is that they don't sell as many units versus Panasonic, Acson/Daikin which worries me if they have sufficient spare parts, and worse, if they exit the market in Malaysia due to stiff competition from China.
I have one ME JR in guest room downstairs, seldom used. But a/c is better than Pansonic in terms of max cooling from the moment you turn it on. Versus Hisense right outside the room in the hall, the cooling is comparable. But Hisense compressor is noisier for sure which is not an issue if it is far away.
Chose ME because it is a back to back installation for the compressor, and since it is a room, decided to try ME as the spec sheet looks good. True enough the compressor is relatively quieter than Hisense.
Still Hisense basic entry model is the unbeatable king in terms of value if compressor noise not an issue. I am however curious about ME spare parts in MY. I was able to source spare parts for my York air con manufactured in 2009 from Acson, which goes to show the support is unbelievable.
For long term applications, or daily use like bedroom, may be worthwhile to get Acson / Daikin over Hisense, especially if getting inverter which I highly recommend for bedrooms. Halls where the cool air will travel out and the air con will be working on full tilt, I don't feel the need for inverter to regulate temperature.
I used to be a Panasonic air con supporter but their price keep increasing, and adding all the useless features and the initial cooling is terrible as the air con wants to save electricity.. I see no reason for it. But Panasonic compressor also relatively quiet lah..
Enclosed room, esp. bedroom, get inverter: Acson / Daikin
Open hall, air escape, no need inverter, get the cheapest entry level Hisense
For office, business... Acson / Daikin non-inverter.. due to crazy spare part support for long term
And more importantly learn how to use dry mode, on/off timer on the air con.
I personally would add Midea to the list.