GET REAL DR M - WAKE UP! PERODUA & NOT PROTON SHOULD BE OUR NATIONAL CAR

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s latest defense for Proton is a sign of someone who is losing himself. Mahathir claims Proton is as good as any imported car. He added that the problem with Proton is not poor quality, but instead is a perception that Proton does not produce good cars. I wish Mahathir reveals what he has been smoking so that the correct antidote can be prescribed to bring him back to reality.

The whole country knows Proton is the epitome of low quality. It is not about perception of local versus foreign. Proton is not even the top selling local car. Proton only survived so long because Mahathir kept it alive with allegedly constant bailouts. Mahathir denying bailouts for Proton is akin to him saying Mokhzani Mahathir is a poor man.

Perodua leaves Proton far behind in terms of quality. Yapping nonsense does not render results, Dr. M. In 2011, Perodua sold 179,989 units compared to Proton’s sale of 158,657 units. In 2012 and 2013, Perodua sold 189,137 and 196,071 units respectively while only 141,121 and 138,753 units of Proton were sold in the same period. It is evident that the sales of Perodua are increasing while fewer people are wasting their money on Proton. The numbers speak for themselves. The government should strongly consider shutting Proton down and make Perodua our national car instead.

The golden years of Proton lasted only while Mahathir remained in power. Since he became irrelevant, Proton has been plundering. Adding to the many personal agendas, Proton is another one that irked Mahathir to go against Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Najib’s National Automotive Policy 2014 is about promoting competitive and sustainable industry for all local car companies. In other words, Proton has lost some of its ridiculous government protectionist policies under Najib’s leadership.

South East Asia’s leading news portal, The Establishment Post, couldn’t be more right by saying that Perodua beats Proton hands down in quality and reliability. Proton has reached its pinnacle. The glory days are gone. Proton has reached a point where it can go no further. Sorry Dr. M, but Proton deserves no more chances.

- MAILBAG