Don: Too ambitious to have third national car by 2020, engage public first

Political economist Terence Gomez believes the plan to roll out a third national car by 2020 is a “bit ambitious”.

"The two -year baseline might be a bit ambitious.

“[...] I am worried about the speed in which they want to roll it out,” he told the media after speaking at the China Conference in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Gomez also raised concerns if Malaysia possesses the technology to produce electric cars.

“I have my concerns even if it's an electric car.

“That (electric cars) is a really high technological sector. I'm looking at domestic firms and not many have that kind of technological knowledge,” he added.

There are plans for the third national car project, mooted by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to be a compact, affordable and eco-friendly vehicle.

Last month, International Trade and Industry Minister Darrell Leiking had asked for proposals from private automotive firms for the project and recently said the response has been encouraging.

Open public debate needed

Gomez suggested that other factors which must be looked into were the market size for the proposed cars and the manner in which the enterprise would be run in order to avoid past mistakes.

“I would look at it very carefully, the conditions under which it (the third national car project) is (to be) established.

“(I would) look at the lessons of both Proton and Perodua and also look at other issues like market size,” he said.

The professor, who lectures at Universiti Malaya, stressed that the government must be transparent in engaging the public before making decisions on the third national car.

“Before we implement anything, there should be an open public debate – once all the facts are put on the table for a proper assessment of the viability of the project,” he added. - Mkini