Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave his assurance that the (current) government will continue assisting in Proton’s recovery and improvement. This is to ensure the national carmaker can build up its presence in the international arena.
In an article by Berita Harian, Najib said the government has already studied Proton’s history without prejudice, realising the problems that afflicted the carmaker was due to an economic model that focuses on patriotism rather than global ambitions.
“There has been too much political interference in Proton’s administration. We will not allow Proton to sink, not allow it to fade away. Proton requires the government’s support in its recovery and my administration will restore Proton,” said Najib.
“Therefore, if people say we are not assisting Proton, it is a lie. We provided loans, we provided capital injections, we provided incentives, but we also made it mandatory that if Proton were to advance, it required a strategic partner.”
It didn’t matter who it was, we didn’t direct Proton to choose partner from any particular country or company. We left the decision to Proton and DRB-Hicom, which eventually lead to the selection of Geely,” he added. Najib made these comments at the launch of the National Automotive Cluster at Proton City in Tanjung Malim.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express concern that Proton will not be allowed to sink due to economic and political reasons, including government revenue from car taxes and employment impacts. Many believe Proton has failed historically in branding, quality, and profitability, suggesting it needs strong support to survive. There is skepticism about Proton's future, with some advocating privatization, removing protectionism, and allowing free competition to lower car prices. Others criticize government interference and highlight ongoing losses, decline in sales, and potential restructuring or closing of dealerships. Some comments note Geely's support as vital for Proton’s survival, while others suggest that Proton's longstanding issues stem from mismanagement and political meddling. Overall, sentiments are mixed but lean toward concern about Proton’s decline and the necessity of intervention to prevent its collapse.