By Malaysiakini
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has proposed for Proton car prices to be increased in a bid to overcome its image as a producer of cheap cars.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Mahathir, who is also Proton chairperson, added that the quality of Proton vehicles also needed to be improved to be on par with international standards.
“Before this, we (Proton) are labelled as a maker of cheap cars.
“We want to produce cars with international standards but we will need to increase the prices,” he told a press conference after delivering a speech at a workshop by the Human Life Achievement Foundation in Kuala Lumpur this morning.
Mahathir also criticised the government for ignoring efforts to improve the quality of the national automaker and turning to imported vehicles instead.
He said this reflected the government’s lack of understanding of the importance of the local car industry’s role in improving the country’s technology.
“Unfortunately, the government is less savvy in understanding how important it is for us to produce our own technology.
‘Putrajaya should still help Proton’
“With this kind of technology, we can create job opportunities for the rakyat and have a support industry to increase incomes and achieve a developed nation status,” he said.
Mahathir said he will ensure Proton regains its competitive edge but wants the government to give a helping hand to the industry.
He drew parallels to South Korea, which aided private companies, such as Hyundai in the past, to ensure its automotive industry achieved the international standards it now has.
Mahathir was appointed chairperson of Proton Holdings and Group Lotus Plc on May 16, replacing Mohd Khamil Jamil, who remains as a board director.
The former prime minister was instrumental in the conception and development of the country’s automotive industry when Proton was set up in 1983.
Mahathir also lamented criticism against Proton for the government assistance it receives, while other automobile companies, which likewise receive aid, do not receive the same treatment.
“Perodua also receives government concessions. Why have the people never mentioned Perodua?” he said with a wry smile.
You must be logged in to post a comment.