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PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak says there has been too much
political interference in Proton’s strategy, management ― including of
personnel ― and business model.
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Proton Holdings Bhd is entering a new chapter where it will
no longer face the interference of politicians such as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,
said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
At the launch of the company's new Perdana sedan today,
Najib said such meddling in the decision-making process at Proton was why the
carmaker needed billions in government assistance to remain viable.
“There has been too much political interference in Proton’s
strategy, management ― including of personnel ― and business model. We saw the
results of that early this year. A manufacturer which should be a source of
national pride was facing a very difficult situation.
“Now, I am pleased to say, there have been significant
changes at the top levels of Proton. Tun Mahathir’s era of political
interference has come to an end,” Najib said.
Dr Mahathir resigned as Proton chairman on March 31, shortly
after he was removed as Petronas adviser owing to his criticism of Putrajaya.
Umno leaders such as Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan subsequently
blamed Proton's troubles on Dr Mahathir, alluding to a “dictatorial” style of
influence.
Dr Mahathir was also faulted for weaknesses in Proton that
required the government to pump in at least RM13.9 billion in various forms to
keep the firm operational.
Proton was set up by Dr Mahathir in 1983 and remains the
poster child of the former prime minister’s industrialisation policies.
It had once dominated the local car market with over 70 per
cent of car sales, but this has since fallen to under 15 per cent and behind
younger carmaker Perodua.
Proton came under the private ownership of the DRB-HICOM
group in 2012, but remains identified as a national carmaker.
Source –Malay Mail Online-
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