MALAYSIANS are perennially discussing the fate of Proton. Whilst proud we are one of the few nations capable of producing vehicles indigenously, protectionist measures in favour of Proton are perceived as penalising the Malaysian consumer. Proton has also struggled to compete with international makes even in its home market.

We have to empathise with both sides of aisle. The attempt to build a viable car manufacturer was a well-intended move to industrialise Malaysia, Proton has created thousands of jobs and kept billions internally.