PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s plan to venture into another national car project, the third one after Proton and Perodua, has certainly received a mixed reaction. Some have raised objections, citing the experience with Proton which they claim is a failure. Money could be better spent on projects which would benefit the society more, claimed the critics.

Those who were more sympathetic to the plan viewed Proton as not just a car business but a venture that has brought benefits to the nation as a whole, not only in creating jobs but also, and more importantly, spurring the population into a more sophisticated manufacturing business. Proton proved to be the right platform to nurture such talents.