Dr. M & His Proton Baby

Dr M & His Proton Baby

The New Straits Times Reported that:

The ongoing debate over Approved Permits is not a fight between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz. So said the former prime minister. He said there was no reason for the International Trade and Industry Minister to say that she was hurt over the controversy surrounding the award of permits to import cars. "It is not a question about her. It is not something between me and her (Rafidah), I am talking about Proton and the interest of Proton," he said.

"It is not personal, it is not about mentor and ... it is about Proton. But why bring these personal things. I can also say that I feel hurt because somebody who was working with me said I cannot remember things," he said. "What is important is, is it good for the nation and good for Proton? That’s all," he added.

COMMENTS:

Mahathir stressed that "what is important is,

"is it good for the nation and good for Proton?"

So, the analysis should be: "What is good for Proton, is it good for the Rakyat?

By taxing heavily on consumer vehicles, so that Proton can maintain a high selling price and profit, who had benefitted and who is paying the cost to keep Proton solvent?

The protective shield has done more bad than good. Proton, because of the imposition of high taxes on foreign cars, was able to keep their selling price high, without being able to competitively compete with foreign cars. It is clear that Proton has never ever built a competitive edge over the last two decade, largely because of the fact that they are paying their vendors extremely uncompetitive prices, plus the known fact that many of the vendors are cronies and sudah Kautim the management. There is a cartel within Proton who, in the words of Lim Keng Yaik, Cari Makan or Curi Makan. The technology applied is called "Top-UP" pricing. Prices are top up to kautim in line with the Malaysia Boleh ideology.

So, consumers are asked to pay to fill up the pockets of those in power within the system. 50% of the consumers are those poors in Kampung. Why not do a survey on those with power to deal with vendors in Proton, whether they are staying at mansions and driving luxurious vehicles? You will not be surprised.

In keeping Proton solvent, aren't the government sucking the rakyat? Is this what we call "GOOD FOR THE NATION"?

Mahathir was mad at Rafidah for insinuating him as senile; but the way he acts and the hypothesis posed, I may feel he probably are not too far from it. He has served the nation well over the 22 years, building up a elite group of billionaires and coterie. I think he should say, IT IS ENOUGH! Otherwise, the rakyat may have to tell him so.

The ONLY way to protect Proton is to ensure that Proton buys their parts from vendors at competitive prices; there is a strong team of R & D scientists and engineers who have the competence and ability to take the challenge to their foreign counterparts; building competent teams within the organization; using technological advances to gain competitive advantage; brand building and have a system that ENSURE THOSE WITHIN ARE HONEST PEOPLE, not pests!!!!

Proton do not need restructuring; what it need is RENTOKIL, some strong pesticide killers to flush out the pests and worms that sucks!