Tun Mahathir Returns To Proton After Four And A Half Years

SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Proton founder and adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday made a return to the country's first car manufacturing plant after four and a half years.

The former Prime Minister said he was happy to be back as the plant brought him nostalgia at a time when Proton was just starting out.

"I am happy to be back at the plant which manufactured the country's first Proton car in 1985. It has been 27 years since then, not many businesses can remain that long," he said at a break of fast with Proton staff here Thursday.

Tun Mahathir said the government established Proton as it had confidence in the country's ability although certain quarters were sceptical while some made fun of it.

"I can still recall a comic sketch of the Proton car with a bullock cart roof. However, when the first car was unveiled and I drove it, many people gave it the thumbs up."

He said Proton's pre-tax profit of RM64 million for first quarter of 2009 showed that it was capable of competing in the local and international markets.

Proton would also contribute towards making Malaysia achieve developed nation status by 2020.

-- BERNAMA