WHAT was reiterated by the prime minister at the launch of Proton’s three millionth car at its Shah Alam factory recently on the need for the national carmaker to have an effective partner was like an old record being replayed time and again.

Why is it so difficult for Proton to find a partner that can assist in terms of research, technology development and marketing?

Proton should not be too nationalistic about this.

We are already lagging behind in the industry in terms of partnerships and collaborations, because we have been stubbornly clinging to our nationalistic sentiment.

Today, Proton, on its own, cannot carry us far into the automotive industry and beyond what it has accomplished thus far. People are talking about new technologies, as well as more research and development in the face of rising fuel prices — meaning more and more resources need to be invested in these areas. Proton, on its own, does not have that amount of resources at its disposal.

We have to accept today’s business realities as well as those of the future.

If Proton can propel itself to a much higher place and simultaneously achieve our national objectives and aspirations through such a joint venture, then it must be done even if we have to lose management control.

Time is not on our side and the sooner Proton moves in this direction, the better it is for the industry and country. There is no logic or sense in continuing to defend this nationalistic sentiment just to preserve the legacy of the previous administration that had cost the nation so dearly.

NORAMTAZ ABDULLAH, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – August 6, 2008