Proton Must Be Quaking in Its Veritable Boots

Yes, the pressure is on for Proton. Well done, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Proton has had around 25 years of market protection and enough is clearly enough.

In order to transform Malaysia from a middle income economy to a high income one, Malaysia needs a new economic model (NEM), in which Malaysians are no longer hobbled by a giant like Proton that really can't compete without domestic market protection.

While Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib hasn't mentioned it outright, we all know that the writing is on the wall for Proton, what with the National Economic Advisory Council saying or reaffirming that it is time for the Approved Permit system to be removed.

Yes, Proton jobs are on the line. And while one sympathises with Proton employees, change must come in order for there to be greater prosperity for all.

What is more, Malaysia's automobile industry has already lost out to Thailand by coming in at second with 536,905 car sales last year compared to Thailand's 548,000 car sales. If Malaysia doesn't start liberalising its domestic automobile market further and soon, it would be more than just Proton jobs that would be on the line.

Proton must, therefore, adapt in order to survive the process of change.

Let's hope that when the time comes for there to be concrete action, Datuk Seri Najib would have the political will to carry through with his reforms. The key to this is the rakyat's understanding of what's at stake - the nation's future.

If Malaysia doesn't reform, it'll be left behind, overtaken by other nations more willing to do what it takes to get ahead in the brave new world of the future.