Proton Edar Dealers’ Association (Peda) president Armin Baniaz Pahamin, in a blog post, claimed Proton “went downhill” after Mohammed Azlan Hashim was appointed by Khazanah Nasional as Proton chairman.

He said the “real problem” began when Khazanah Nasional wanted to gain control of Proton by sacking Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Arif as managing director.

“Proton has been repeatedly raped since then.

“Proton went into financial problems when all its cash reserves and assets were exhausted during that period under Khazanah Nasional.”

He said this in response to Umno Supreme Council Member Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s demand for Mahathir to answer for Proton’s failures over the years despite receiving billions in public funds.

Armin alleged that Azlan reversed Tengku Mahaleel’s decision to terminate EON as Proton distributor when EON refused to contribute research and development (R&D) funds.

Proton had to request for funds after the government stopped giving grants for its development.

Armin also said that Mahathir’s successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had no clear vision or long-term plan for Proton.
Mahathir was appointed Proton chairman after stepping down as the premier in 2003.

Armin also claimed that DRB-Hicom was asked to take over Proton to help Barisan Nasional win the previous election after the Opposition, in its manifesto, pledged to shut down Proton.

DRB-Hicom then de-listed Proton and capitalised on Proton’s assets.

Mahathir, Armin said, recently came back as Proton executive chairman to save whatever that was left in Proton.

“If there is anyone that should be blamed for Proton’s failure, it should be Khazanah Nasional and not Tun M.”