In a statement, the wing’s deputy chief, Dr Afif Bahardin, said it was time Putrajaya lifted its protectionist policy by either reducing or abolishing the high duties for imported vehicles.
“This is a good measure to ensure prices of vehicles will become more affordable and help buyers burdened by loans.
“It will also encourage more people to buy vehicles and in turn give a shot in the arm to the current sluggish industry.”
PKR Youth’s statement contrasted with the reaction of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the founder of Proton, who bemoaned the loss of his “child” following DRB-Hicom Bhd’s announcement yesterday that it would sell a stake in the struggling national car manufacturer to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd.
As part of the deal, Geely would also acquire a controlling 51% stake in British automaker Lotus from Proton for £51 million (RM283 million).
Last night, Mahathir, at an event in Kuala Lumpur, lamented that the sale meant Proton was no longer a national car. He also claimed the deal showed the government was bankrupt.
Earlier today, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the decision made by DRB-Hicom to partner with Geely underlined the strong commitment of Proton towards its turnaround plan.
Afif urged Proton to change the way it manufactured, researched and marketed its products to ensure they remained relevant and convinced Malaysians of their reliability.