Caution on third national car

ENHANCING the existing National Automotive Policy (NAP) is indeed a smart and far-sighted approach to improve our competitiveness in the automobile industry. Unfortunately, the decision to embark on a third national car venture, even though it would be entirely undertaken by the private sector, isn’t a wise move. When a venture of this size fails, the government cannot just sit back and allow it to flounder.

The previous administration had made the right decision to allow Geely to acquire 49.9% of Proton’s shares in 2017, thus enabling the ailing carmaker to receive the much needed help to avoid falling into despair.