Dr Mahathir finds an ally in BN on third national car.
The International Trade and Industry Ministry has received 14 proposals from the private sector on the proposed third national car project, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Wednesday.
A call for proposals was initiated on Sept 15 and closed on Oct 15.
In reply to a supplementary question from Wong Chen (Pakatan Harapan-Subang) in Parliament, who had asked the government when it would be able to produce an economic impact report on the third national car project, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said: “I believe the suggestion to conduct an economic impact study for the project is acceptable and fair.
“For now, we need a clearer direction as we have not reviewed all the proposals from companies and individuals for the new national car project.
“Once there is a direction, an economic impact assessment should be conducted.”
The deputy minister also reiterated that the project would be spearheaded by the private sector, and will take next-generation vehicles and the fourth industrial revolution into consideration.
However, he added that the government would provide assistance to the private sector where necessary.
On June 11, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad surprised Malaysians by announcing that the government plans to work on a new national car.
However, many Malaysians did not respond positively to the suggestion. Some asked that the public transport system be improved instead, while others pointed out that we had to learn the lessons of Proton.
Amid resistance to his attempt to start the third national car project, Dr Mahathir has found himself an ally in the opposition in the form of Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak).
“I would like to state that I fully support the national car project proposed by the prime minister. I rarely support the prime minister but I do on this,” Tajuddin said.
Tajuddin said this was because a wealthy country needs to export manufactured goods and cannot rely on commodities such as palm oil and rubber.
However, he said, the government must ensure that it does not go the way of Proton and claimed those managing the troubled first national car project had once worked for him and were “not all that intelligent”.
Related reports:
Aug 6, Rafizi: Third National Car Against Wishes of Rakyat
Jun 15, Govt Needs Private Sector Backing for New Car Project