MALAYSIAN PM PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER PM DR MAHATHIR AS PROTON PRIME MOVER

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak tonight paid tribute to Proton prime mover Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said without the strong political commitment and undying spirit of Dr.
Mahathir, Proton would not have existed and managed to thrive.

"Suffice to say, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad initiated the idea to produce the
national car through Proton.

"Therefore, as a representative of the government and the people, I thank
Tun
Dr Mahathir for his leadership that has become the foundation of Proton's
success," he said at a gala dinner in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of
Proton here.

Dr Mahathir, who was a former prime minister, and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah
Mohd Ali and Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor were present.


The Prime Minister said the production of Proton Saga in 1985 was the
hallmark
of the national automotive industry.

He said no one would have thought that an idea mooted 25 years ago had
become a
national pride.
At the event, Proton Holdings Berhad also paid a tribute to 651 pioneer
employees, who have been with the company since it began operation in 1983.

Poet Assoc Prof Dr Lim Swee Tin recited a poem entitled "Meluncur di Aspal
Masa" (Cruising on the Time Asphalt) which espoused Proton 25-year journey.

In conjunction with that anniversary, Najib also launched commemorative
cars,
comprising Proton Saga, Persona and Exora, which would be opened for bookings
from Monday.

He also launched a coffee table book entitled "A Saga: Proton's 25th-Year
Story" authored by Berita Publishing Sdn Bhd editor-in-chief Abdul Kadir
Jasin.

At the function, the national car manufacturer also donated RM25,000 each to
25 charitable organisations.

Rosmah presented mock-up cheques to three of the organisations, namely
Yayasan Pembangunan Anak Yatim/Miskin, Thalassemia Association of Malaysia and
Malaysian Disabled People Association.

Meanwhile, Proton took the opportunity to celebrate the 85th birthday of Dr
Mahathir and the 84th birthday of Dr Siti Hasmah which fell on July 10 and 11
respectively.

-- BERNAMA