MAHATHIR RETURNS TO PROTON AFTER FOUR AND A HALF YEARS

SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Proton founder and adviser Dr
Mahathir Mohamad Thursday made a return to the country's first car manufacturing
plant after four and a half years.

The former prime minister said he was happy to be back as the plant brought
him nostalgia at a time when Proton, Malaysia's national car company, was just
starting out.

"I am happy to be back at the plant which manufactured the country's first
Proton car in 1985. It has been 27 years since then, not many businesses can
remain that long," he said at a break of fast with Proton staff here Thursday.

Mahathir said the government established Proton as it had confidence in
the country's ability although certain quarters were sceptical while some made
fun of it.

"I can still recall a comic sketch of the Proton car with a bullock cart
roof. However, when the first car was unveiled and I drove it, many people gave
it the thumbs up."

He said Proton's pre-tax profit of RM64 million (US$18.3) for first quarter
of 2009 showed that it was capable of competing in the local and international
markets.

Proton would also contribute towards making Malaysia achieve developed
nation status by 2020.
-- BERNAMA