PRIME Minister Najib Razak has guaranteed the government will revive and advance Proton’s name.

He said the government was committed to ensuring Proton and Bandar Tanjung Malim forged a brilliant era.

“We will not let Proton disappear. Proton needs the government’s support to be restored to its former glory.

“If someone says we do not help, it’s a lie,” he said when launching the National Automotive Cluster @ Proton City today.

Also present were his wife, Rosmah Mansor, Perak Menteri  Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister, Mustapa Mohamad, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tan and DRB-Hicom Bhd group managing director, Syed Faisal Albar.

The cluster development plan involves developing Bandar Belia 1Malaysia, Edu City, high technology automotive hub encompassing electric car technology, green technology, Industry 4.0 technology and artificial intelligence, assembly of cars with global branding as well as the production of cars for the export market.

Najib said Proton’s chosen strategic partner, Geely, is best suited to advance Proton based on its excellent track record.

“I am confident the decision of (choosing) Geely is correct as the company produces 1.5 million vehicles annually, owns Volvo, has high technology and is willing to transfer technology to Proton’s engineers and workers.

“With electric car technology, maybe there would be flying cars after this. If we remain with the old mentality, we may not survive the keen competition,” he said.

Najib said Tanjung Malim will receive the spillover by undergoing drastic changes in the next five to six years.

“I see Tanjung Malim as a town with potential. It has been rather subdued, but now it’s at the crossroads of a brighter future.

“As the government, I, with the menteri besar, will work as close as possible to make this a reality and not an empty dream,” he said.

Najib said, the Barisan Nasional government needed the support and mandate of the people to continue developing the area. – Bernama, February 3, 2018.