COUNTDOWN TO 14TH GENERAL ELECTION ELECTION

First attempt Vlogging in Bahasa Malaysia and I do hope it didnt sound too Kelantanese. One day I shall Vlog in Kelantanese dialect. Good night.

PROTECTION IS INEVITABLE

I CHAIRED MY LAST PEDA AGM AS THE PRESIDENT

 

PROTON was recently back in the limelight and again for the wrong reason or maybe for the right reason depending on which side you are viewing it from. From the dealer's view, its ugly. The public feels the dealers are pampered and needed to bulk up and from the Proton's new management point of view, the dealers are the caused for Proton's low and drop in sales. 

I would have written this blog a lot earlier but I was busy handing over the association that I was at the helm for almost 20 years, to the new President. I was the third elected President for the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia or better known as PEDA and I did not offer myself for re-election at the recent annual general meeting. 

By constitution, PEDA holds an election for the post of President, Deputy President and 13 committee members every 2 years. PEDA had just completed our Annual General Meeting on 23rd February 2018 and we (and I am personally) were grateful to my dear friend Dato Madani Sahari, the Chief Executive Officer Malaysia Automotive Institute for hosting our 19th AGM.

Dato Madani has always been a good friend to PEDA and to me and is always interested in the update that we have.  

I have a lot to say on the recent spat and public outcry on Proton, not as PEDA President but as a dealer who have been with Proton for more than 20 years but that will be a topic in another blog. 

PEDA WELCOMES ABDUL RASHID MUSA, PROTON EDAR 13TH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Proton Holdings Berhad has appointed Abdul Rashid Musa as the new Proton Edar Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 February 2017 replacing Rohime Shafie. Abdul Rashid Musa is the 13th Chief Executive Officer since Proton Edar's inception and the 4th CEO since DRB-Hicom took over Proton. 

We officially met the new CEO today on his second day in office to welcome him onboard and to introduce PEDA committee members line-up. Rashid is no stranger to PEDA and the dealers. When he was Proton Chief Technical Officer, we frequently brainstorm and exchange ideas.

Since my first encounter with Rashid, I have always thought he was in the wrong department (in Proton). A man who knew Proton cars inside out, Rashid is more of a sales man than an engineer. The 52 years old, soft spoken but firm gentleman speaks with strong enthusiasm and passion about Proton cars better than the best sales man in Proton.  

The fourth in a sibling of 10 has worked at 7 automotive factories before assuming his latest position as the Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar. Rashid has been with Toyota, Proton, Mitsubishi Japan, Lotus UK, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki and Volkswagen.

PROTON EDAR DEALERS CONFERENCE 2016: REFORMASI

Dato Ahmad Fuaad Kenali leading his team for a dialogue and Q&A forum with the dealers. 

These has been missing over the past many years.

23 April 2016. PUTRAJAYA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE. PROTON EDAR held its annual dealers convention for all its 4S / 3S / 1S + 2S dealers nationwide including Sabah and Sarawak. The registration starts as early as 730am. At 830am Dato Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Dato Radzaif Mohamed, Rohimee Shafei, the board of directors and Proton Edar management was at the door to greet and welcome all the dealers into the hall.

The conference started at 845am sharp, have to give it a thumbs up for event punctuality. The Emcee took the floor and we started with a doa selamat followed by a welcoming speech by Rohimee Shafei, the new Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer. After Rohimee's speech, the much awaited Dato Fuaad Proton Holding Chief Executive Officer began his speech. 

Dato Ahmad Fuaad's speech was well structured, organised and eloquently delivered portraying his professionalism and a person of details. He put a good word for YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir thanking Tun for all his contributions and and his appreciation for former Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer Norzahid Zahudi. Most importantly, he acknowledges and assured PEDA's issues and requests will be accommodated and plead for all dealers to be united and champion a common goal. This was the second engagement we had with Dato Ahmad Fuaad. The first engagement was barely two weeks ago and he did leave quite a good impression. We know we are in good hands.

The dealers conference took the whole day from 8am and ends at 10pm. Part of the program was the viewing of the new Perdana, Persona and Proton Saga. I fell in love with all the cars. Have it my way, I would want to own all of it. These new models were built to be faster in 0-100 acceleration, cheaper cost of ownership in term of both fuel consumption and pricing and last but not least a more awesome design. 

PEDA FIRST ENGAGEMENT WITH NEW PROTON CHIEFTAINS

 Proton Edar Centre of Excellent 15 April 2016

15 April 2016. Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) had our first engagement with the new Chieftains of Proton. The meeting was chaired by Proton Holdings Berhad Chief Executive Officer Dato Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato Radzaif Mohamed, Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer Rohimee Shafie, heads from manufacturing and Proton Edar new heads of departments reappointed after some internal restructuring.

The meeting was held at Proton Edar Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam at 3pm. PEDA met for a short pre-council meeting at 2pm shortly before the scheduled engagement while the Chieftains received visits from the Minister of International Trade & Industry, Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamad whom was accompanied by Dato Sri Idris Jala, Dato Sri Wahid Omar together with other officials from the Ministry. 

It was heart warming to see all the important stakeholders at Proton but we could not help but to miss Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad whom was always at Proton the whole day for at least 3 times a week during his tenure as the Chairman.

The engagement was held at the Board room and PEDA committee took our seat at the same spot where we were always seated for more than a decade. Tuan Haji Razak Aziz, PEDA Vice President was right to highlight our corner of the table were seated by the same people, same dealer while the chair and those in the opposite table kept changing.

We cant really speak on the details of our engagement but we can share our first impression of the new management. All the new Chief were humble and seek to understand the network's predicament. A trait which is scarce of late but a few in the board room were still on a defensive mode. A few of inherited policies were immediately reverse to enable dealers to began maximizing their sales (thumbs up).  Dato Ahmad Fuaad was pro-actively taking notes with his thin red Lenovo notebook while others were armed with papers and pens. Coffee was served with popiah, curry puff and a kueh.
 .

KERETA PROTON TETAP MENDAPAT SAMBUTAN

 Utusan Malaysia 12/04/2016

KUALA LUMPUR 11 April - Persatuan Pengedar Proton Edar (PEDA) berkata, sambutan orang ramai terhadap kereta-kereta Proton adalah masih tinggi, dengan setiap pengedar mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya 50 Surat Akujanji (LOU) daripada bank-bank untuk pembeli kereta.

“Jualan kereta Proton sebenar­nya masih laris. Model Iriz, Preve, Exora dan Persona terutamanya, masih menjadi pilihan ramai walaupun Proton diselubungi isu negatif pada masa ini,’’ kata Presidennya, Armin Barniaz Pahamin kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Malah kata beliau, jualan dijangka rancak dengan pelancaran tiga lagi model baharu Proton termasuk Proton Perdana yang gambarnya sudah tersebar meluas di dalam Internet.

Bagaimanapun ujar beliau, pihaknya berdepan masalah iaitu bekalan kereta yang rendah dan polisi dalaman yang pelbagai sehingga mengakibatkan jualan kereta terbantut.

“Jualan kereta semakin teruk disebabkan oleh tiga perkara iaitu da­sar-dasar Proton Edar yang lebih ketat telah membantutkan usaha pe­ngedar untuk menjual kereta; bekalan ke­reta yang per­lahan dan tidak ada bekal­an tepat iaitu model atau warna yang dipilih pembeli,’’ ujarnya.

Semasa zaman kegemilangan Proton katanya, pengurus dan pengurus besar boleh membuat keputusan yang membabitkan jualan kereta asalkan jualan laris.

“Keputusan boleh dibuat semasa mesyuarat PEDA dengan pengurusan tengah. Sekarang GM dan CEO pun tidak ada kuasa. Kena jawatankuasa yang bersidang mungkin sekali sebulan yang putuskan. Apabila jawatankuasa bersidang, dan telah mendapat kelulusan, pasaran telah pun dah berubah,’’ katanya.

LOTUS AND MV AGUSTA WAS NOT A MISTAKE.

Image from Malaysia-Chronicle

I read with interest Mohd Khairil Azman posting in FMT at HERE that had gone viral and I made references in this article to his 3 questions but first let us go back to the fundamental of the national car project.

It is interesting to observe how Malaysia national car projects had evolved from first the Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Berhad, PROTON in the early 1980s and then Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Berhad (Perodua) in 1992. Both national car projects were mandated to achieve 1 clear objective; to be able to design, develop and produce our own car as part of our industrialization program to achieve the vision 2020.

Proton's journey has always been in that direction, Perodua which was also Tun Mahathir's project that was approved by cabinet in 1992 was given the same mandate as Proton. This was clearly stated in Tun Mahathir's speech as the Prime Minister then, when he launched Perodua manufacturing plant in Rawang; 2 years after the cabinet approves the 2nd national car project. Tun Mahathir's speech can be read at HERE.

With both Proton and Perodua non-competing in different category, there were sufficient sales volume for both companies to slowly acquire technology and engineering capability to achieve the government's vision and objective. With the proceeds received from those sales, Proton reinvested by acquiring technology through Lotus and MV Augusta and build its RM1.8 billion Tanjung Malim plant.

Proton acquired Lotus in October 1996, a year before we were hit with the worst recession in 1997 which halted whatever plan Proton had for Lotus. When the economy recovers, Lotus engineering has been part of Proton cars ride & handling but not many had driven the lotus to actually feel it in Proton. The Lotus engineering too is the catalyst behind the new engine nicknamed Volcano that was recently launched in January this year. (More information at HERE). Lotus was acquired for its engineering capabilities as well as support and it has contributed to the development of Proton cars. Whether Proton did have a turn around plan for Lotus cars itself remain unknown when the architect of its acquisition, Tan Sri Yahya Ahmad died of helicopter crash (more information at HERE).

KHAZANAH NASIONAL TO BE BLAMED FOR PROTON'S DOWNFALL

Dato' Abdul Rahman Dahlan said in an article posted by the Star, (an extract of which, was posted at the bottom), that Dr M must answer for Proton's colossal failure; I feel the need to clarify.

1. Proton was the no 1 car maker when Tun Mahathir was the Prime Minister. 

2. Proton went downhill under Tun Abdullah Badawi premiership whom was also the Minister of Finance, the holding company of Khazanah Nasional whom was at that time, the biggest shareholder of Proton Holdings Berhad. Dato Mohammed Azlan Hashim was appointed by Khazanah Nasional as Proton Chairman and was tasked to remove Tengku Mahaleel as Proton Managing Director.
3. Dato Mohammed Azlan Hashim succeeded in removing Tengku Mahaleel when his predecessor, also a Khazanah Nasional appointee Dato Abu Hasan Kendut had failed. When Tengku Mahaleel was removed, he left Proton with RM4b in cash reserves.

4. Proton lost to Perodua as the number 1 car maker under Dato Mohammed Azlan Hashim when Khazanah Nasional was the biggest shareholder and in control of Proton.

5. Khazanah Nasional, via Dato Mohammed Azlan Hashim had reversed Tengku Mahaleel's decision to terminate EON as Proton distributor when EON refused to contribute to the R&D funds requested by Proton after the government stopped giving R&D grants for proton development. 

6. This resulted in a sales network with more than 400 dealers representation in Malaysia. This was the most destructive decision that weakens the once a strong dealership network and the start of a series of catastrophe.

NORZAHID MOHD ZAHUDI - PROTON EDAR NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PROTON EDAR Sdn Bhd has appointed Norzahid Mohd Zahudi as its 10th Chief Executive Officer on 1 October 2014 since its inception in 1995; when Proton Edar was known as USPD (Usaha Sama Proton DRB-HICOM) (11th CEO if we counted Stanley Tan who was the acting CEO after Abbas Mehad). Norzahid is also the fourth Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer since DRB-Hicom took over. Past Proton Edar Chief Executive Officers are as follows:

1. Dato Rashid Rahim

2. Abbas Mehad

3. Stanley Tan (Acting CEO)

4. Datuk Maruan Said

5. Ahmad Tifli Talha

6. Datuk Maruan Said

7. Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim

8. Ahmad Suhaimi

9. Dato Hisham Othman

10. Azmi Idris

The majority of Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) committee members had served under all the Chief Executive Officers and have gone through two recessions (former EON dealers went through 3 recessions) and various ups and down in PROTON life cycles. Norzahid, 56 years old is not a stranger to the automotive industry nor is he to PROTON EDAR.

LAUNCHING OF PROTON IRIZ

After a good gotong-royong at Proton Edar Putrajaya, the showroom was ready to received the new Proton Iriz. The Iriz was delivered late on the eve of the launching. We received 4 units of vehicles; two units for showroom display and another 2 for test drive. The car that was equipped with Proton latest engine, the VVT must be test driven to experience the smooth ride and handling in a luxurious interior. All the latest gadget and technology was installed in the compact car as a standard features which give the buyer the best value for money in all aspect as compared to those in the similar segment such as Perodua Myvi, Honda Jazz, Kia Rio, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Suzuki Swift and Peugeot 208. For more information, read Paul Tan's detail write up at HERE.

The Iriz that came in 7 colors was also awarded with a 5 star NCAP crash test rating which make it the safest car compare to all other models in the same category. The Myvi was only awarded with a 3 star. For a more detail comparison to the Myvi, read Carlist review at HERE. 

I attended the Iriz grand launching at PROTON TANJUNG MALIM. The Iriz was also launched at all Proton Edar Showroom nationwide simultaneously. The Iriz launching and the unveiling was impressive but what was even more heartfelt was the opening speech by YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, our former Prime Minister and currently the Chairman of PROTON. Speaking without any text, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad touches if not hypnotized the audience with his every words. It shows how pro-active he is with whatever he does. I am always inspired whenever I hear his speech. Malaysia has come a long way from only importing cars, to assembly and localization and now, being able to produce from drawing board to manufacturing the entire car in Malaysia, by Malaysians, for Malaysians with a global quality and safety standard. I am proud to be part of Proton eco system.

GOTONG ROYONG AT PROTON EDAR PUTRAJAYA IN PREPARATION FOR THE IRIZ

With all the excitement of today's launching of PROTON's latest addition, the PROTON IRIZ, I have to acknowledge my team at PROTON EDAR Putrajaya. Rarely do I get to witness such an inspired, motivated and cheerful spirit from all 'warga ABP'. A few days ago,  everyone namely Noor Azzam, Fazli, Zaki Fizan, Hairi, Said, Yusoff, Azzubir, Zul and Syed stayed back to re-paint, re-do, clean and decorate the showroom; impatiently awaiting the launching date.

This is an exemplary example of the spirit not just at my dealership in Putrajaya but across the whole PROTON eco-system from the plant, the vendors and the dealers network. PROTON has been down abit too long and the launching of the Iriz, is an injection of new spirit into the network.

When anyone asked me how the Iriz is doing? I will tell them to take a look at the highly spirited people at PROTON. Their spirit speaks of the product. PROTON Iriz is the best product PROTON has ever built. Stay Tuned for more...

In the mean time, witness yourself the spirit at Proton Edar Putrajaya... do take note and be reminded that some pictures are rated 15sx. Some pictures may be too obscene for adult. They have not gone through the bootcamp training and are more afraid of losing their fat than to be slim.

THE BIRTH OF PROTON SUPRIMA S

The rumours and speculation on the birth of PROTON's latest model with NCAP 5 star rating by Australia Safety Board ended this morning when YABhg Tun Mahathir Mohamad launched the new car initially codenamed as PROTON C-HATCH at Level 2, Menara Martrade, Kuala Lumpur.

The new car was named PROTON SUPRIMA S in tandem with breaking history as the first PROTON being produced with 6 airbags. The Suprima S was also designed incorporating all the latest technology such as the Hill Hold assist and it was Lotus tuned for its handling Ride & Handling.

The beauty was priced from RM76,688 for the executive edition and RM81,638
for the premium.

For more information, Stay Tuned.

OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF POS LAJU AUTHORISED MASTER AGENT

Left: Siaw Siew Bee, Dato Carol Chan Choy Lin, Dato Lukman Ibrahim, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Lee Lick Sai

Beside the new Proton Saga SV, there is now another reason to visit Proton Edar showroom.. Proton Edar is now the authorised Master Agent for Pos Laju. The idea for this synergistic venture was mooted, realized and launched by Tan Sri Mohd Khamil bin Jamil, DRB-HICOM Group Managing Director and also Proton Holdings Berhad Executive Chairman. He was accompanied by DRB-Hicom senior management namely Dato Abdul Harith Abdullah, Dato' Chan Choy Lin and Dato Mohamed Hazlan Mohamed Hussein. Also present at the event were Datuk Lukman Ibrahim, Proton Holding Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Hisham Othman, Taha Bujang, Salawati, Badrul , Francis and a batallion full of Pos Laju senior management team.

This collaboration will provide better convenience and accessibility for customers to send their courier items through Pos Laju while increasing the traffic flow to the showrooms. The increase traffic to the showrooms will provide a better opportunity for the Sales Advisors to market Proton cars and make known of our latest offer.

The event began with a recital of doa selamat and an opening speech by Hisham Othman, Proton Edar Chief Executive Officer.

A representative from Pos Laju read on behalf of Pos Laju's Group Chief Executive Officer, his speech and followed by the launching and signing of plaque by Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil.

We are pleased and is happy to learn that 51 dealers from Proton Edar dealers network were selected to be the authorised centre for Pos Laju as a second phase of the collaboration plan.

During this challenging moment facing the automotive industry, Proton dealer's network stand united with Proton and DRB-Hicom to ensure the national car project is not only successful but became the pride of all Malaysian.

Snapshots at the event (Click on picture to enlarge).

NAMA SIAPA HEBAT...

PROTON EDAR launched the naming contest for Proton's latest model (Codename: Proton Emas) tipped to be launched earliest by mid-next year. The car that was first unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show was designed by an Italian design and engineering company, Italdesign Giugiaro.

The details of the contest is as follows:

Date: 25 June 2013 to 25 July 2013.
Eligibility: Age 12 and above.

Terms & Conditions in a nutshell:
1) Can submit as many names as possible (but separate form
2) Can submit ONLINE at HERE.  
3) Submit by POS (must use 60 sen stamp) by printing the form at HERE.
4) The proposed name MUST BE IN MALAY LANGUAGE.

The event was held at the Proton Edar Center of Excellence and launched by Proton Holding Executive Chairman, Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil. Since Tan Sri Khamil took over the helm as the Executive Chairman, he has been actively involved in every activity launched by Proton Edar and had regular engagement with PEDA and the network.

THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST ASEAN NCAP PASSED AND APPROVED PROTON VARIANT

The much awaited Proton's latest variance will be launched this morning!! What is new with the new variant?

Yes!! Safety feature!!! Twin airbags!! and a 3 Star ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash test passed and approved!! The new variance, packed with the best of safety features in its class is expected to be priced lower as a result of detailed value analysis and engineering.

To view the model, visit us at No. 1, Jalan Diplomatik 2/2, Precint 15, 62050 Putrajaya. Telephone: 03-8811013. For direction, see map below:


View Larger Map

PROTON NETWORK CONVENTION 2013/14

Left: Liew Vee Lee, Lee Lik Sai, Taha, Rashid Musa, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Hisham Othman, Datuk Yahya Jaafar, Siaw Siew Bee, Jeff Lim, Dato Isa Indot

7 June 2013, Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Except for 3 dealers, PROTON Network which comprised of all authorized Sales dealers, After-Sales dealers, branch showroom, branch service centres, management and senior management of Proton Edar and Proton Holdings Berhad gathered for the first time at the Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur since DRB-Hicom took over from Khazanah Nasional. The gathering was graced by Yg Bhg Tan Sri Mohd Khamil bin Jamil himself as the Executive Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad accompanied by Datuk Lokman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Berhad, Hisham Othman, Chief Executive Officer Proton Edar Sdn Bhd as well as other senior Management.This was my 4th Convention that I attended as the President for Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia.

The session that saw almost a 100% attendance with only 2 days notice given, began as early as 8am and was a much needed gathering given the disappointing overall sales in May. When the network expected Tan Sri Khamil to throw some if not many punches for the dismay sales, he remained calm and cool and seemed to understand the predicament we faced. In fact, he addresses various critical issues that is pertinent to the survivability of the network.

MALAYSIA MINISTRY OF AUTOMOTIVE?

Back in 2009 and on various other platform, as the President for the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia, I issued statements and called for the government to established a custodian to the automotive industry (See the copy of Bernama at HERE and media picture at HERE). Automotive sales have been affected by various statutory policies that had hampered and hindered the growth of the sector but automotive industry is a Key Driver that can help Malaysia to meet its vision to be a develop nation. It is common for a Ministry to be set up to promote the growth of an important sector in Malaysia, for example Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture etc. Why not a Ministry of Automotive?

Naturally, we support Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, DRB-HICOM Berhad Chairman proposal for the government to establish a new Ministry for the Automotive Sector. See below, extract from Business Times dated 31 May 2013. The actual article is available at HERE. 

Call for automotive sector ministry

MALAYSIA should consider establishing a new ministry for the automotive sector, DRB-HICOM Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza said.

Syed Mohamad said automotive is one of the few industries that can help Malaysia meet its vision to be a developed nation by 2020.

"We have a ministry to take charge of tourism. There is one for education and health," Syed Mohamad, who was former managing director of Armstrong Auto Parts Sdn Bhd and Armstrong Cycle Parts Sdn Bhd said.

"Should we not seriously consider having a ministry of automotive industry?" he asked.

Syed Mohamad was speaking at the Business Times Insight forum on how the National Automotive Policy (NAP) will reshape the industry, here on Wednesday.

PROTON PREVE!!

Much has been spoken and it has gone viral on some of Proton Preve's quality issues especially in the cybersphere but none was spoken of the corrective measure made on those issues. Yes, the first batch came out with a list of defect but Proton engineering team had immediately rectified those issues and if there were any other arising issues, the team would probably has resolved it or perhaps, is having sleepless night working on its solution as we speak.

If you do have any problem with your Preve, do locate the nearest service centre at HERE and have it rectified almost immediately. 

Proton Preve is the best value for money for performance and is fixed with the latest gadget as part of its accessories. There is no better time to buy a Proton Preve but with the year end 5-3-5 promotion.

For discounts...

AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER "GULUNG TIKAR"

FACTS: Although PROTON is now under private entity but it is still a national car and is still driven as a national project and is a major source of income to our Country. With the opposition and the public pressing against national cars and crying for the liberalization in car pricing PROTON may follow Ford's footstep soon and leave thousands unemployed.

Read more at HERE or read locally at the Star Online News at HERE.

With direct employment and its dependents of more than 100,000 people, there is no other way but for our National Cars to be on an upswing. If we do not support our national car, nobody will!!