1 Duck
Art Harun
When I read this report, I laughed. And then, I cried.
First, the report says,
"We are not like a lame duck wanting somebody to carry us and I believe that we must collaborate with our strengths. The impression that Proton is dying and it needs a partner, it's not the case," said Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh".
Then, it says,
" Group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said that Proton's strengths include its brand, government support and its location in Southeast Asia."
I thought funny statements, especially on Mondays, are within the sole and exclusive purview of politicians nowadays? No? Like there are bad guilt and there are good guilt. Or a certain dictator saying I will step down but only when my assistant is ready to take over. LOL!! Things like that. But no, I was wrong. Corporate figures are also learning fast. And they are not far behind, quite obviously.
Since when have government support to a company in terms of yearly grants, tax exemptions, preferential treatments and moving the goal posts to make life really difficult for competitors become the company's strength? If at all, isn't such support a sign of weakness? Isn't it a crutch to help the company walk like everybody else?
And what will happen when the crutch is taken away? What will the company be? Featherless duck? Sitting duck? Headless duck?
