Dr M should have quit Proton long ago, BN reps say

(MMO) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as chairman of Proton Holdings Bhd and other government-linked posts yesterday comes as no surprise to Cabinet ministers as they felt the move was long overdue.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (pic) said the decision should have been made before he turned his back on the current leadership.

“Tun M should have done so before going against the government that appointed him to the posts. It is no surprise that he resigned because he would have been sacked anyway,” he told Malay Mail.

The resignations were welcomed by Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who said it was timely.

“His resignation will be good for both the government and himself as both parties have different and conflicting objectives,” he said.

Deputy Transport Minister Abd Aziz Kaprawi said it was unbecoming of the former premier to hold positions related to the government when he disagrees with the current leadership.

“He is no longer in line with the leadership. I believe the government’s decision to remove his as Petronas adviser prompted this resignation. I believe he understood the clear indication behind the removal,” he said.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said although Dr Mahathir played a pivotal role in Proton’s inception, the company was about more than the former prime minister.

“The company is run by the management and the board members. So it doesn’t matter who is (chairman).

“It is up to the people, not in Proton, but those who are buying the cars. If they think it’s a good car, why not? You all must buy,” Hamzah told reporters when met outside the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

“Although he (Dr Mahathir) is the one who planned to start Proton but in the current world (and) condition, changes are needed, including in the automotive sector,” he added.

The Larut MP also speculated that it was possible Dr Mahathir realised it was time for him to step down and hand over the reins of Proton to others.

“Maybe he has realised it is time for him to let go of the post to someone else. That’s up to him, if he thinks it’s because of political issue he stepped down … that is his own prerogative.

“We all move forward. Anything comes, we have to change someday. What comes around goes around and what goes around comes around. That’s what I’m trying to say,” Hamzah added.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said while Dr Mahathir’s resignation had no significant impact on Proton Holdings, the move was a great sacrifice from the statesman.

“Maybe he thought it was time to move on,” he said.