12/04/2026

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY APR 12, 2026

Protective automotive policies need a rethink

MALAYSIANS deserve great cars. We are a hardworking nation that always tries to be the best among our regional peers. Sometimes we falter, but most of the time, we do quite well. So why can’t we buy great cars? Two reasons – protectionism and taxes that mean great cars are simply priced beyond our means. There has been a huge fiasco sur rounding the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) and Chinese EV maker BYD. BYD claims that Miti has set unrea sonable conditions on its local assembly programme to which Miti claims that it wants to protect local players (particu larly Proton and Perodua) and protect Malaysians at the same time. I am not going to engage in this cat and mouse charade, but let’s look at the policy as a whole. Firstly, I applaud Miti for being so open. Protecting Proton and Perodua has always been at the heart of the gov ernment’s agenda (no matter which government of the day) and despite the companies now having foreign owner ship, they still benefit from government protection. Geely owns 49.9% of Proton while DRB-Hicom owns the remaining 50.1%. This allows Proton to continue to enjoy

to tear apart their unwanted cars then put them back together in Malaysia just to meet local assembly requirements and pass them off as new models. Malaysians will not be getting new cars; we will be getting cars no one else wants. That is why Miti is doing a great job at gate-keeping. Too good of a job some times. But this should not come as a cost to the people. Do we work hard to only be kept in Perodua’s or Proton’s eco-systems? To only be able to pay for an Alza, then a Myvi, then an Ativa and then onto a QV:E? Are we only deserving of this? You might as well switch off social media so that Malaysians can be kept in the dark about what brilliant cars are available around the world. So that we can only be cocooned in Peroduas and Protons. We like cars too. And we too want to be driven around in Range Rovers. A hard-working nation deserves its rewards, and protectionism will only get us so far, and that too artificially induced. Rethink the policies please. I under stand that there will be push-backs from the established players because no one like change. We humans are change resistant, but if it benefits the people, then why not?

To build the car, Perodua had to go to Magna Steyr in Austria for some input into the car, and to vendors in China for the battery, electric motor and battery management system. Ironically, the traction motor of the QV:E is sourced from BYD. Why isn’t it 100% Malaysian made? Because after 40 plus years of protectionism to “help develop the local automotive industry”, we still are not capable of producing these parts by ourselves. The facts are clear though. Even if we could, we do not have the scale to match China’s manufacturing might. We are small fish in a very big pond that hires bouncers to protect us, then go around with inflated chests pretend ing to be big fish. I also get Miti’s stance. Proton and Perodua hires thousands of people, and jobs need to be protected. We also need to set conditions for foreign play ers to protect our local businesses. Certain localisation of parts needs to be done. Malaysia should never be a dumping ground for sub-par cars. Manufacturers should never be allowed to ship in cars they can’t sell in other markets. Miti should never allow manufacturers

national carmaker status. Perodua on the other hand has multiple owners. To date, 38% of Perodua is owned by UMW Holdings Berhad, 20% is owned by Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd., 20% is owned by MBM Resources Berhad, 10% is owned by PNB Equity Resource Corporation Berhad, 5%

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

owned by Daihatsu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 4.2% is owned by Mitsui & Co Ltd, and 2.8% is owned by Mitsui & Co Ltd (Asia Pacific). That’s quite a number of share holders. However, Daihatsu may own a small stake in the parent company, but they own a massive 51% of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd (PACS), the com pany that actually builds Perodua cars. Both companies enjoy huge benefits from their foreign business partners. Let’s face reality. Proton’s best-selling models now are rebadged Geely cars, with the sales leading Saga also benefit ting from a Geely engine. Almost every Perodua rides on a Daihatsu platform, the Daihatsu New Global Architecture. Perodua’s first “self-made” car is the QV:E, and while it is a decent first attempt, it fell short of expectation to put it politely.

Prelude to greatness Iconic nameplate is first e:HEV hybrid sports coupe in Malaysia

HONDA MALAYSIA has begun accepting orders for the new Honda Prelude as it contin ues to strengthen its position in electrified mobility with the Hybrid Done Right campaign. The Prelude joins an exten sive hybrid line-up and the revival of an iconic nameplate positions it as the first e:HEV hybrid sports coupe in Honda Malaysia’s history. Power comes from a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, producing 184PS and 315Nm of torque. This also marks the introduc tion of S+ Shift Technology in Malaysia for the first time. With integrated Active Sound Control, the system simulates gear shifts and enhances engine responsive ness through precise coordina tion between the engine and dual electric motors. It delivers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience

April to June 30 June and fea tures a series of programmes showcasing the benefits of the e:HEV system while offering customers exciting rewards. Under this campaign, cus tomers who purchase a Honda e:HEV model will enjoy an additional RM2,000 cash rebate and free labour service for the first two years. In addi tion, they will earn an entry into a monthly lucky draw for a chance to experience the Prelude for one week after its launch. Existing Honda hybrid own ers are also invited to take part by joining the Hybrid Done Right contest, where they can share their actual fuel con sumption readings for one full tank on social media. Participants with the best fuel consumption performance will be rewarded with a one year free service package.

with sharper throttle response, enhanced control, and multi sensory feedback. The shift hold function fur ther improves driving precision, allowing the vehicle to respond accurately to driver inputs, especially around corners. It carries modern design with sleek proportions and sophisticated styling, combin ing functional beauty and dis tinctive characteristics unique to a sports coupe. Measuring 4,522mm in length, 1,880mm in width and 1,355mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,605mm, the model strikes a command ing yet elegant silhouette. If the Prelude is not for you, the e:HEV powertrain is avail able across other key models, including the City, City Hatchback, HR-V, Civic and CR-V. The “Hybrid Done Right” campaign runs from April 1