There Ain't No Carpet Large Enough....

The AP controversy gives the Prime Minister a fantastic opportunity to impose his high standards on the government and the country.

The claim by the MITI secretary-general that the minister had no dealings in the deliberation and decision-making process indicates that there could be more irregularities in the ministry.

In order for the ordinary citizens to regain some confidence in government, there should be a proper audit of this ministry; done by the Auditor-General and a committee consisting of MPs, including the opposition.

The PM should also get a working group to discuss urgently the industry players and consumer group experts to address these issues:

Proton and how the national car project (NCP) needs to become more competitive.

Aps and how it can be managed to help the NCP meet the nation’s long term goals.

The rights of citizens to purchase cars at reasonable prices.

Dealing with Proton, the company needs to review management policies, operating procedures, cost effectiveness and shareholder returns. The company should be informed of the number of Aps to be issued each year that will provide direct competition.


For example, a directive can be issued after the discussions that

 The number of Aps to be issued in 2006 will be 50,000 or 20% of the car market.

 25% of the Aps will be for cars in the below 2000cc capacity.

 The number of Aps in the two categories will be increased by 10% each year until the total Aps are 50% of the car narket.

Proton’s top management’s task is to meet this challenge from the imported cars.

As for Aps, the system has become one of Abused Privileges and all those involved should be investigated for criminal breach of trust.

Considering the details that have been revealed thus far, there appears to be elements of

 Dereliction of duty

 Inside information dealings

 Favoritism

 Sabotaging the policy of wealth distribution by creating a few super-rich tycoons.

 Deliberate under-declaration of imported cars.

It is not a question of a mentor-protegee spat that should be swept under a large carpet.
This is a matter of good governance and public accountability.