Thesun 2009-04-16 Page11 Pm To Proton Be Creative

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| THURSDAY APRIL 16 2009

news without borders ‘Cabinet must be people-oriented’

PM to Proton: Be creative by Tim Leonard [email protected]

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak launched Malaysia’s first locally-manufactured multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) – the Proton Exora – last night with a call to Proton to be more creative and innovative to stay competitive. Describing the launch as a significant milestone in Proton’s history, Najib said he hoped the new MPV will propel the national car maker to greater heights. “I am proud of Proton’s achievement in launching the Exora after working hard to develop it for 18 months,” he said at the launch at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. “This proves that Proton is willing to

take risks to change. “Proton must face the challenges in today’s automotive world, especially in view of the current economic climate.” Najib said Proton cannot afford to be in a comfort zone. “There’s no concept of free lunch or free ride in the world today,” he said. “In this era of globalisation, we have to be more creative and innovative.” Najib said Proton must look at strategic tie-ups to come up with “fuel efficient” products and also enhance the green and environment-friendly technology. “I am pleased that since the Exora was opened for booking on Feb 21, there have been more than 2,000 bookings,” he said. “The price is very competitive and I hope it (the Exora) will make its buyers happy.”

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The Exora Hi-Line 1.6 automatic is priced at RM75,998 and the Exora M-Line 1.6 automatic costs RM69,998. As with the Waja, Gen 2 and Satria Neo, the Exora shares the tried and tested 1.6 litre CamPro CPS engine. The Exora is designed to make long balik kampung trips a breeze with its ample space that could easily accommodate seven passengers. Buyers can choose from six colours and the models can be viewed at the nearest Proton showrooms. Present at the launch were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and his deputy, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, and Proton Holdings Bhd adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Proton’s big mama pg 22

explained the 1Malaysia concept to members of the new cabinet at its first meeting in Putrajaya yesterday morning and reminded them “don’t be just concerned about your own community” but strive to fulfil the high expectations of all Malaysians. “I stressed four things, namely integrity, ability, loyalty and commitment. The cabinet must also be people-oriented to gain the trust of the people,” he said. Besides this, the ministers should be agents of change and bring about reforms towards meeting the needs of the entire spectrum of society. “We cannot be thinking the government knows everything. The doors to dialogue must be open to all so that decisions made by the government truly reflect the wishes of the people,” Najib said. The bottom line is that any decision taken must be based on the overall interests of the people, he said. – Bernama

BANGKOK: Thailand has revoked the passport of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra for allegedly inciting protests that disrupted a major Asian summit, a government spokesman said yesterday. Asian leaders were forced to flee the summit in the coastal resort of Pattaya by helicopter on Saturday after pro-Thaksin demonstrators stormed the venue in an international embarrassment for the government. “The foreign ministry has cancelled his passport,” said government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn. “The incident on the 11th is the reason.” “The decision to cancel his passport was

based on passport issuing regulations, which state that the ministry can cancel or recall a passport if it can prove that a person has caused damage to the country,” he said Meanwhile, the government geared for steps to shore up the economy yesterday, a day after it brought a halt to violent protests that have further dented confidence in a country already on the brink of recession. The streets of Bangkok were calm, with troop presence much reduced after die-hard demonstrators were dispersed overnight. The Financial Times quoted Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij as saying that Thailand may expand its stimulus package and increase borrowing to boost confidence

and deal with the economic costs of political turmoil. “We were already anticipating revenue shortfalls in the current fiscal year and that shortfall is almost certainly going to be larger now as a result of what happened over the last 72 hours and so we are going to have to make sure we have sufficient fiscal space,” he said in an interview. Financial markets were closed for the final day of the three-day Thai new year holiday but will reopen tomorrow. Shares and the baht were expected to come under selling pressure. – Reuters

» See also Page 14

A “tuk-tuk” passes as soldiers keep guard at a road leading to Government House in Bangkok yesterday.

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Thailand revokes Thaksin’s passport