PUTRAJAYA: The proposed third national car project does have its benefits and should be explored further before criticising it altogether, according to Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar.
In a statement today, Jayakumar said the third national car project will see the way forward with the EV (electric vehicle) option.
“The fact remains that fossil fuels will probably last another 25 years or less and that we would need to evolve soon in an effort to shift to more sustainable forms of energy for consumption.
“With EVs being massively produced here in the future, many people will have the option of shifting towards environment friendly vehicles at more affordable prices. The learning of new technology will spur younger generations to pursue it and Malaysia can make its mark in the automobile segment not only in the region but globally as well,” he added.
“The way forward is, of course, the electric vehicle (EV) option. The evolution from fossil fuel vehicles to EVs has already begun. At present, while the world continues to watch F1 racing, the Formula E-racing is fast picking up its set of fans.
“This to me is a viable way ‘for the future’. As such, I am sure the benefits of having a third national car will clearly outweigh its drawbacks,” the PKR vice-president said.
Prime MInister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reaffirmed his aspiration in building the third national car project during his visit to Japan in June this year.
However, Jayakumar said, Mahathir’s intention was met with much criticism due to the overall performance of Proton, the first national car and a brainchild of the Prime Minister.
It was reported that two Chinese companies are willing to invest US$10 billion (RM41 billion) on the project for the first five years of start-up, while Japanese car makers such as Toyota and Nissan have also shown interest.
“In my opinion, should either deal go through, it could only benefit the country and its people in the long run,” he added.
