International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said since its inception in 1985, the national automotive maker had contributed about RM24 billion in taxes and provided 12,000 jobs to locals.

Mustapa said this in a written reply to Teo Kok Seong (DAP-Rasah) who had asked for the amount the government had given Proton and why the national car maker was performing poorly despite the government’s help.

In reply, Mustapa said the government had pumped in some RM13.9 billion to help Proton, in the form of grants, tax exemptions and other non-fiscal assistance, since 1985.

“It would be wrong to dub Proton a failed venture as since its inception, it has contributed much to the country and the automotive industry.

“It has provided jobs to some 12,000 locals and 13,000 others are indirectly involved in the local automotive industry,” he said.

Mustapa added that Proton had also encouraged over 500 local entrepreneurs to get involved by supplying components and spare parts, as well as setting up sales and dealerships and workshops dealing in vehicles of local make.

“The government is committed to develop the local automotive industry, including the transformation of Proton and its ecosystem.”