MITI most qualified to scrutinise Proton's business model - Idris Jusoh

The International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) is the most qualified party to examine the business model adopted by Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's era.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh believes that the model used when Dr Mahathir was chairman of the national car company should be scrutinised by MITI and other qualified parties.

"I feel that MITI led by its minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, has extensive experience over this issue. Besides, the minister has held portfolios involving domestic and international trade for a long time.

"In my opinion, he (Mustapa) is accustomed to what is happening in Proton," he told reporters after closing the 'Jom Masuk IPT' programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia here today.

In a statement yesterday, Mustapa said the business model adopted by Proton was not sustainable due to its failure to collaborate with a leading international automotive company, thus not being able to compete with leading brands.