Proton says will welcome any incentive in Budget 2017

He also expressed hope the government would take into consideration Proton's status as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that has helped a lot to produce skilled local manpower for the automotive industry.

"I feel it is quite important for us to get some incentive to help spur the industry's growth. That would be very much appreciated," he told reporters at the presentation of prizes to winners of the Proton Search 2016 contest here today.

He said the incentives could include those in relation to research, which would help promote knowledge development at Proton.

Meanwhile, the national car maker has received 5,000 bookings for its new Proton Saga since its launch on June 15 while the new Proton Persona has received 14,000 bookings since its unveiling on Aug 23, said Radzaif.

He said the new models are backed up by 'astounding' market support and the overwhelming response to them is an indicator of the market's acceptance.

"The good response is due to the high level of satisfaction among Proton owners or users, and we want this situation to continue so that the Proton brand is associated with good quality and value-for-money products," he said.

At today's event, former civil servant Mohd Isa Ibrahim Shah, 85, bagged the grand prize of a new Proton Saga for his story on how much joy and meaning his 1985 manual Proton Saga has brought his family.

The contest is to unearth the longest-owned Proton car which is still running and in relatively good condition.

The maiden contest, held for 13 weeks from March 8 to June 8, attracted 866 entries from Proton owners nationwide who have been driving Proton cars produced from 1985 to 2012.