KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia's first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7, will serve as the official car for the country's Asean chairmanship next year.
"For Asean next year, the e.MAS 7 will be our official car," he said in his speech at the grand launch of Proton e.MAS 7 today.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar; Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong and Geely Auto Group chief executive officer Jerry Gan.
Proton e.MAS 7 previously made its debut as part of the 2024 National Day parade, alongside its other models, reflecting Proton as the national carmaker's evolution over its 41-year history.
In his speech, Anwar said Malaysia aims to set an example in the region, not only by showcasing the ability to produce cars but also through the development of EVs.
Anwar said that Proton, as a national car manufacturer, should leverage its role in the local automotive industry and the EV project.
"This is a direct, visible extension of our commitment to net zero, ensuring that this EV is reliable for the people.
"The National Automotive Policy 2020 should serve as a reference for Proton when producing this model in the country.
"Proton has toured the country to bring the car to people in all states ahead of today's launch."
"I must commend the Proton family for taking this initiative, learning from past experiences, and aggressively promoting not only a modern and sophisticated car but also an environmentally friendly one.
"I'm also pleased to see that, in the near future, this car will be built in Malaysia… in Tanjung Malim… helping to uplift Malaysian vendors through the transfer of new technologies and skills related to EVs."
Anwar added it is also the responsibility of companies operating in the country's automotive industry not just to sell vehicles, but also to create opportunities for investment and employment by establishing a holistic ecosystem.
He said the government's role, for example, is to provide advice, industry-friendly policies, and incentives.
"Of course, this would benefit both the country and the industry, but more importantly, it ensures that we provide adequate infrastructure, such as airports, ports, and highways, elements that form part of the ecosystem."
Anwar acknowledged that the challenge for both the industry and the government lies on the supply side.
"As such, we must ensure we have the capacity and clear policies to encourage local production and support local industries and vendors, including the Bumiputera."
The prime minister said today that more than 75 per cent of the energy consumed in Asia comes from hydrocarbons and it is projected to double by 2030.
"Now we must balance demand with security, affordability and sustainability.
"Under the responsible transition initiative, Malaysia enhances its competitiveness by reducing our fossil fuel dependencies and nurturing growth in green mobility, renewable energy and energy storage solutions.
"Our projections indicate this could yield investment opportunities as high as RM1.3 trillion by 2050 and an additional contribution of RM220 billion to the Malaysian gross domestic product and generate over 300,000 job opportunities."
On the automotive front, Anwar said Malaysia has the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which currently ranks as the second largest CO2 amateur.
"Our framework includes four key areas of focus and the launch of Proton's first SUVEV today is extremely timely and it will be a catalyst that moves us into the next era of low carbon mobility," he said.