I agree with reader Restless Native's comments on Proton's lack of transparency and refusal to admit its mistakes and failures (' Proton: All the hallmarks of Malaysian big business '). I have come to terms that Tengku Mahaleel (ironically and unjustifiably voted CEO of the year) does not have the interest nor the commitment to enhance and maintain quality control of his company's fleet.

I have been driving brand new Protons all my life until recently. In all the models (from the magma-engine to the recent Waja I bought two years ago) the defects are glaring and recurring. The side windows refusing to open, terrible fittings (once my car's carpet was short by three inches all round), ever faithful squeaking sounds, unaligned four doors, defect power window motors and a host of other problems.

When I sent them to the Proton service centres, I get the same nonchalant reply, "ala bang Proton katakan". Even they did not believe Proton has quality (It reminds me of the phrase Gus Dur's supporters used to justify his weaknesses, "Itu 'kan Gus Dur").

The last Proton I acquired in 2002 was sold off recently. No regrets, the doors are so ill-fitted that the service guy had this to say: " Ini masalah biasa Waja bang, sebelum keluar factory mana dia orang check. Kalau owner sedar, barulah kami betulkan ." (This is a common problem with the Waja, nobody checks it before it rolls out of the factory. If the owner realises the defect, then we'll fix it)

If I am not mistaken, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had a few years ago (frontpage in The Star ) disclosed that most complaints nationwide were directed at Proton. Still nothing happened.

Over the past five months now I feel great not driving a Proton. I have done my patriotic bit for the country and now it's high time I enjoy my non-Proton life.