I have been a strong Proton and Perodua supporter since other cars became too expensive many years ago. I have nothing against Proton. However, I am frustrated at the service quality. Proton does not listen to its customers.

Proton goes on and on telling us to support, to dream, to feel proud and to give them more chances. This is alright with me but I have yet to see Proton doing research on why people are complaining.

I have yet to see Proton reviewing its high repair charges which come with third-class service. Each time I took brought my Proton for repair, I showed, I drew diagrams, I described, I insisted on the mechanic to sit in and identify the problem. But the problem never got to be fixed. The high fee is charged and the problem persisted. Is it a coincidence that we have a lot of accidents involving Proton?

My Proton had a problem which was a cranking noise when I turned my steering wheel at low speeds. I took it to Proton and let the mechanic listen. He said confidently it was my steering wheel column and also my fuel injector. The service cost me RM2,300.

Car came home, after one day, the noise came back. Frustrated that my savings of five months had been donated to Proton, I just ignored my car's problem. A few weeks passed and the steering began to tremble.

I took a chance, brought it to a local, roadside repair shop. He listened to my problem carefully, opened the bonnet, listened to the wheels when I turned the steering and we found the problem. The lower arm socket joints of both suspensions were loose.

I replaced them with Taiwan-made parts as we refused to trust Proton genuine parts. Cost me less than RM500. Today, my car is better and without a problem. I have yet to go back to Proton for a service (been two years now) as that mechanic saves me money, gives good service and most importantly, saved me from an accident if my suspension had failed. That would have happened after Proton's service had bankrupted me.

Proton, listen to your customers. Do not be like the elite and close your doors. With any hope, l will get a Myvi soon. I notice Perodua listens.