It is very puzzling that with the recent announcement of a new tax scheme for cars, most letters to the editor regarding the issue were focused on why special exemptions (tax breaks) to Proton should be abolished, and 'Proton-bashing'.

It is a well-known fact that Proton vehicles are not synonymous with quality and it is a wonder why so many are still trying to state the obvious. Why aren't there an equal amount of letters condemning the new tax scheme?

Are the masses approving and agreeing with the new policy? I am equally surprised that the opposition parties, supposedly champions of our rights and the well-being of the middle and lower classes are not loudly challenging the policy.

Most are aware that the reason why Proton have been enjoying high sales (about 45 percent of market share, and Perodua with 30 percent of market share) in Malaysia is simply because its buyers cannot afford better quality but significantly higher priced imports.

If Proton is priced the same as an import, do you think anyone will buy a Proton? Most definitely not! The eroding market share of Proton is merely a reflection of the growing wealth of the Malaysian middle-class and aggressive price wars.

It is truly unfortunate that Proton remains the mediocre company it is. Nonetheless, if I have to choose (because of price) between a used five-year-old reconditioned import, and a new Proton, I'll choose a Proton.

Under the new tax scheme, the true losers are the consumers and not Proton. The government could have maintained revenue by lowering the taxes on imports (which represent only about 25 percent of the market) and offsetting the lost of revenue with a slight tax increase on Proton and Perodua.

The government could have also maintained revenue by significantly reducing taxes on imports and thus increasing new vehicle sales. Added benefits, for example, from promoting safer (reduced cost on subsidised healthcare, emergency services, loss of time and life), more fuel efficient (reduces government subsidy on petroleum) and better quality (increases national productivity; imagine how many total productive hours is wasted on sending Protons to the repair shop) on the road can easily offset tax revenue losses or even increase government revenue.

The government's decision to raise taxes across the board without considering alternatives is a clear sign of incompetence, laziness and narrow-minded policy-making. Pak Lah should surround himself with people who are as hardworking and thoughtful as himself.

So perhaps, if more of us would try to argue against the policy, then perhaps the government will react try to accommodate the people's need. The government's policy, is after all, the action of the people's voice. Speak while you can, or forever hold your peace.