I read with interest and apprehension Proton's latest statement that it will soon embark on a drive to improve the quality of its cars. Well, haven't we all heard these promises before over the years and yet the hope that one day Malaysians would be truly see quality Proton cars that they can be proud of seems like a distant dream.

The vast public perception that Proton cars are of inferior quality is so deep-rooted that inferiority has become synonymous with Proton as far as the car industry is concerned. And why has it been so hard to alter this perception despite various efforts by Proton to address it? Perhaps it is because Proton has not completely and sincerely committed itself to improving the actual and tangible quality of its cars but have instead focused on 'perception changing gimmicks'.

Does Proton honestly think that by working on one or two models and widely advertising that those models were inspected by German experts, these negative perceptions are going to change overnight? What about the extremely inferior older models (Iswara and Wira) which are still being churned out in large numbers everyday with almost a predictable list of defects?

People talk about these defects everyday to their family members, friends and colleagues. Their poor perception of Proton is not going to be suspended just because one or two models were inspected by the Germans! It's a question of philosophy. What is Proton's philosophy on quality? Is it an all encompassing philosophy or is it one that is also plagued with defects and limited to flowery words stamped on a framed plaque somewhere?

People are not going to stop talking about the numerous squeaks, broken power windows and misaligned bumpers until there is a major and sincere effort to revamp the quality of all Proton models. Even the newer versions like Waja have very irritating and recurring defects. Put good cars on the road and the perceptions would automatically change. Forget the mumbo-jumbo laced adverts that are predominately designed to tweak people's mindset of Proton - it has not worked and it ain't gonna work.

One contributory factor to Protons failure is, in fact, its past successes. Proton has been lured into a deadly complacency over the years due to its phenomenal record-breaking sales figures. It would be wise to note that most Malaysians buy Proton cars simply because it is one of the cheapest brand in the market. That's exactly the reason why my family has owned six Proton cars of four different models over the last 17 years.

If we had half the chance to buy a Japanese car for the same price, believe me that we would have done just that. Well, those days are over and market forces have now made it possible for us to own cars other than Proton and we are seriously considering to make that switch. We have put up too long with empty quality improvement statements, advertisement gimmicks and we just had about enough of it.