I refer to the Vox Populi comment on MV Agusta: Proton sells for RM5, Harley buys for RM350 mil.

The writer’s message being that we should not blame the prime minister for this as nobody knew that MV Agusta could fetch RM350 million.

I am neither against the government nor a supporter of the opposition. I am just an average Malaysian who views this particular transaction as an embarrassment to Malaysia in the eyes of the world.

The following are my questions:

If we do not know that Agusta can fetch millions, do we mean BMW and Harley Davidson are fools and can make a mistake in valuing Agusta? Please don't forget these two companies are among the market leaders in their respective industries, that is cars and motor cycles.

We may have made a mistake in purchasing Agusta but the present government can still sell it at a much higher value - not at RM5. Or was there a motive behind this RM5 sale? Our PM and his advisors cannot be that silly can they?

As for any new PM, his new administration will expect to inherit the mistakes and achievements of the previous administration. It is his responsibility to undo the mistakes and minimise the costs impact and maximise whatever returns possible.

But to get rid of Agusta at RM5 certainly did not reflect a responsible, intelligent decision by a capable government.

To some extent I do agree that it is not justifiable to have a car manufacturing industry like Proton since Malaysia has a small population market, but what about Sweden? Don't they have a population of less than 10 million but are among the market leaders in cars (Volvo. Saab)?

I think it boils down to capable management people so again, do we have real professionals in the management or merely cronies from the main political party of the government of the day?

We must not forget Proton had a chance to collaborate with Volkswagen but we instead allowed politics to interfere with business.

If Malaysia's market is small and not justifiable why would VW be interested to consider Proton?

This Augusta episode embarrassment is among the many failures, mistakes, flip-flops, lies, judiciary circus performances, deceptions, crimes, corruption, sudden high fuel price increases and many more unfolding almost daily.

We as the common Malaysian on the street, can only watch in dismay and will view the future ahead with much pessimism if the current government continues with what they doing now the latest being that the PM will be handing over his power to the deputy prime minister in 2010?