Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak tonight paid tribute to Proton prime mover Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

NONE He said without the strong political commitment and undying spirit of Mahathir, Proton would not have existed and managed to thrive.

"Suffice to say, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad initiated the idea to produce the national car through Proton.

"Therefore, as a representative of the government and the people, I thank Tun Dr Mahathir for his leadership that has become the foundation of Proton's success," he said at a gala dinner in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Proton here.

Mahathir, who was a former prime minister, and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor were present.

The Prime Minister said the production of Proton Saga in 1985 was the hallmark of the national automotive industry.

He said no one would have thought that an idea mooted 25 years ago had become a national pride.

At the event, Proton Holdings Berhad also paid a tribute to 651 pioneer employees, who have been with the company since it began operation in 1983.

proton and volkswagen merger cancelled shatters Poet Assoc Prof Dr Lim Swee Tin recited a poem entitled "Meluncur di Aspal Masa" (Cruising on the Time Asphalt) which espoused Proton 25-year journey.

In conjunction with that anniversary, Najib also launched commemorative cars, comprising Proton Saga, Persona and Exora, which would be opened for bookings from Monday.

He also launched a coffee table book entitled "A Saga: Proton's 25th-Year Story" authored by Berita Publishing Sdn Bhd editor-in-chief Abdul Kadir Jasin.

At the function, the national car manufacturer also donated RM25,000 each to 25 charitable organisations.

Rosmah presented mock-up cheques to three of the organisations, namely Yayasan Pembangunan Anak Yatim/Miskin, Thalassemia Association of Malaysia and Malaysian Disabled People Association.

Meanwhile, Proton took the opportunity to celebrate the 85th birthday of Mahathir and the 84th birthday of Siti Hasmah which fell on July 10 and 11 respectively.

- Bernama