The impending sale of the controlling stake in national car maker Proton was akin to selling strategic national assets to foreigners, said Teja state assemblyperson Chang Lih Kang.

Chang said that if the plan to sell the 51 percent stake in Proton goes through, Malaysia will likely lose rights to the brand, the patents, logo and other intellectual properties.

New foreign owners of Proton would likely use foreign labourers in Proton's existing plants as they come cheaper than locals.

"As for skilled workers, foreigners will likely employ workers from developed countries such as Japan who have far better expertise in the industry unlike Malaysia.

"It doesn't mean our country doesn't have qualified individuals, but Malaysia is suffering from brain drain as many (skilled workers) are working abroad," Chang said in a statement...