Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad should be more realistic in calling for a new automotive company similar to Proton, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak.

"It is up to him lah (if he wants to start another company)... Mahathir should not be looking at the past. We have to be looking to the future and be more realistic.The competition is overwhelming.

"For me, what happened now (with Proton's shares being bought over by a Chinese company) will ensure Proton is able to handle challenges to come," he told reporters at the Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur today...