A social media post by prominent commentator @khalidkarim has reignited debate over Proton’s national identity, criticizing the brand’s perceived overreliance on its Chinese partner, Geely. The viral X (formerly Twitter) post claimed Proton is “no longer fully Malaysian”, sparking discussions on sovereignty, ownership, and government policy in the automotive sector.
The post drew attention to Proton’s popular Geely-based models, including the X50 and S70, which recorded 9,704 and 7,944 units sold respectively in the first five months of 2025. While these models have contributed significantly to Proton’s sales growth, critics argue that Malaysia’s protectionist policies—such as favorable tax treatment and local assembly incentives—are now benefiting a foreign-owned brand under the guise of national industry support.
Proton, which was once the pride of Malaysia’s automotive independence, is currently 49.9% owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational that has played a key role in revitalizing the brand’s lineup and competitiveness. Since the partnership began in 2017, Proton has seen a resurgence in design quality, technology, and export ambitions.
However, Geely’s parallel expansion across Southeast Asia—including new manufacturing investments in Vietnam and Thailand—has raised questions about long-term localization and whether Malaysia risks becoming just another assembly base in the region.
Proton has not issued an official response to the viral criticism, but company insiders maintain that the Geely collaboration has been instrumental in saving Proton from decline, providing vital technology and capital investment that helped rebuild consumer trust.
Defenders of the partnership argue that the current business model still brings economic benefits to Malaysia, including local job creation, tax revenue, and exports to neighboring markets. Yet the public debate reflects deeper concerns over national pride, identity, and whether Proton can still be considered a Malaysian icon in a rapidly globalizing industry.
As the conversation unfolds, Proton finds itself navigating a complex balance—between global competitiveness and domestic perception, all while riding the momentum of its strongest product lineup in years.
