KUALA LUMPUR – The Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first commercially available electric vehicle (EV), will serve as the official vehicle for ASEAN 2025, chaired by Malaysia next year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement during the launch of the nation’s debut EV model earlier today.
“For ASEAN next year, the e.MAS 7 will be the official vehicle. We hope it will showcase our ability to produce high-quality electric cars,” he said.
“With great gratitude, we mark this historic milestone—not only elevating the prestige of Proton and Geely but also enhancing the nation’s image, particularly the capability of Malaysians in achieving this success,” he added.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Proton Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar; Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong; and Geely Auto Group CEO Jerry Gan.
The Proton e.MAS 7 made its first public appearance during the 2024 National Day parade, alongside other models that highlighted Proton’s 41-year evolution as Malaysia’s national carmaker.
In his speech, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s aspiration to lead the region not just in vehicle manufacturing but also in EV development.
He noted that Proton, as a national carmaker, must leverage its role in the local automotive industry and the EV project.
“I am also pleased to see that, in the near future, this car will be built in Malaysia—at Tanjung Malim—which will boost Malaysian vendors through technology transfer and new EV-related skills,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that companies in the domestic automotive sector must go beyond merely selling vehicles by creating investment and employment opportunities and developing a holistic ecosystem.
“The role of the government is to provide advice, industry-friendly policies, and incentives.
“Of course, this benefits both the nation and the industry. More importantly, it ensures that we develop adequate infrastructure, such as airports, ports, and highways—key elements of a comprehensive ecosystem,” he said.
Anwar acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry and the government, particularly in addressing supply-side issues.
“Therefore, we must ensure clear policies and sufficient capacity to encourage local production and support local industries and vendors, including Bumiputera entrepreneurs,” he said.
He further highlighted that over 75% of Asia’s energy currently comes from hydrocarbons, a figure expected to double by 2030.
“We now need to balance demand with security, affordability, and sustainability.
“Under the responsible transition initiative, Malaysia is strengthening its competitiveness by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and fostering growth in green mobility, renewable energy, and energy storage solutions.
“Our projections show this could generate investment opportunities worth up to RM1.3 trillion by 2050, contribute an additional RM220 billion to Malaysia’s GDP, and create more than 300,000 jobs,” he said. – December 16, 2024
