LETTER | When I first read of Proton offering discounts to Hokkiens, I knew that “fireworks” would spark. True enough, and in no time, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has labelled Proton and its CEO Li Chunrong “racist” with MIC closely following behind making the same accusation.

What were Proton and its CEO thinking when blatant and insensitive discriminatory pricing policy favouring Hokkiens was mooted and announced?

Even though I may qualify for the favour from Proton, I would still ask why. Why are Hokkiens so special?

I thought CEOs are smart people, more so when they are helming major corporations.

Seriously, I am not sure of “the strategy” involved in that announcement. Maybe it was a marketing gimmick. Maybe the car company and its CEO were just trying to draw some attention to themselves.

But from whichever angle we look at, offering a special discount only to Hokkiens is a no-brainer idea. Henceforth, how would Proton salvage its public relations in Malaysia and the region?

What would the Cantonese, Hakka, Hainan and Teochew think of Proton now? More significantly, what would other races in the country think of their national car company now?

I know many Malaysians are probably jaded with many discriminations prevailing in our midst. But that does not and should not justify another wanton discriminatory act by Proton.

It is sad that racism, parochialism, and favouritism are now so now ingrained in Malaysia today. Dissecting people to shower favours or to discriminate against has become “natural”. We do it thoughtlessly and effortlessly when such acts should be despised and condemned.

When are we going to learn that discrimination based on race, tribe, religion, clan, gender, and creed is wrong? When are we going to learn that discrimination and favouritism must be based on a substantiated basis?

Label me heartless if you like, I would not even want to support a car company that sell cars at cheaper prices to B40 or M40 groups. Why carry the subsidy mentality to a ridiculous level?

If a car company can afford to sell cars at lower prices to the lower income groups, it means the company can do the same for all customers. Is the company engaging in selective profiteering?

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.