History of the Waja

**Mohsens** · 22-04-2007 03:44 PM

A Night to Remember

"It started 6 years ago and consumed RM400 million before then Dato' Seri now Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad's challenge to Proton was attained. The Prime Minister threw the gauntlet to Proton to produce an entirely Malaysian designed car within reach of most Malaysians. This Herculean task was lightened when the Proton Team took to heart the Prime Minister's advice "if you think you can, you can!"

The Result? On 8th May 2000, a major milestone was achieved when the man himself at Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam together with a new, dynamic logo launched Proton Waja! Kee Hua Chee was dazzled together with 2,000 guests by the pyrotechnics and Waja.

Starting from the Federal Highway, all cars that eventful night seemed to lead to Malawati Stadium as Malaysians and foreign guests arrived to witness the historic occasion. Proton Waja is the eight Proton and the most significant. For the first time, Malaysians conceptualized the design wholly. The first Proton Saga that rolled off the assembly line in 1985 was based on a Mitsubishi vehicle. After over 1.2 million vehicles, the time has come when an all-Malaysian car is driving out hopes and aspirations into the New Millennium in grand style!

Meaning 'strength, fortitude and endurance ', 'Waja' meets and exceeds all expectations in styling and engineering. The mighty body reinforces the new strength of Proton Waja, which is now stronger than any existing Proton. The body structure already meets the 2003 European Crash Test Standards as Waja's body rigidity is among the strongest in its class. This result in near zero noise vibration, allowing the driver to be in total control at all times. The government is still deciding pricing for this mobile temptation is still as the 1.6 and 1.8 Proton Waja will only be available this September 2000.

By 8.30pm, all guests had assembled and Dato's Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad, Datin Seri Siti Hasmah, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and VIPs were given a rousing Malaysian-styled welcome when they arrived a few minutes later. Three giant what seemed to be airbags on the ground suddenly came alive with shadow figures performing the silat, the traditional Malay art of self-defense. Then Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Saleh Sulung, chairman of PROTON gave his welcome address where he announced with justifiable pride the technical innovations achieved in producing Proton Waja. Over 1.7 million man-hour were utilised and in the process many 'first' were concluded. Today, Proton has the most advanced Rapid Prototype Centre in Southeast Asia, the most complex Computer-Aided Clay Model Milling equipment and ASEAN's only Noise & Sound Emission Laboratory, Prototype Shop and Climatic Chamber Test Laboratory!

After the video presentation detailing Proton's history. it was time for Proton's instigator the Malaysian Prime Minister to give his speech. He congratulated the GX Team and exhorted them to go even further in exporting this physical manifestation of Malaysian excellence. He advised PROTON management and workers to position themselves firmly in the fast forward seat and stay there!

Then it was the hour of recognition as hundreds of those responsible for Proton Waja were invited onto the arena to receive awards. The new Technology Achievement Team received their accolades from the Prime Minister after their team leaders' names were announced in the presence of PROTON bigwigs including Yang Mulia Tengku Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Mahaleel Tengku Ariff, PROTON's CEO.

The Prime Minister donned and eye track as he sat in the driver's seat of the clay model, which represents the first journeys in the creation of Waja. After a virtual tour reminiscent of Star Trek and Star Wars, the evening culminated in the moment we were waiting for. The Prime Minister inserted a giant key into a slot and ignited line rockets, pyrotechnics display, and dry ice and Wimble-type drama as three Proton Waja were driven onto the stage. The tumultous clapping and cheering provided the encore as Malaysians jumped to their feet and marveled at Waja.

The Prime Minister and VIPs thronged for a closer examination as flash bulbs rivaled the spotlight. Tan Sri Saleh Sulong then presented the key to the first Proton Waja to the Prime Minister though the car will be handed to the National Science Centre.

Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia's favorite songbird gave a stunning concert to celebrate Waja, enthralling the audience with her melodious voice and pretty face. Incidentally. 'Waja' is acoustically similar to 'wajah' meaning 'face' or visage', the prefect vehicle for Malaysians to hold our heads up high!

Source: Waja Performance Club of Malaysia and EON Magazine.