Proton has defended its ‘racist’ discount as a normal discount for corporate fleet sales. — Reuters file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — National car maker Proton Holdings Bhd has clarified the issue raised by Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia over an apparent “racist” discount favouring the Federation of Hokkien Association of Malaysia and its members.

In a press statement today, it said that the 10 per cent promotional price is part of a special corporate sales arrangement for fleet sales customers.

It described the business practice as “common” and it is normal in the automotive industry to offer corporate sales discounts based on bulk purchase and fleet sales.

“We wish to reiterate that Nanyang also reported that, “Proton always provide corporate/fleets sales promotion to corporate customers, associations, organizations, and institution (including media), therefore, Hokkien Federation is not a special case.”

“Currently, we have similar arrangements with various Malaysian cooperatives, associations, as well as major corporate organisations,” the statement said.

The statement further read that the Hokkien umbrella group were the ones who approached Proton to discuss and show its support to the company with a commitment purchase.

“Based on the large number of members of the association and its employees, we are able to custom make a special package that both parties have agreed upon,” it said.