1. M'sians have to pay thousands more for a car when cheaper imports are available. The money that could've been saved can add to the investment pool that can be used to build up capital stock. This can generate more income for the M'sia. This industry could hire more workers than the whole Proton project. Keeping money in M'sia by erecting trade barrier is actually bad because it artificially increase the value of RM making export price higher than it should.
Export is the lifeblood of M'sian economy.
So imagine how much it cost M'sians to keep each of the Proton workers employed. Even when you eventually get one, the salesman offers you X ringgit if you are willing to give it up to someone else. The heartache starts after you drive it home. Then you realise the pride of the nation comes with a few rattles and noises. Things come off easily.