The Marriage
I really really wonder if i will ever get to see the marriage of Proton and VW?
Maybe by that time, many changes has already taken place.
Maybe by that time, things will still remain the same.
Being in Proton is always about being a part of the pride of the nation. Or so, sometimes it feels that way. But, is it really?
I had a conversation today with a colleague about wearing a "Proton" uniform to work. For us, it makes life easier because we don’t have to choose anything else from the closet. However, for the first time in my life, i heard some say that he’s proud to wear a shirt that has a Proton badge on it. It hit me hard and i found myself to be rather numb for a few minutes.
I cannot fully disagree. He spoke what i really felt inside. Our company is in a turmoil. We are trying to manage a crisis. We are trying to win a war.
We are trying to get married to one of the world’s biggest Auto Giant. But, we still fail in making revenues right now.
Print media is making a lot of money out of us through the articles they write about. The cars, the stocks, the strategic alliance and the many "talks" that has been going on.
Are we still the pride of the nation? Can i agree with the statement my colleague made? Proud to wear the uniform?
One thing’s for sure- he’s braver than me in admitting the truth. He said it so bluntly, so freely. Like there’s no worry, fear or guilt. And he’s the one who just tendered his resignation.
And i’m still here. And i will still be here for now and for time to come.
The truth is, i feel exactly the same way. Proud. Its about pride. But i will never ever say it. I’m not that brave to admit it. I still fear that saying it would me i have some obligations to stay loyal. Because i have no obligations to stay loyal. I say what i hate about the company. I say those things bluntly.
But, truth also be told- I am not proud of wearing the uniform, but i am not ashamed either.
But today- as i spent another Saturday in the office finishing up more work, i realized how difficult it is for us to get married. For Proton to get married. To anyone. Its like being in a muddied relationship where the guy is offering a 24k ring but the girl still cannot decide.
Because a marriage of two companies- is like a marriage of two souls. You tie the knot, you’re gonna have to also live with all the flaws. Before that, you will also see all of the claws. And that, can be scary. That is what intimidates us.
But, when you’re really really broke, you cannot live alone, can you?
You might as well marry an old rich hag who has no compatibility whatsoever with you than to die a lonely death.
But that, is only in theory and is only applicable for company strategy.
In real human life, its all about choices. Its either you make the right one or not.
