Lotus Racing's change of name will rob Malaysian identity - Razali

SEPANG, Sept 28 - Lotus Racing Team's proposed name change to Team Lotus by its owner Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes does not reflect national interest said deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim.
Razali said if the name change goes through, it would not reflect a Malaysian identity because Lotus was a sister company of national car producer Proton Berhad.
"The action of Tony will certainly raise a number of issues and disappointment among various authorities. This will be about a team that may continue to forget the Malaysian interest and identity,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
Razali was at the airport to send off 93 athletes from the Malaysian contingent who left for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games which starts on Oct 3.
Last week at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix, Fernandes announced that starting next year, Lotus Racing would be known as Team Lotus, since the team had received the rights from David Hunt.
Fernandes had wanted to change the name after buying over Team Lotus Ventures from Hunt.
Yesterday, Proton and Lotus Group chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Salleh denied Hunt had any rights over the Team Lotus name and said the national car manufacturer would continue to support the group to defend the group's rights.
Razali said a discussion need to be held between the interested parties while national interest must be the priority.
"I hope Lotus and Proton will quickly find an amicable solution to the issue since the country's interest is at stake and the promises made when forming the team is maintained.
"If Tony continues his efforts (name change), I feel many parties, including the national petroleum company, motoring companies and clubs that had supported the team all the way will be disappointed,” he said. - Bernama