The Proton Saga turns 35 years old. — Picture via Facebook/Azbi Centre

PETALING JAYA, July 9 — On this day, 35 years ago, the Proton Saga became Malaysia’s first-ever locally produced car thanks to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s dream of having a "Malaysian Car.”

To commemorate its symbolic anniversary, Mahathir took to his social media accounts to wish the Proton Saga a "happy anniversary” with some photos of him and the car when it was first launched.

 

"Proton Saga is now 35 years old. Still going strong. Happy Birthday Proton Saga,” said Dr Mahathir in the post.

The 95-year-old’s post had many reminiscing as many took to sharing photos of their own beloved Sagas.

 

 

 

 

Some users even shared photos of the incomparable aero back Saga/Iswara variants, which is also a favourite among Malaysians.

 

 

One Twitter page even shared a special video of a tricked out aero back drifting around a car park to show off the Saga’s prowess on its anniversary.

 

Other users took a more comical approach to celebrate the Saga’s anniversary as they poked fun at Dr Mahathir’s selection of pictures in his post.

 

One reminded everyone that the Saga or Iswara is also known internationally, as it even appeared in one episode of the Mr. Bean live-action series.

 

Many proclaimed their pride in celebrating the milestone for Malaysia’s automobile industry as they thanked Mahathir for his contributions in the creation of the first national car.

"I saw my first when I was in standard five. Even as a wee kid then, I was so proud, and its one of the few special memories I hold dear to this day,” wrote one user.

Dr Mahathir"s post has since garnered nearly 4,000 shares with over 7,000 likes alone on Twitter.

 

To mark the 35th anniversary, Proton announced took to social media to announce the release of a special "Saga Anniversary Edition,” also known as the "Black Edition” internally, coated in beautiful Quartz Black, with yellow highlights to pay tribute to Proton’s motorsports arm, R3.

There are only 1,100 units of the Saga Anniversary Edition available, with the car being priced at RM39,300 on the road without insurance.