Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at the launch of Proton's first sport utility vehicle, the X70 on Dec 12, 2018.

On the screen behind them is a photo taken of the couple in 1985, at the launch of the carmaker's first vehicle, Proton Saga.

Proton, which is the brainchild of Mahathir, was founded in 1983 during his first stint as prime minister.