Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that he will be appointed chairman of Proton Holdings Bhd, and this is expected to be officially announced tomorrow (May 21), reports Bernama.
“My plan is to work with Proton, and make it (Proton) a success,” he told reporters at the Asian Banker Annual Leadership Achievement Awards Dinner 2014 just tonight.
Dr Mahathir did not, however, comment if Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, Proton’s current executive chairman (pic, second from right), would withdraw from his post.
The Malaysian Reserve very recently reported that the former PM would become chairman of Proton and also of Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton. He was understood to have accepted both appointments.
The same report mentioned that DRB-Hicom has been focussing on radical transformation measures for Proton’s management, and Dr M’s appointment is seen as a coup, given the former PM’s influence in the industry and government.
Dr Mahathir has been Proton advisor since he retired as PM in 2003. Proton recently appointed Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, previously DRB-Hicom group director for automotive and defence, as CEO.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express a mix of skepticism and criticism regarding Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's appointment as Proton chairman, with many questioning his ability to help Proton's future due to his age and past influence. Several believe the move is politically motivated, aiming to protect crony vendors and maintain government support rather than genuinely improve Proton. There is widespread discontent about high car prices, protectionism, and the perceived corruption that benefits vendors linked to political figures. Some see Mahathir's return as a sign of management stagnation or as a move to retain control, with concerns over vendor overcharging and reliance on government subsidies. Overall, sentiments lean towards pessimism about Proton's prospects under Mahathir’s leadership, with many comments reflecting frustrations about Malaysia's automotive policies and economic direction.