The Malaysian government will be closely monitoring Proton stakeholder Geely in order to ensure that Malaysians will continue to be prioritised in the company’s workforce, said human resources minister M. Kula Segaran in a New Straits Times report.
“With regards to Proton, we will carry out comprehensive investigations if they do not abide by the law,” said the minister, adding that foreign companies are bound by Malaysian laws on the matter of employing foreign workers. Employers are barred from firing local workers in order to hire foreigners, in line with Section 60M of the Employment Act 1955, Kula Segaran said.
This was in response to a question by Kapar member of Parliament Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, who asked what measures would be taken if foreign management of local companies refuse to hire Malaysians. The minister admitted that there is a shortage of labour inspectors for checking on businesses, and the ministry has applied to the Ministry of Finance to increase the number of its inspectors, he said.
DRB-Hicom and Geely signed a partnership in July 2017 for the latter to acquire a 49.9% equity stake in Proton, which included the agreement for Proton to be the manufacturing hub for Geely’s right-hand-drive (RHD) models. The first product from Proton to come of this partnership is the forthcoming Proton SUV, which is slated for launch this October. The 2018 Geely Boyue forms the basis for this model.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments highlight concerns about Proton’s workforce quality, with many criticizing unproductive attitudes, lack of pride, and safety issues like loose screws. Several urge for workforce cuts, emphasizing the need for efficiency and accountability to boost competitiveness, especially amid foreign competition. Supporters of Geely’s involvement believe in giving them autonomy to employ the best talents, including foreigners, to turn Proton around. Some call for minimal government interference, trusting Geely’s management, while others worry about ongoing tendencies for government bailouts and inefficiencies.