Proton Will Remain National Car Maker

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd will not loose its national car manufacturer status just because it has been acquired by another Malaysian company, says former prime minister and Proton adviser Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He hoped with the new development (the acquisition of a 42.74 per cent stake in Proton by DRB-Hicom Bhd), Proton would become a better company. Speaking to reporters after presenting a speech at a dinner for participants of the international conference on "Global Movement of Moderates" here Tuesday night, Dr Mahathir also did not rule out the possibility of Proton being privatised. "If the government does not pump in much money, I think the private sector will have to pump in some money," he added. Commenting on market talk that Proton would not sell Lotus, the Proton advisor quipped: "How would they know? The owners have to decide that." He added that selling Lotus was something that DRB-Hicom could consider. Meanwhile, on concerns expressed by the Proton Edar Dealers Association that a possible management change, following the acquisition, may affect them, he advised them to deal directly with the new management so as not to loose out. -- BERNAMA Malaysia