Tun Dr. Mahathir Resigns From Proton

Tun Dr. Mahathir, who brainchilded Malaysia’s national car project in the early ‘80s, has stepped down from his position as Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad effective immediately.

A statement released by Proton said: “We respect his wish to step down; we would like to register our utmost appreciation for his valuable contribution, commitment and dedication for his role as Chairman since 2014 as well as an Advisor since 2003. We would like to express our gratitude and recognise Tun Dr. Mahathir’s role as the creator of the national car company.”

Tun Dr. Mahathir has also relinquished his position as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton.

The company did not name any successor for the positions held by Tun Dr. Mahathir.

The announcement comes less than a week after the appointment of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali as CEO of Proton, effective 1 April. Datuk Ahmad Fuaad will take over from Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, who will be returning to Proton’s parent company DRB-Hicom as COO of the group in the areas of automotive distribution and defence effective 1-April.

A separate press release by the Office of Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad in Putrajaya also stated that the former premier has relinquished his position as Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, as well as advisors to the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and the Tioman Island Development Authority (TIDA).