Syed Zainal might not want to continue as Proton MD, says Dr M

Syed Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today hinted that Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir might not want to continue leading the national car maker under the ownership of DRB-Hicom Bhd.

Mahathir, who is also Proton adviser, said in Syed Zainal's case, there was no question of sacking but merely a question of an agreement between the latter and DRB-Hicom as to how best to deal with the problem of redundancy.

"DRB-Hicom is quite entitled to change the MD because they now own Proton but at the moment Syed Zainal is still the managing director and he is getting paid for the position.

"But of course he might not want to continue. It's his choice," Mahathir told reporters after chairing a Roundtable High Level Strategy Session organised by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.

He was commenting on news report that Syed Zainal would be removed as managing director of the company after the launch of the Proton Preve sedan model tonight.

-Bernama