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Is Dr Mahathir Resigning From Proton?

After 11 years, is Dr Mahathir finally calling it quits from Proton?

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According To A Report By The Edge, Tun Dr Mahathir Is Believed To Have Tendered His Resignation As Advisor To The National Carmaker, Proton

Dr M at the launch of the Proton Suprima S

Image via thesundaily.my

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is understood to have tendered his resignation as adviser to Proton Holdings, The Edge reported at the weekend.

i3investor.com

But Dr M's Press Secretary Sufi Yusoff Denied Any Knowledge Of It

The letter has supposedly been sent, but the move has not been confirmed, with Dr M’s press secretary Sufi Yusoff telling The Edge that he had no knowledge of the matter.

paultan.org

Dr M Was Reportedly Upset Over The Resignation Of Deputy CEO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim In February 2014

Proton’s deputy COO, Datuk Lukman Ibrahim

Image via paultan.org

The newspaper quoted sources at Proton as saying that one issue that had upset Tun Mahathir was the departure of deputy CEO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim last month. Datuk Lukman, who had originally wanted to leave in July 2013 but later changed his mind, was brought in by Tun Mahathir, and was said to be at odds with Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, the group managing director of DRB, according to The Edge.

i3investor.com

The resignation, if true, follows on the departure of Proton’s deputy COO, Datuk Lukman Ibrahim, last month. Lukman was reported to have resigned from the company, this for the second time – he had earlier announced his resignation in July 2013, but rescinded that decision shortly after to continue on in the post.

paultan.org

The Outspoken Former Prime Minister Was Appointed As Proton Advisor In 2003. His Abrupt Departure Would Leave A Negative Impact On The Company.

If this news is accurate, it would certainly have a negative impact on Proton, as the carmaker is one of the jewels of the former premier's industrialisation programme, and to which he was appointed as an adviser in 2003.

i3investor.com

However, over the long run, we believe the impact is minimal, as we reiterate our belief that penetrating the export markets is crucial for Proton's long-term growth, and the only way to do this is to secure a strategic foreign partner that has the latest technological knowhow, something Proton lacks currently and that would take years to develop internally, even with the help of a government grant.

i3investor.com

Talking To Reporters After An Event In UiTM, Dr Mahathir Dismissed Reports Of His Resignation

On another note, Dr Mahathir dismissed reports saying he had resigned as Proton advisor.

themalaymailonline.com

On 2 December 2013, Dr M Followed His Doctor's Advice To Step Down As Petronas Advisor After A Lung Infection

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