KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al- Bukhary should address Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s condemnation of Geely’s minority stake in Proton to allay public concern, said an Umno Youth leader.
The movement’s assistant secretary, Datuk Mohd Sahfri Abd Aziz, said failure to do so would fuel doubts about the sale of 49.9 per cent of Proton Holdings to the Chinese automaker.
Syed Mokhtar’s DRB-Hicom acquired Proton Holdings in 2012.
Shortly after the sale was announced last week, Dr Mahathir lamented the loss of his “child” and claimed he no longer considered the carmaker to be Malaysian.
“Umno Youth views Dr Mahathir’s remarks seriously as it has aroused polemic and confusion among observers and the public on Proton’s future.
“Syed Mokhtar cannot be quiet like a ‘mute demon’. He has the responsibility to reveal the truth to the public because he has knowledge over this issue,” he said during a press conference at Putra World Trade Centre today.
Sahfri added that a response by the billionaire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan would be apt.
Proton and Geely announced the deal and ensuing partnership last week.
Following Dr Mahathir’s criticism of the sale to Geely, critics reminded the former prime minister of his reported attempt in 2014 to forge a partnership between Proton and the very same Chinese carmaker.
Today, the former Proton chairman claimed he only met with Geely executives then to “explore” ways to improve Proton cars.
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stressed last week that Proton would remain a national carmaker and a source of pride as DRB-Hicom still holds the majority stake at 50.1 per cent.
