Dr Mahathir quits as Proton chairman

PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has resigned from his position as chairman of Proton Holdings.

The resignation came into effect on Wednesday, a media release on Dr Mahathir’s blog, chedet.cc, said.

A letter of resignation has been sent to Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad, Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar on Wednesday.

“Dr Mahathir has also relinquished his post as the chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Petronas, also effective Mar 30, 2016. His decision has been communicated to UTP Rector Datuk Abdul Rahim Hashim,” the statement said.

Apart from the two positions, Dr Mahathir has also resigned as adviser to the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) and the Tioman Island Development Authority (Tida).

The Chief Secretary to the Government has been informed of these resignations.

In a press release, Proton thanked Dr Mahathir for his contributions to the company over the years.

“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,” the company said.

It said that Dr Mahathir would also step down as chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton.

On March 11, Dr Mahathir was axed as Petronas adviser following a unanimous decision by the Cabinet.

The reason given was that as Dr Mahathir no longer supports the current leadership, he should no longer hold any position related to the Government.

The termination came after Dr Mahathir’s continued attacks against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and upon launching the “citizen’s declaration” with Opposition leaders.

Dr Mahathir quit Umno on Feb 29, citing a loss of faith in the party.