Study on proposed Proton-Perodua merger completed

A Study on possible merger between the country's top two national car companies has been completed, International Trade and Industry Minister (Miti) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.


Miti is setting a date by the year-end to discuss a third-party's research findings on the possible merger between Proton Holdings Bhd and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd.

The study was carried out by Frost & Sullivan.

"We hope to view the report together with the Economic Council before presenting it to the Prime Minister," Mustapa said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said a consolidation of resources between Proton and Perodua should be considered to overcome overcapacity in the local automotive industry.

Mustapa was speaking to reporters at his ministry's monthly meeting and Innovation and Quality 2010 forum yesterday.


The minister thanked Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, who will retire as Miti's secretary-general on December 5 this year.

Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, the deputy secretary-general (trade), will succeed him from December 6.

A graduate in economics from the University of Malaya, Abdul Rahman started his career in Miti in 1975.

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of international trade and industry, he served in various positions, including deputy trade commissioner in New York, director of trade in Taipei, trade commissioner and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Bangkok.

Abdul Rahman was also director of export promotion bureau at Matrade, director of industries, as well as Miti's senior director of policy and industry services division and deputy secretary-general (industry).

On his retirement plans, Abdul Rahman said: "I will redeem all my Enrich points and go for a long holiday with my family.

"I want to take a break and then will look into opportunities. I might be interested to be involved in activities related to welfare and NGOs (non-governmental organisations)." (Business Times)