Proton Holdings Bhd is not like a lame duck that needs a helping hand to survive, says chairperson Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

He said any future collaboration with other parties must be based on the company's strengths.

proton cars and money "We are not like a lame duck wanting somebody to carry us and I believe that we must use our strength to collaborate with other parties.

"The impression that Proton is dying and needs a partner, is not the case," he added.

Mohd Nadzmi said in the automotive industry, there are brand and technology collaboration and platform sharing.

Moving in the right direction

While saying that Proton's financial performance was improving, he added that the national carmaker is moving in the right direction by offering the right car at the right time and right price.

"We are very determined to change the financial performance of Proton and you will see good performance in future," he said.

Proton reported a pre-tax profit of RM64.379 million in the first quarter ended June 30, 2009, up 9.7 percent from RM58.700 million chalked up in the same quarter last year.

Proton' Group Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company will soon executive a plan to move forward.

"Things are now moving in the right direction. Collaboration adds value to the journey that we want to take. We're not waiting to be salvaged nor to be saved," he said.