Proton Holdings Bhd has denied a news report that Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir is leaving.

In a statement today, the carmaker said Syed Zainal Abidin “is still holding the position of the group managing director of Proton, and his services are still required in the company”.

Referring to the news report in The Edge Financial Daily , it said: “Proton is not aware of the source of this speculation.”

Proton, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia.

It was recently taken over by conglomerate DRB-Hicom Bhd and is scheduled to launch its first global car, the Preve, next week.

In the statement, Proton said the post-acquisition exercise was still proceeding smoothly.

“Upon completion, Proton is expected to have a strong synergy of current and new management team members that will provide Proton with the necessary impetus to lead the company in its aspiration to become a globally successful automotive player,” it said.

- Bernama