Geely is supposedly out, is PSA the one, then? We will know soon enough

The decision regarding Proton’s eventual Foreign Strategic Partner (FSP) will be announced in May, Second Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan was quoted saying. Interestingly, in the same report, he declined to name the name of the partner, suggesting that the decision has already been made.

“Proton is a private entity which belongs to DRB-Hicom Bhd and it no longer belongs to the government.

"As such, it would be improper to interfere with its business, but the government will continue to give its views on Proton," he said.

The minister again reiterated that the search for an FSP for Proton is to allow the national car company gain capability in producing energy-efficient vehicles and expand its international market. He added that if the country did not follow the car industry’s progress, it would fall behind.

"The international car companies are expecting to be able to produce their cars on autopilot, employing the latest technology to produce sophisticated and high quality cars by next year.

"Most consumers in the country are those who wish to own quality high-technology cars, so we cannot blame them if they don't want to buy locally-produced cars because they do not meet their requirements," he said.