Mustapa confident of Proton employees being treated fairly by FSP

International Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has expressed confidence that employees of Proton Holdings Bhd would be treated fairly by whichever entity buying its shares.

"I am confident that whoever eventually owns Proton will take a holistic view of the company, and not just the business, but also others matters related to the welfare of workers," he said.

He told reporters this after the Chinese New Year networking session between Miti and agencies' here on Thursday.

He was commenting on speculation that a large number of Proton employees would be retrenched once the national carmaker sealed the foreign strategic partners (FSP) exercise.

"Proton (itself) has not made a final decision (on the FSP), and speculation on the ownership and fate of workers is unhealthy speculation and needs to be stopped.

"Anything related to workers must be dealt with in accordance with the country's laws under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources," he added.

On Wednesday, DRB-Hicom Bhd reiterated it would conclude and announce a decision on the FSP for its wholly-owned carmaker, Proton, within the first half of this year.

Explaining that the FSP is a complex and time-consuming process, DRB-Hicom said however in a statement, it would endeavour to complete the exercise as early as possible.

The group also urged the public not to be misled by reports related to the FSP search as it would make the proper announcement once the process is completed.

-- Bernama