PROTON TOLD TO DO OWN EVALUATION IF IT WISH TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER COMPANIES, SAYS PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- National carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd, should conduct its own evaluation if it wishes to cooperate with other companies and submit to the government for consideration.

Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said Proton has thecapability to become a successful national carmaker.

"So if it wants to cooperate with other companies, it should do its own evaluation and submit to the government for consideration," Abdullah said, when asked to comment on General Motors Corp's (GM) renewed interest inProton.

Earlier talks between Proton and GM ended in a stalemate at the end of lastyear.

GM president for South-East Asian operations, Stephen K. Carlisle, was quoted as saying the American company was always open to capitalise onopportunities to further strengthen its presence in the region.

Carlisle, however, said no approach has been made to engage GM for fresh talks although it has been reported that the Malaysian Government was willing to look for a strategic alliance for Proton despite last year's failed talks withGM and German carmaker Volkswagen.

"If Proton wants to talk, we are ready as we are always interested aboutcollaborating with them," he said.