PROTON Holdings Berhad has announced the re-appointment of Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa as the company’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment, announced on November 3, 2025, sees Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa reporting directly to Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON. His return is a significant development for PROTON, which has been in a phase of transformation since its partnership with DRB-HICOM and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group began in 2017.
Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa returns as a well-respected figure in Malaysia’s automotive industry, with a career spanning over 30 years in engineering, manufacturing, and product development. During his previous tenure at PROTON, he served as Chief Technical Officer before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar. In that role, he oversaw several key milestones, including the successful launch of the Proton X70 in 2018.
Following his time at the national carmaker, Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa oversaw major portfolios within UMW Holdings Berhad, including heading the aerospace division and leading initiatives aligned with the national agenda in mobility, innovation, and sustainable development.
Leadership Confidence and Strategic Focus
Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of PROTON, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa’s “wealth of experience and insight into the Malaysian automotive industry and his familiarity with our operations will play a key role in supporting our transformation and advancing the company’s growth”.
The new DCEO’s role is crucial as PROTON continues its journey to evolve into a modern and global automotive brand.
The company also acknowledged the interim leadership of Ainol Azmil, who capably served as Covering Deputy CEO from June 10 to October 31, 2025. With the new appointment, Ainol Azmil will resume his roles as Vice President, Corporate Strategy, and Senior Director of PROTON’s Group Technical Procurement division. PROTON extended its appreciation for his steady guidance and commitment during the management transition.
