Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa Returns To Proton As Deputy CEO

National automaker Proton revealed earlier today that it has appointed a new Deputy CEO.

Earlier today, national automaker Proton revealed Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa has returned into its fold, and he now succeeds Roslan Abdullah as its Deputy CEO. According to the automaker, Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa’s appointment takes effect from Nov 1.

Making his return to succeed Roslan Abdullah as Deputy CEO of Proton is Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa. The exec once helmed the role of CTO for the national automaker prior too.

As a refresher, the Deputy CEO post at Proton was last helmed by Roslan Abdullah who left at the end of May this year. Since then, Ainol Azmil, vice president of Corporate Strategy and senior director of Group Technical Procurement, served as interim successor.

Those familiar with Proton will remember Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa from before – he had famously served as the automaker’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO). He also led Proton Edar as its CEO and oversaw critical milestone launches during which – the X70 in 2018 being one.

Before returning to Proton, Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa oversaw major portfolios within the massive UMW Holdings Berhad conglomerate. There, he even headed their aerospace division and led key initiatives in mobility, innovation and sustainable development.

Covering Deputy CEO Ainol Azmil (first from right) and CEO Dr Li Chunrong (second from left) at the recent launch of the Proton e.MAS 5 last week.

“Proton is delighted to welcome back Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa. His 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,” read the automaker’s official press release issued today.

Like his predecessors, Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa will report directly to CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa's return and installation as Deputy CEO comes at a pivotal time as Proton launched the e.MAS 5 and is gearing up to debut the all-new 2026 Proton Saga soon.

Through the same release, Proton also thanked also Ainol Azmil for covering said role in the interim. He remains in the automaker’s top management where he continues his existing roles mentioned earlier.

Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa’s return comes at a timely juncture for the national automaker – it just launched Malaysia’s most affordable EV in the Proton e.MAS 5 last week, and it’s now gearing up to launch the long-awaited all-new 2026 Proton Saga.