Malaysian autos firm Proton launched its first electric vehicle on Monday, the latest entry into the local market as the country seeks to boost EV and hybrid EV use and gain a foothold in the global supply chain.

Malaysian automaker Proton unveiled the country’s first locally produced electric vehicle (EV) on Dec 16, after the government pledged to boost EV uptake on the roads. Proton – which is backed by Chinese automotive giant Geely – launched the e.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday appointed Thailand's billionaire political heavyweight and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser for when he becomes chair of Southeast Asia's regional bloc next year.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari says Thaksin Shinawatra’s appointment makes no political sense and defies logic.