Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badwawi on Monday said he would meet with Volkswagen’s top officials in hopes of wrapping up talks on a foreign alliance for beleaguered national car maker Proton, according to a news agency report.

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“I am waiting,” Badwawi told the Associated Press (AP), adding@ “I am expecting (them) to come any time.” He reportedly did not elaborate.


AP noted that the Malaysian government missed a self-imposed Saturday deadline to finalise a strategic partnership for loss-making Proton with a foreign company.


The government is in talks with Volkswagen and General Motors, the two remaining foreign contenders after PSA Peugeot-Citroen pulled out last month, the report added.


“At the level of the officials, (the talks are) nearing completion,” Abdullah told the news agency. “We want to conclude the talks as soon as possible.”

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