Proton Holdings Bhd needs a foreign strategic partner to enable it to expand its overseas markets by producing high-quality cars and strengthen its position in the long run.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani said it was time for Proton to stand on its own feet after 32 years of government supervision.

"The strategic partner can help enhance Proton's technology and ability to compete in the international markets and produce high-quality cars," he told reporters after launching 'Aplikasi Mobile Semakan BR1M' (BR1M Mobile App Checker) here Tuesday.

Dismissing an allegation Proton would sell a 51 per cent stake to a foreign automaker, he said the government viewed seriously the national carmaker's position as the company and its subsidiaries had provided plenty of jobs to locals.

"The Proton ecosystem is important to the government. If it is not managed well, the jobs created will be lost, a situation that the government does not want to happen during the current economic conditions," he said. -- Bernama