2009 Annual Report - ChartNexus

Chairman’s Statement
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to take our successful Saga and Persona models into international markets; launch of product
refreshers, namely the Persona SE and Satria Neo CPS; and commitment for powertrain
development, further product refreshers, as well as new product introduction.
In addition, PROTON has received an R&D grant from the Government amounting to
RM81 million, under the National Automotive Policy (NAP), in recognition of the Group’s
investment in R&D amounting to RM162 million.
Dividends
An interim dividend of 5 sen (less income tax) was declared on 27 November 2008 when
PROTON announced the financial results for the second quarter ended 30 September 2008.
The said dividend was paid to shareholders on 14 January 2009.
In view of the need to ensure that PROTON is viably strengthened and able to achieve longterm
and sustainable growth, the Board of Directors is not recommending the declaration
of any further dividends for the financial year ended 31 March 2009. With improved
profitability in the future, the Board expects to once again be able to recommend a suitable
dividend payment.