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Proton Suspends Lotus Chief

Malaysian national carmaker Proton says it has suspended the head of its loss-making British sports car maker Lotus.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Malaysian national carmaker Proton says it has suspended the head of its loss-making British sports car maker Lotus.

Proton says Lotus Chief Executive Dany Bahar has been suspended pending an investigation into a complaint about his conduct.

Proton's chairman Mohamad Khamil Jamil also said that conglomerate DRB-Hicom, which acquired Proton in a recent deal, would not sell Lotus as it can still provide value to Proton.

DRB-Hicom announced a 3 billion ringgit ($951 million) takeover of Proton in January.

Analysts said the deal might boost struggling Proton but losses at Lotus could hamper its turnaround.

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