The new chairman of Malaysian carmaker Proton has said he wants the brand to change from being a maker of cheap cars to being a world-standard car manufacturer.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Proton has always been labelled as a cheap or poor quality car maker.

"Now Proton wants to produce cars which are of world standard, but you have to pay a higher price.

"You can't have a good car and pay a bad car price," he told reporters when asked about his immediate plan for Proton.

He said because Proton is a private company now it can make progress with research and development.

Asked if Proton would need government aid, the chairman referred to how Hyundai has grown with initial support of its South Korean government.

Proton has ceased new car sales in the UK.