Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad found himself seated next to a young woman in an upcoming Proton model during his official visit to China.

A video uploaded on YouTube shows the girl instructing the vehicle's voice command unit to perform several functions, much to Mahathir's amusement.

According to a Sin Chew Daily report, Tan Shu Rin is a second-year Malaysian student in Shanghai's Fudan University, who is majoring in broadcasting.

The 21-year-old student, who hails from Kluang, is an intern with Nuance Communications.

Nuance is collaborating with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group to develop the voice command system, one of which would be used for the Malaysian market.

The report quoted Tan stating that she had practiced numerous times with the voice command prior to Mahathir's arrival.

She was also not sure if Mahathir would enter the vehicle she was in, as there were five others as well and was delighted when the premier picked hers.

Mahathir, who was previously critical of Geely acquiring a major stake in Proton, now hopes that the strategic partnership would accelerate the process of improving Proton cars.

“When Proton was first produced, Geely was nowhere around. We sent six Proton cars here (to China), and we were very proud of our achievement.

“But as you know, Geely has outstripped us in terms of quality and productivity of your industry. And I think Proton can benefit from working together with Geely,” he said.