Malaysia stronger today after major fiscal reforms – SC chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in a stronger position than a decade ago, thanks to major fiscal decisions by the government, such as subsidy cuts and a focus on economic development, said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi.
Malaysia's fiscal decisions, such as subsidy cuts and a focus on economic development, have reinforced the nation's stronger financial position compared to a decade ago, according to Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi. This improved fiscal stance is further highlighted by the successful pricing of Malaysia's US dollar Government Sukuk issuance, which showcases stronger international recognition.
In a speech at the Asean Investment Roadshow, Faiz emphasized Malaysia's deep and diversified capital market, which surpasses the size of the banking sector, as well as the country's leading role in Islamic finance and its commitment to enhancing cross-border connectivity. The Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030, referred to as CMP, is driving efforts to bolster the vibrancy and growth of Malaysia's capital market.
This includes initiatives like MY Value Up with Bursa Malaysia, a program involving Malaysia's top 88 public-listed companies.
The SC has also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. This agreement aims to create a framework for single-prospectus dual-listed initial public offerings and cross-listing of eligible REITs and ETFs. The objective is to expand market access and provide more options for both issuers and investors, thereby deepening cross-border participation.
Furthermore, Faiz noted that Asean regulators reached consensus last year on five key initiatives. These include establishing consistent voluntary carbon market standards, implementing Asean Taxonomy Version 4, issuing a simplified ESG disclosure guide for SMEs, and creating a project guide for identifying pilot projects in blended finance for adaptation and resilience funding.
The Asean Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Action Plan 2026-2030, with its five strategic thrusts, 11 key priorities, and 18 initiatives, aims to strengthen regional integration and Asean's global standing.
Key initiatives within the ACMF Action Plan focus on promoting Asean Diamonds, creating Asean indices, enhancing Islamic finance with a more robust shariah screening tool, and facilitating intra-Asean activities, products, and connectivity. A key priority is to establish a committee aimed at promoting Asean as an asset class, currently led by the Philippines and Singapore.
Faiz urged investors to reconsider Asean as a strategic long-term investment destination, emphasizing the importance of greater regional connectivity and international participation in Asean's next phase of growth.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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