Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: The government will undertake a comprehensive review of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, following growing calls to remove the prime minister’s role in the appointment of judges. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the review would be holistic and aligned with the broader agenda of institutional reform. “It aims to ensure that the judicial appointment process upholds the principles of transparency and judicial independence, while safeguarding the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the constitutional privileges of the Malay Rulers,” he said in a statement. Anwar added that the review would include consultations with key stakeholders, such as the judiciary, the Conference of Rulers, the Malaysian Bar, and civil society organisations. The announcement comes after Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat remarked that eliminating the prime minister’s involvement in judicial appointments could help dispel perceptions of political interference in the judiciary.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is shifting its policy lens beyond traditional monetary tools as the country braces for economic headwinds stemming from sweeping new U.S. tariffs. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg TV, central bank governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said Malaysia is entering the trade dispute from a position of relative strength, supported by robust investment activity, resilient domestic demand, and a diversified network of trading partners. “Monetary policy cannot resolve trade wars. It’s not the best tool to do it,” Rasheed said, noting that while interest rates remain an important lever, broader structural measures will be more effective in shielding the economy from external shocks. The central bank has held its benchmark interest rate at 3% since May 2023, following a year-long tightening cycle. However, with the U.S. imposing a 24% levy on Malaysian goods, traders are now pricing in a potential 25-basis point rate cut within the next six months, according to Bloomberg’s swaps data. Rasheed emphasised that BNM’s primary focus remains on maintaining price stability and fostering sustainable growth. “What’s important for us is the mandate that we want — price stability that supports long-term economic growth,” he said. The ringgit, Asia’s top-performing emerging-market currency in 2024, has come under renewed pressure in April, tracking broader volatility among developing-market peers. Rasheed noted that the central bank is prepared to intervene when necessary to prevent excessive currency fluctuations, but any action will be “judicious” to preserve orderly market conditions. BNM is currently reviewing Malaysia’s 2025 GDP growth forecast of 4.5% to 5.5% in light of the new tariffs, though Rasheed cautioned against hasty revisions. “We’re not in a rush to change it now because things are still very much fluid,” he said, adding that January’s industrial production data, which came in below expectations, is being closely analysed. Rasheed also underscored the need for deeper structural reforms. “It’s more important now that the government doubles down on structural changes to strengthen the economy and support the ringgit in a more sustainable way,” he said. Among the government’s ongoing measures is the planned reduction of fuel subsidies for the top 15% of income earners, with changes to RON95 petrol prices expected later this year. While this move may affect inflation, BNM maintains its consumer price forecast of 2% to 3.5% for 2025 remains intact. Efforts are also underway to encourage government-linked companies and investment funds to repatriate foreign investment income and convert proceeds into ringgit — a move expected to bolster currency strength. In parallel, BNM continues to engage with exporters and importers to encourage prudent foreign exchange management, including timely conversion of export earnings. Despite the uncertainty posed by trade tensions, Rasheed’s remarks reflect cautious optimism anchored in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals — and a belief that the path through global volatility lies not in reactionary rate cuts, but in long-term resilience.

KUALA LUMPUR:  In a landmark move to democratise investing in Malaysia, CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) has officially launched fractional share trading on Bursa Malaysia via its new digital platform, UP—marking the first time such a feature is available on the local bourse. Officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the launch underscores a key aspiration of the Malaysia MADANI Economy Framework to widen capital market access to the masses. “By removing critical barriers like high cost and minimum board lot requirements, this initiative allows anyone with a digital device and internet connection to own a stake in Malaysia’s top companies,” said Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah. “This market-first innovation is a testament to what’s possible through strong collaboration between regulators and market players.” Also present at the launch were top representatives from the Securities Commission Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia, and CGS International, including Carol Fong, GCEO of CGS International, and Azizah Mohd Yatim, CEO of CGS MY. Investing Made Simple with UP UP is CGS MY’s next-generation trading platform, designed with an intuitive user interface and equipped with award-winning insights, competitive fees, and a suite of educational resources. Aimed at young and first-time investors, UP enables users to build diversified portfolios with as little as $1. “Fractional trading is a game-changer,” said Carol Fong. “ASEAN’s young, enterprising population is eager to grow their income through smart investments. UP is here to support that journey—not just in Malaysia, but across the region.” The platform includes SaveUP, a regular savings plan that allows users to automate investments at their preferred frequency, reinforcing long-term wealth-building habits. Users can set personalised goals and start with a low monthly investment, making the stock market more accessible than ever. Empowering with Education To guide users through their investing journey, UP offers curated financial education through its ‘Discover’ and ‘Education’ sections. These feature simplified investing fundamentals and insights from CGS International’s research team, supporting informed decision-making. Boosting Financial Literacy with the ASEAN Investment Challenge The launch also coincided with the ASEAN Investment Challenge (AIC) 2025, a regional competition designed to promote investment literacy among students. Now entering its third edition, the challenge has expanded to the Philippines, making it the only student investment challenge in the region backed by all local exchanges in participating countries. “We hope to empower more young Malaysians and first-time investors through tools that make investing less daunting,” said Azizah Mohd Yatim. “Coupled with our educational efforts like AIC, we’re working to equip the next generation with the confidence and knowledge to secure their financial future.” UP is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play.For more information, visit: https://cgsi.com.my/up

KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form 99% of the region’s business landscape, risk losing US$237.5 billion in potential revenue if they fail to embrace greener, more sustainable practices. This stark warning came from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) assistant governor Madelena Mohamed during her keynote address at the High-Level Dialogue on Supply Chain Resilience titled “Insights into Greening Value Chains for ASEAN.” “Transitioning SMEs is more than just about cutting carbon emissions or using cleaner technologies,” she said. “It is about future-proofing economies by improving resource efficiency, reducing costs, and building resilience against climate and other disruptions.” Citing the mounting pressure of net-zero targets across ASEAN member states, Madelena stressed that decarbonising regional value chains—particularly those involving SMEs—is not optional but essential for sustaining competitiveness, growth and long-term resilience. Tackling Structural Barriers Despite the urgency, Madelena acknowledged the structural limitations faced by SMEs, including financial constraints, lack of technical knowledge, and limited access to specialised support. To address these challenges, Malaysia launched the Greening Value Chain (GVC) programme in 2023, a pilot initiative under the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3). The programme blends financing with practical training and tools to help SMEs decarbonise their operations. “More than 330 SMEs have undergone technical training since the start of the programme, and nearly half have started to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions,” she noted. The Role of Anchor Companies A core component of the GVC is the role of anchor companies—typically large corporations that integrate SMEs into their supply chains and support them with infrastructure, knowledge-sharing and financial aid. “Under the GVC, we’ve seen large corporates acting as sponsors, allowing SMEs to leverage their resources. This kind of collaboration makes the green transition feasible,” Madelena said. She outlined three pillars driving the programme’s success: collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much,” she said, quoting Helen Keller to highlight the power of collective action. A Whole-of-Ecosystem Approach Madelena stressed that meaningful progress requires a whole-of-ecosystem approach where governments, corporates, financial institutions and SMEs work hand in hand. “A common platform enables each party to build on others’ expertise and experience. This is how we drive comprehensive and scalable solutions,” she said. Sustaining Long-Term Change Finally, she emphasised the importance of agility and adaptability in policy and practice. Sustainable transformation, she said, demands frameworks that evolve with SMEs’ needs and continuous commitment from all stakeholders. “Smart partnerships address resource constraints and foster a culture of innovation. But sustaining the change is imperative—we must stay agile, responsive, and committed.” As ASEAN eyes deeper regional integration and global supply chain prominence, the message from policymakers is clear: sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a non-negotiable pillar of economic resilience.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will send officials to Washington by the end of April to begin dialogue with the United States over the recently imposed 24 per cent reciprocal tariffs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, later confirmed that the Malaysian delegation would depart for the US by month-end. “This is part of our soft diplomacy of quiet engagement. We will be dispatching our officials to Washington to begin the process of dialogue. There may be limited room to revisit the underlying intent, but there is still scope for adjusting the policy’s implementation,” said Anwar during his keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 titled “ASEAN 2025: Forging a Resilient and Inclusive Future.” “In the meantime, Malaysia will adapt, as we always have. Winds may shift, but we do not drift. Our trade diversification strategy is already gathering pace.” While affirming Malaysia’s commitment to remaining a steadfast trade partner to the US, Anwar stressed that the government will also take all necessary steps to safeguard the nation’s economic interests. “This includes engaging proactively with the US to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome, while at the same time diversifying and strengthening ties with other major trade markets across the European Union (EU), Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.” Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said that trade between Malaysia and the US has long been a model of mutual benefit. “Our exports support not only growth here but also high-quality jobs across the United States. This commercial relationship has served both countries well, but these new measures may end up harming both sides.” Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Amir Hamzah emphasised the need for a civil and constructive discussion with the US to better understand the rationale behind the tariffs. When asked if Malaysia was panicking in response to the situation, he replied: “No. We are chill.” He added that while the US’ move was unexpected, Malaysia is taking a measured and prudent approach rather than reacting hastily. “Therefore, we will go to the US for an amicable discussion, to gain a deeper understanding of this issue, and to explore ways to reach a better outcome than the current situation. “For now, we should not panic or act in haste. We will do things the right way,” he said after the ministerial dialogue session on “ASEAN Macro Structural Policies: Reform Versus Expansionary Measures.” — BERNAMA