10/03/2026

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TUESDAY | MAR 10, 2026 SCAN ME Anwar: Strengthen capital market to support economic transformation

o Need to deepen investor participation, expand funding channels for businesses and mobilise sustainable financing, PM says at launch of Securities Commission’s Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must strengthen its capital market to support economic transformation and keep pace with rapidly evolving global investor expectations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country needs to deepen investor parti cipation, expand funding channels for businesses and mobilise sus tainable financing to unlock the next phase of growth. “From the outset, the Madani government made reform non negotiable,” Anwar said, noting that strengthening the foundations of the financial system remains a key priority for the government. Speaking at the launch of the Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 (CMP 2026-2030) by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) yesterday, Anwar said the roadmap will help position the capital market as a central enabler of Malaysia’s broader economic reforms. Over the years, the Securities Commission has introduced successive reforms aimed at improving disclosure standards, strengthening governance frameworks and enhancing investor protection. These measures, he said, demonstrate Malaysia’s firm commit ment to transparency, accountability and market integrity. However, Anwar noted that the global economic landscape has become increasingly complex, with investor expectations evolving rapidly, making it necessary for Malaysia to take the next step to unlock the full potential of its capital market. CMP 2026-2030 outlines four key priorities – strengthening capital Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com

five years. “The masterplan is an ambitious plan. We are aiming to grow the capital market size by RM1.5 trillion to RM2 trillion in five years,”he said at the launch of The Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 (CMP 2026 2030), which outlines strategies to accelerate the development of Malaysia’s capital market as a key driver of national economic trans formation. This expansion, said Faiz, would translate into a compound annual raising, rewarding business dynamism, embedding sustainability as a driver of value and broadening meaningful participation across the economy. According to Anwar, these am bitions are closely aligned with the government’s broader economic strategies to upgrade Malaysia’s in dustrial capabilities and competi tiveness. Under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the government is accelerating industrial upgrading, deepening economic complexity and nurturing firms capable of competing regionally and globally. “Our capital market must power this transition by providing meaningful pathways for companies to raise funds efficiently, scale with confidence and innovate with purpose,” Anwar said. The prime minister also high lighted the capital market’s role in supporting Malaysia’s sustainability agenda, particularly in financing the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Through the National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia has outlined plans to strengthen climate resilience and accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy. Anwar said the capital market masterplan complements this road map by mobilising capital at scale and directing investment into sectors that will drive sustainable growth. “With stronger climate governance and carbon frameworks taking shape, the private sector must now step forward and lead the transition.” The roadmap also seeks to expand the pipeline of companies ready to list on Bursa Malaysia, including through initiatives to strengthen Bumiputera participation in the capital market. Anwar said supporting Bumi

Anwar (centre) and (from left) Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Securities Commission chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar dis playing copies of the Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 at the launch in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

finance models that can deliver measurable social impact. Anwar also highlighted the upcoming social exchange platform under the Asean Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship System regu latory framework, which aims to enhance transparency and credibility in channelling funds to social and community initiatives. “By enhancing transparency and credibility in the intermediation of funds for social and community causes, the platform will help embed impact and accountability at the heart of our financial system.” Malaysia must remain proactive in navigating global economic uncer tainties and structural shifts, Anwar said. “In an age where opposing forces pull in different directions, Malaysia cannot stand idle. With confidence and resolve, we must embrace these changes and emerge stronger.”

pathways for Malaysian and Asean businesses, as well as Bumiputera owned ventures, to grow beyond domestic borders. As these firms develop into regional champions, they will help strengthen Malaysia’s contribution to regional economic integration while showcasing the country’s capabilities and standards. Beyond economic growth, Anwar said, the capital market should also contribute to broader social out-comes. Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance, he noted, positions the country well to develop innovative financial solutions that support social development, improve access to education and healthcare and strengthen resilience against climate risks. To advance these efforts, the government is encouraging greater exploration of waqf-based financing, Islamic social finance and blended

putera firms with the capability and ambition to become public-listed companies is vital to building a more inclusive and broad-based economy. At the same time, he emphasised that Malaysian companies must scale up and expand regionally as technological advancements re shape industries at an unpre cedented pace. “Technological advances now shape industries in days, not decades,” he said, adding that businesses must strengthen their regional presence and compete with the world’s best. With Asean among the fastest growing economic regions globally, Anwar said, Malaysia must leverage the opportunities available within the region. Under the CMP, capital market intermediaries will play a central role in facilitating cross-border expansion, including creating market-based

SC targets RM5.8 trillion to RM6.3 trillion capital market by 2030 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s capital market is projected to grow to between RM5.8 trillion and RM6.3 trillion by 2030 under a new roadmap unveiled by the Securities growth rate (CAGR) of 6% to 8%, allowing the capital market to outpace the country’s historical real gross domestic product growth. Economic Framework, 13th Malaysia Plan, New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and National Energy Transition Roadmap. economy, there remains significant room for improvement. Over the past decade, he said, the equity market has expanded

gradually but has lagged the pace of economic growth, with returns remaining relatively modest To address this, the masterplan will

The roadmap is anchored on four strategic pillars – market vibrancy, inclusivity, sustainability and regional opportunities – aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness amid rapid global economic changes. Faiz noted that while Malaysia’s capital market has demonstrated resilience and continues to play an important role in financing the

Faiz said the masterplan reflects the collective efforts of policymakers and industry players to strengthen the capital market’s role in supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic aspirations. Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, CMP 2026-2030 is aligned with national economic priorities, including the Madani

Commission Malaysia (SC) aimed at strengthening market dynamism, expanding investor participation and positioning the country as a stronger regional investment gateway. SC chairman Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the plan aims to expand the capital market to RM2 trillion from RM4.3 trillion as at end-2025, within

introduce initiatives such as a value-up programme aimed at improving long-term valuations and

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