Chew’s appointment affirms Bank Negara’s commitment to equal opportunity

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 -- Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Muhammad Ibrahim while announcing the first quarter GDP performance at a press conference in Bank Negara today. The Malaysian economy recorded a robust growth of 5.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year against 4.1 per cent in the same quarter of 2016, backed mainly by strong domestic demand and private expenditure. -- fotoBERNAMA (2017) COPYRIGHT RESERVED

KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of Jessica Chew Cheng Lian as deputy governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) demonstrates the bank’s tradition as an institution that provides equal opportunity for all to succeed and thrive.

BNM governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim said this is a tradition that BNM is proud of and holds in high esteem in line with its recognition of merit and the encouragement of diversity in its work culture.

“Let us welcome and give our full support to Jessica as the new deputy governor, as we had previously given to others, and wish her all the best in her new role,” Muhammad said in said in an internal email to BNM employees on Wednesday.

Chew will assume the position of deputy governor of BNM effective Jan 1, 2018, following the retirement of Dr Sukhdave Singh as deputy governor on Dec 31, 2017.

Muhammad said as an institution which holds the public trust, it is imperative that BNM continues to move with the times so that it could serve the nation with the utmost integrity, professionalism and put the interests of the nation first.

“I emphasise that the interests of the nation and the organisation are paramount. It must take priority over all other considerations. The burden of leadership cannot be taken lightly,” he said.

Muhammad said the responsibility of BNM’s leadership is to carry out the central bank’s mandate to ensure the economic and financial stability of the country.

“We must be strong as one team, cohesive, focused and be respectful of others. We should continue to have exceedingly high professional expectations of the management team to maintain a high standard of integrity, be able to drive teamwork, collaboration, be consultative and collaborative in our advocacies, both public and private,” he said.

Muhammad expressed confidence that BNM’s talent, dedication and sense of purpose would take the institution to greater heights, and contribute immensely to the well-being of the country, society, and future generations of Malaysians.

“A good leader needs to also focus on nurturing talent development, to the extent of making him or herself redundant. The burden of leadership, to those who have known and experienced it, is a heavy one. I thank those who have been willing and able to meet that challenge with a true sense of duty and purpose.

“As we enter into an exciting era of development for our country, let us continue to work as a unified team, confident and determined, and focus all that we have for the betterment of our society,” he said.

Muhammad also bid farewell to his long-time colleague, Dr Sukhdave Singh, and wished him all the very best in his future undertakings.

“Dr Sukhdave has contributed, like many others, towards the bank’s mandate. As a retiree, Dr Sukhdave will enjoy all the benefits accorded under the terms and conditions of the bank,” he said. - Bernama