PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must embrace change and innovation to emerge stronger in an increasingly complex global economy to unlock its full capital market potential, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country cannot afford to stand idle and must face the creative destruction of these post-normal times with confidence to strengthen its capital market.
“In an age where centripetal and centrifugal forces pull in opposing directions, Malaysia must respond not with apprehension, but with the confidence that we can emerge stronger.
“The global economy has grown more complex and investor expectations continue to evolve rapidly.
“To sustain confidence, deepen participation and unlock Malaysia’s full capital market potential, we must now take the next leap forward with renewed ambition and clarity of purpose,” he said.
Anwar said this in his keynote address at the launch of the Capital Market Masterplan (CMP) 2026–2030 developed by the Securities Commission (SC) on Monday (March 9).
The fourth iteration, CMP4, is designed to guide Malaysia’s capital market over the next five years.
The Prime Minister added that from the outset, the government has also made reform non-negotiable, guiding its approach to strengthening the foundations of Malaysia’s financial system.
This includes the launch of the Madani Economy framework, which aims to build an economy that is more dynamic, equitable and sustainable.
“Meanwhile, on the capital market front, the SC has strengthened disclosure standards, enhanced governance frameworks and reinforced investor protection through successive CMPs, reflecting a firm commitment to transparency, accountability and market integrity.
“Under the CMP, capital market intermediaries will play a central role in creating market-based pathways for Malaysian Asean Business Entities and Bumiputera-owned ventures to expand beyond our shores,” he said.
He also said efforts to strengthen Bumiputera participation, including supporting firms with the capacity and ambition to become public-listed companies, are indispensable to building a more inclusive, broad-based economy.
“As they grow into regional champions, they will carry Malaysian capabilities, values, and standards, strengthening our contribution to regional economic integration,” he said.
Anwar said a humane economy requires capital to serve not only profit but also social wellbeing, resilience and shared prosperity.
“The government encourages deeper exploration of waqf-based financing, other Islamic social finance solutions and blended finance models that deliver measurable outcomes and ensure capital reaches those who need it most,” he said.
