Anwar wants more Malaysian companies to grow and become regional champions
PETALING JAYA: Having marked five decades of success and growth, Bursa Malaysia must now focus on helping mid-tier companies reach greater heights, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he wants to see these companies grow, list and become regional champions.
“Too many good companies stay small for too long.
“Bursa has a role in helping them take that next step.
“If it succeeds, we should see more Malaysian businesses grow, more good jobs created and more Malaysians holding a stake in the country’s progress,” he said in his speech at Bursa Malaysia’s 50th anniversary gala dinner on Thursday night.
Reflecting on Bursa Malaysia’s growth over the past five decades, Anwar said there are now more than 1,100 listed companies worth more than RM2 trillion.
“These are companies that grew in capability and confidence, hired and trained people, and took Malaysian products and services to the world,” he added.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, noted that geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade and investment while technology is changing how work gets done.
He said that the energy transition is also creating new demands for capital.
“Malaysian companies will need to move up the value chain in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and digital technology, and compete confidently abroad,” he added.
Anwar also paid tribute to Bursa’s past and present leadership, its regulators, market participants and those whose daily work kept the institution going.
He thanked regulators who protected the market’s integrity and those who kept it running through the good years and bad.
“I hope that when Malaysians mark Bursa’s centenary, they will still find an institution they trust, a market that serves Malaysian enterprise and a place where good ideas can find the capital to grow,” he said.
At the gala dinner, Anwar also launched Bursa Malaysia’s 50th anniversary coffee table book.
The book, which was done with Star Media Group’s Brand Studio’s support, encapsulates five decades of milestones, memories and moments that have shaped Bursa Malaysia’s journey.
Through rare archival images, historical stories and reflections from across the years, the commemorative publication celebrates the people, progress and partnerships behind Bursa Malaysia’s success.
In his welcome address, chairman Tan Sri Abdul Farid Alias said Bursa Malaysia’s ability to adapt has kept it resilient and relevant through 50 years of change.
He said the clearest evidence of why the institution matters, is simply to look at everything around.
“The transport systems and the transport that we use, the electricity and the water that we depend on, the various buildings in the nation and many of the businesses that serve everyday Malaysian life have been funded, directly or indirectly, through the capital market.
“They create jobs and support livelihoods, while the market enables companies to grow and investors to participate in that growth,” he said.
Abdul Farid said this gives further meaning to Bursa Malaysia’s purpose of “Creating Opportunities, Growing Value”.
He pointed out how the incorporation of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on Dec 14, 1978, marked an important step in charting the country’s path for economic growth.
“The institution itself evolved through a demutualisation exercise in 2004, moving from a member-based organisation towards becoming Bursa Malaysia.
“Across these roles, successive generations have responded to the changing needs while protecting the trust on which the market depends,” he said.
Also present at the event were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
Others present were Securities Commission executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad’l Mohamed and Bursa Malaysia senior independent non-executive director Datuk Bazlan Osman.
