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 participation, expand funding channels for businesses and mobilise sustainable 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) today, 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 commitment 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.
The CMP 2026-2030 outlines four key priorities: strengthening capital raising, rewarding business dynamism, embedding sustainability as a driver of value and broadening meaningful participation across the economy.
According to Anwar, these ambitions are closely aligned with the government’s broader economic strategies to upgrade Malaysia’s industrial capabilities and competitiveness.
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 highlighted 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 roadmap 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 Bumiputera 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 reshape industries at an unprecedented 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 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 outcomes.
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 finance models that can deliver measurable social impact.
Anwar also highlighted the upcoming social exchange platform under the Asean Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship System regulatory 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 uncertainties 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.”
