Malaysia: Muhammad Ibrahim As New BNM Governor
Flash Notes
Wednesday, 27 April 2016 1 P a g e
Flash Notes
It was announced that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Muhammad Ibrahim has been appointed as the eighth
Governor. Muhammad was one of the front-runners speculated for the top job. Muhammad Ibrahim is the most senior among the
central bank’s three deputy governors and has served 32 years with BNM.
The appointment of new BNM Governor was seen as a key event risk. Going forward, markets will focus on policy continuity
particularly for interest rates. We think the policy rate will remain on hold at 3.25% this year unless growth takes an unexpected
turn for the worst.
USD/MYR opened 3.91 today before hitting day’s high at 3.9380. Following the announcement, the pair firmed to 3.9120 which
signal a positive effect on the currency and markets. In essence, we think this shows confidence that BNM under Muhammad
Ibrahim’s stewardship will ensure continuity, integrity and independence in policy making and building the country’s financial
industry to support development.
Key events to watch include US FOMC meeting (26-27 April), release Malaysia 1Q16 GDP (13 May), and next BNM monetary
policy meeting (19 May). Noteworthy 1MDB has another US$52m interest payment due on 11 May for 5.99% notes due 2022.
While markets are cautious on recent 1MDB events, there is also some level of confidence that the risks are manageable and
spillovers ring-fenced by way of guarantees from IPIC and the Malaysian government. We maintain our estimate of 4.05 by midyear
and 4.10 by year-end.