Malaysia Says Stronger Governance and Integrity Are Essential to Sustain Economic Growth

Kuala Lumpur, 19 October 2026 – Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Economy YB Dato’ Sri Mohd Shahar bin Abdullah said stronger corporate governance, integrity and innovation must underpin the country’s next phase of economic growth, as Malaysia seeks to attract investment while preparing companies for artificial intelligence, sustainability and geopolitical risks. Speaking at the Asia Independent Directors Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 19 October 2026, he said Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.7% in the first half of 2026, while approved investments reached RM218.5 billion.

For businesses and investors, the message is that Malaysia’s growth ambitions are increasingly tied to the quality of corporate leadership. Government policy can provide infrastructure, incentives and economic direction, but boards will ultimately determine how companies manage technology, capital, regulatory exposure and long-term risk.