Too many good companies stay small for too long: Anwar urges Bursa Malaysia to help more local firms become regional champions

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech at the Bursa Malaysia 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur October 29, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 30 Oct 2026 9:11 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Bursa Malaysia Bhd to help more Malaysian companies grow into regional champions, saying too many promising businesses remain small for too long.

“I would like to see more mid-tier 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 keynote address at Bursa Malaysia’s 50th anniversary celebration yesterday.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Bursa Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Farid Alias, Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad’l Mohamed and Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi were also present.

Anwar added that the growth of Malaysian businesses could create more jobs and allow more Malaysians to share in the country’s progress.

He also stressed the importance of trust and fairness in the capital market, saying companies seeking investment from Malaysians must deal with them honestly.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Malaysia’s market would face a changing global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological change and the energy transition.

“The market has been through hard years. Financial crises and the pandemic tested companies, investors and regulators alike. Through each of them, the capital market kept doing its job. It kept investment flowing and helped the economy recover,” he added.

Anwar also urged Malaysian companies to move up the value chain in areas including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and digital technology to compete confidently abroad.

The Prime Minister said the government had also put a great deal of effort into governance and fiscal discipline, as well as making Malaysia a more attractive place to invest.

“The results are showing. In the first half of this year, Malaysia recorded RM218.5 billion in approved investments. Under the Madani Economy, we are aiming to raise the ceiling of what our economy can achieve while raising the floor of our people’s living standards,” Anwar said. — Bernama