KUALA LUMPUR: Measures are being taken to make it easier and faster to list on Bursa Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"I recognize that the longer term market and structural reforms will be required for Malaysia’s capital market and economic transformation.

"However, as a start, in order to encourage more companies to be listed on Bursa Malaysia, the Securities Commission and Bursa Malaysia will implement reforms this year to make it easier and faster to list on Bursa Malaysia,” said Anwar.

He added in his speech at an event at SC headquarters on Monday (June 19) that this will be done by expediting the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process and reducing time-to-market to ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness and attractiveness.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, however said that any reform required discipline and patience as well as confidence and courage to do new things and make difficult decisions for the benefit of the people and the nation.

"Despite the multiple challenges inherited by the government, early economic indicators show that the government’s fiscal policies and 2023 Budget measures are bearing fruit such as Malaysia’s strong growth of 5.6% in the first quarter of 2023 and reduced unemployment rate of 3.5%.

"The affirmation of credit rating by Fitch and Moody’s earlier this year also reflect their confidence in the government’s determination to sustain economic growth momentum," he said.

This Government, he added, would do all that was needed to drive inclusive and sustainable growth, an open economy that respects free financial flow.