Malaysia Prime Minister's Office has announced that Malaysia Central Bank (BNM) Deputy Governor, Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim has been appointed as the new head of the central bank effective from May 1, succeeding Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
The Prime Minister's Office, had in a statement, said the King, had on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, endorsed the appointment of Muhammad.
Najib said he was confident Muhammad will continue to assist the government, provide his advice and views to drive the country's economic growth and also administer the monetary policy and oversee the country's financial industry including BNM's efforts to develop the industry.
Muhammad was the deputy governor since 2010. He is a member of the central bank’s monetary policy committee and is an independent director on the board of national oil firm Petronas.
A chartered accountant and University of Malaya graduate, he holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and a postgraduate diploma in Islamic banking and finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
Najib also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Zeti for her excellent contribution during her tenure as the seventh governor of the central bank.
Muhammad , who will take over from Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akthar Aziz who retires on April 30, said he accepts the appointment as governor with great humility.
He viewed the appointment as opportunity and call to serve the nation. .
Muhammad said in a statement that he will strive to carry out the duties of governor of BNM to the best of his ability.
“I wish to record my appreciation to the Prime Minister and the government for the confidence and trust placed upon me.
“It is important for the central bank to maintain monetary and financial stability, remain focused on its strategic agenda and work towards contributing to a better future for all Malaysians,” he said.
Muhammad also thanked Zeti for her exemplary leadership and enormous contributions to the Bank and to the nation.
