KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Financial institutions today operate across borders and legal systems, which has enabled risks and spillovers to spread rapidly, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said the growing integration of the region underscores the importance of closer collaboration within ASEAN.
Citing the recent paper by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), Amir Hamzah stated that systemic and contagion risks have risen due to a surge in intra-regional cross-border financial intermediation.
Overall, he noted that the analysis highlighted that ASEAN+3 claims and liabilities have increased notably, with significant growth observed within the region itself.
“This makes it clear that our regional crisis-response capabilities must continue to advance through stronger collaboration, coordination and communication,” he said in his keynote address at the National Resolution Symposium 2025 (NRS), organised by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) here today.
Amir Hamzah said the MADANI Economic Framework provided the overarching vision rooted in the values of dignity, sustainability and shared prosperity.
Together, he said these instruments reflect a unified, whole-of-nation commitment to building an economy that is strong, inclusive and resilient.
At the heart of these strategies are three pillars — to raise the ceiling by unlocking the growth potential, innovation and excellence; to raise the floor by improving the standard of living of the people, creating social protection, and the third pillar, good governance.
“The financial sector plays a critical role in realising this vision, from supporting small businesses to driving digital innovation and advancing Islamic finance.
“As the government continues to strengthen fiscal resilience to deliver better public services, we expect the industry to work collaboratively with PIDM and Bank Negara Malaysia to ensure that Malaysia’s financial system remains a driver of progress, (and) not a source of disruption,” he said.
He added that the government values PIDM’s role and remains committed to support its mission and wants financial instituitions to be resilient and (to be) prepared for any eventualities.
“The stability we enjoy today was built by the foresight of those before us. Now, it is our responsibility to build upon that foundation,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
