'Don't worry about my successor, Bank Negara will remain strong' - Zeti Aziz

Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz today refused to reveal any information on the identity of her successor following her last term as the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia.

Zeti's contract will end in April and she added, that she will not stay on for another term as the Bank Negara's Governor.

She, however, said the announcement on her successor would be made soon.

"In due time, you will be informed. There is a process for it and you have to be patient," Zeti told newsmen after the launch of the Integrated Account Platform (IAP), an Islamic banking investment platform at Sasana Kijang today.

She reiterated that the process of appointing a new Governor will take time because it had to be done meticulously and in depth.

Zeti explained, that the process of finding her successor is being undertaken by the Governance Committee of the BNM Board which comprises independent directors from the private sector.

This was to ensure her successor has all the required qualifications and criteria.

Zeti said the people need not worry on the issue of her successor because Bank Negara would remain a solid institution.

"I do believe that the central bank has become a solid organisation. It has institutional strength, resilience and is founded on legal legislation." she said.

Zeti also expressed her confidence that Bank Negara would remain an independent entity with high integrity.

When asked if Bank Negara's independence would be affected with the appointment of a new Governor, she replied,

"The Central Banking Act accords wide ranging power and independence as well. With that, we are accountable for the entire mandate as articulated with great clarity in the Act.

"Most certainly, I have enjoyed the independence even before this legislation and the central bank has enjoyed it because it has a positive track record.

"I have been the Governor with five finance ministers and three prime ministers and the central bank has always been treated with respect and I expect that this will continue," Zeti said.