The candidate to head the central bank must have extensive knowledge in the economic and financial environment both locally and globally, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

Commenting on her successor, Zeti said she is confident that the candidates proposed by the BNM governance committee will fulfill the criteria.

"Not anybody can be appointed to the position. That person must have extensive knowledge of central banking and the current environment.

"From my personal experience, it (the selection) is getting more complex," she told reporters after the release of BNM's 2015 Annual Report today.

She said the new governor will be announced before her retirement, less than 38 days away.

Zeti however refused to disclose the names of candidates listed by the committee.

Meanwhile, BNM has reappointed Dr Sukudhew (Sukhdave) Singh as deputy governor for another term from April 16, 2016.

In a statement today, the central bank said Sukhdave would continue to hold the position for three more years, overseeing the monetary and economics sector as well as several departments under the organisational development sector of the bank.

Sukhdave was appointed to the current post on April 16, 2013 for a three-year term.