KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 ― Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Abdul Aziz, whose term as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor ends this April, is expected to be replaced by Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
The energy management and policy masters holder is expected to be named the central bank’s new head some time next week, the international business daily reported, citing information from an unnamed Cabinet minister and a senior commercial banker.
WSJ said, however, that it was unable to confirm the matter with the Prime Minister’s Office, BNM, Irwan and Zeti.
Irwan, who reportedly joined the Finance Ministry in 2003, also currently sits on the board of advisers in state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Zeti, who has served as the central bank chief for 16 years, yesterday told reporters that BNM has made its recommendations for the post of new governor but kept mum about the names.
She added that it was in the hands of Putrajaya to make the decision and submit the names to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
