Malaysia must strengthen fiscal discipline, improve service delivery to attract high‑value investmen

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Malaysia must continue to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve public service delivery, support businesses, protect the rakyat and position the country to capture higher-value investment and growth, said Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said these would ensure that reform is anchored in credibility, accountability and trust.

Amir Hamzah said that we are operating in a world where uncertainty has become more complex and persistent, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the country.

“Geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignment, technological disruption, climate risks, cost pressures and changing investor expectations are reshaping how economies grow, compete and build resilience,” he said.

Amir Hamzah said this in his keynote address at the Malaysia Institute of Accountants (MIA) International Accountants Conference 2026 here today. 

He stressed that in an environment of constrained fiscal space, supply shocks and rising expectations, every ringgit must be used well.

“For the government, this means ensuring that public resources are managed prudently, assistance is targeted effectively, and programmes deliver measurable outcomes.

“For businesses, it means improving productivity, managing costs, investing wisely and strengthening resilience,” he said.

Amir Hamzah noted that revenue integrity is also critical.

“As the government continues to strengthen fiscal sustainability, we must improve compliance fairly, reduce leakages and ensure that the tax system is administered with transparency and accountability,” he added.

In a statement, MIA said that more than 4,000 delegates from around the world gathered at the MIA Conference 2026, the flagship conference of the MIA, to discuss the future of business and the profession amid economic, technological and sustainability shifts.

“The conference is the premier platform for thought leadership, strategic collaboration and transformation organised by MIA, the statutory body under the Ministry of Finance entrusted with regulating and developing the accountancy profession,” it said.

It said that during the conference, Amir Hamzah also launched the new “Industry Guide on Impact Monitoring and Reporting for Islamic Social Finance”.

MIA said that the guide, developed through its collaboration with the World Bank, aims to support greater consistency, transparency, and accountability in impact monitoring and reporting for Islamic social finance initiatives. — Bernama