Excerpts
Y Bhg Datuk Ali Kadir, the then Chairman of Securities Commission, described in 2001 the role of MSWG when he spoke at the launch of MSWG

“……. In playing its role, it must be remembered that the MSWG is not a guard dog which attacks its foes as the MSWG has no teeth and does not bite. It also does not act as a bloodhound as its role is not to investigate – that is the role of the regulators. As a watchdog, the MSWG’s role is to watch for danger and bark alerting people of impending danger. It is up to the people to take heed of the warnings of the watchdog.”

It is useful to know the role of MSWG. Paradoxically, many people assume that MSWG is a super cop. MSWG has to keep reminding them that we are not. We are a watchdog.

Excerpt from the Foreword by the former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, in a book entitled “Corporate Governance : An Asia-Pacific Critique” on 2 January 2002 :

“……. The year 2001 ushered in two further milestones, namely, the incorporation of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance into the revamped Listing Rules of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and the establishment of Badan Pengawas Pemegang Saham Minoriti Berhad, or the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group Limited. The latter will promote better and more effective Corporate Governance practices which could set a benchmark for others in the region.”

Excerpt from the Speech by the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, made at the Invest Malaysia 2005 Conference held in Kuala Lumpur on 22 March 2005 :

“………. the protection of minority interests will, at all times, remain a critical priority of the Malaysian Government to ensure confidence in the Malaysian Capital Market.”

MSWG Organised a Workshop on "Getting Behind The Figures"
30 June 2008

MSWG organized a one-day workshop for the Retail Investors on "Getting Behind The Figures". This Workshop is to enable the Retail Investors to acquire a thorough knowledge and skills in analyzing and interpreting the Annual Reports and Financial Statements.

The objectives of this Workshop are to assist the Retail Investors to master the accounting concepts and terms used in annual reports & financial statements and to assess the overall financial performance of a public listed company – whether it is profitable and financially sound.

This workshop was held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad. Participants were charged a fee of RM120 which includes seminar materials and refreshments as well as lunch. However, a 30% discount on the fee was given to the MSWG subscribers.

MSWG Organised a Workshop on “How to Read, Analyse and Interpret Annual Report and Financial Statements (Basic Level)
28 May 2008

MSWG organized a one-day workshop for the Retail Shareholders on “How to Read, Analyse and Interpret Annual Report and Financial Statements (Basic Level)”.  This Workshop was a ‘repeat’ program of the Workshop held on 27 December 2007 as requested by the Retail Shareholders.   It is aimed to guide the Retail Shareholders to acquire a comprehensive understanding of Annual Report and Financial Statements.

This Workshop was held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysis Berhad.  Each participation was charged RM100 for the seminar materials and refreshment as well as Lunch.   Subscribers were given 30% discount on the fee, i.e. RM70 per person.

MSWG Organised a Workshop for Retail Shareholders on “Profitability, Liquidity & Insolvency – How to Analyse and Interpret Them for Making Right Investment”
17 April 2008

A Workshop was organized for the Retail Shareholders on “Profitability, Liquidity & Insolvency  -  How to Analyse and Interpret Them for Making Right Investment”.  This Workshop is aimed at imparting knowledge and making the retail shareholders/investors understand ratio analysis and versatile tools in analyzing and interpreting company’s performance.  It is hoped this Workshop will make the Retail Shareholders become wise and smart investors.

This Workshop was held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad.  Each participant was charged a fee of RM100 which included seminar materials and refreshments as well as lunch.

MSWG Launched the Company Meetings Survey 2007 and Subscriber Services
17 April 2008

MSWG launched the Company Meetings Survey 2007 and Subscriber Services at a Ceremony held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

This Survey is undertaken to analyse the level of reporting compliance and best practices of the top 100 public listed companies (PLCs) on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on company meetings under the current legal and regulatory framework of the Companies Act 1965, the Securities Industry Act, the Listing Requirements and the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance.  The 100 PLCs surveyed were based on market capitalisation as at 31 December 2005 and the 2006 Annual Reports were analysed to determine their reporting compliance.

The Survey highlights some of the many important issues which cover General Meetings, Board Meetings and Board Committee Meetings.  The key findings in this Survey will be useful to investors not only in understanding their rights, but also the proceedings of General Meetings, the nature of Board Meetings and Board Committee Meetings as well as the appropriate disclosures that are essential to enhance their informed decision-making.

This Survey is published in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA.  It will be distributed and marketed to the PLCs mentioned in the Survey and other PLCS as well as local and international institutions including professional bodies, fund managers, research houses, institutional shareholders, statutory bodies, regulators, financial institutions, institutes of higher learning and international corporate governance bodies.

The Company Meetings Survey 2007 is now available for sale at RM100 each and those interested to purchase this Survey Report can contact MSWG direct at telephone nos: (603) 2070 9090 or e-mail at :  watchdog@mswg.org.my

First Press Briefing by MSWG in 2008
7 April 2008

The first Press Briefing for the Year 2008 was held on 7 April 2008 at MSWG’s Office.  It is a prelude to the Official Launch of the Company Meetings Survey 2007 and Subscriber Services as well as the Dialogue for the Investing Public and Investor Education Workshop for the Retail Shareholders on 17 April 2008.

The various media representatives were also briefed on the latest update of the activities carried out by MSWG for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2007.

MSWG Organised a One-Day Workshop for Retail Shareholders on “How to Read, Analyse and Interpret Annual Reports and Financial Statements”
27 December 2007

A One-Day Workshop was organized for the Retail Shareholders on “How to Read, Analyse and Interpret Annual Reports and Financial Statements” .  This Workshop is aimed to guide the Retail Shareholders to acquire a comprehensive understanding of Annual Reports and Financial Statements.  It will enable the Retail Shareholders to learn how to carefully examine these Annual Report and Financial Statements to differentiate between the well-run companies and poorly-run companies.  It is hoped this Workshop will make the Retail Shareholders become wise and smart investors.

This Workshop was held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad.  Each participant was charged a fee of RM100 which includes seminar materials and refreshments as well as lunch.

MSWG Launched the Corporate Governance Survey 2007
20 November 2007

MSWG launched the Corporate Governance Survey 2007 at a Half-Day Seminar Ceremony held at the Nirwana Ballroom 1, Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur.

This Survey which was carried out in collaboration with the Nottingham University Business School covers 350 top public listed companies (PLCs), 100 small-capitalised PLCs, 40 top 2nd Board PLCs and 10 top Mesdaq PLCs.   A Corporate Governance Survey Analysis Report providing insights from the 22 PLCs ranked top 20 has also been produced to supplement the Corporate Governance Survey 2007.

Awards were given to the 10 leading PLCs for being ranked Top 10 in the Corporate Governance Survey 2007.  These 10 leading PLCs have achieved commendable standards in corporate governance compliance and best practices. 
The 10 leading PLCs which received their awards for being ranked Top 10 are as follows :-

The Corporate Governance Survey is part of MSWG’s effort to promote good corporate governance and shareholder activism.  It is an essential guide to stakeholders and to allow them to examine directors’ contribution to board oversight and management participation in corporate governance reform and to help them keep abreast of corporate governance trends and practices not only from the viewpoints of local perspectives, but international aspects as well.

It is hoped that every public listed company, director and stakeholder will derive tangible benefits by studying the findings of the Survey.

The Corporate Governance Survey 2007 Reports can be purchased from MSWG at the following prices :-

• Corporate Governance Survey 2007 (350 Top Main Board PLCs)  -  RM100 per copy
• Corporate Governance Survey 2007 (100 Small Cap PLCs)  -  RM50 per copy
• Corporate Governance Survey 2007 (40 Top 2nd Board/10 Mesdaq PLCs)  -  RM50 per copy
• Corporate Governance Survey Analysis 2007 : Insights from the PLCs Ranked Top 20  -  RM150 per copy
  
  

A Fourth Press Briefing for the Year 2007 and the Eighth under MSWG’s 5-Year Business Plan 2005 to 2009 was held on 15 November 2007.  This Press Briefing was held at MSWG’s office as a prelude to the Launching of the Corporate Governance Survey 2007 on 20 November 2007.

The representatives from the various media were also briefed on the latest update of the activities carried out by MSWG for the period from 1 January to 31 October 2007.

MSWG Launched the Directors’ Remuneration Survey 2007
12 September 2007

MSWG launched the Directors’ Remuneration Survey 2007 at a Half-Day Seminar held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad. The Ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, the Deputy Minister of Finance 1.

This Survey was carried out in collaboration with the Universiti Teknologi MARA and covers the top 500 public listed companies based on market capitalization as at 31 December 2005. The annual reports published up to the financial year end as at 30 June 2006 were used in the Survey.

The Survey makes use of the corporate governance principles and best practices based on the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (the Code) whereas international best practices are drawn from sources such as the OECD Principles, the ICGN Remuneration Guidelines, the US SEC Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure, the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance and Singapore Code on Corporate Governance.

The key findings in the Directors’ Remuneration Survey cover board composition, directors’ profile, remuneration committee, analysis of directors’ remuneration, remuneration vis-à-vis financial performance as well as compliance with international best practices.

The report on Directors’ Remuneration Survey 2007 can be purchased from MSWG at RM100 per copy.

MSWG Organised a Seminar for Retail Shareholders on “Analysing Companies, Stocks and Shares – How to Make the Right Investment”
7 September 2007

MSWG organized a Half-Day Seminar specifically for the Retail Shareholders which is aimed to assist the shareholders on how to analyse companies, stocks and shares for making right investment. This Seminar also looked at the common ways in which the accounts can often mislead or reported with hidden meanings.

It was held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad. Each participant was charged a fee of RM50 which includes seminar materials and refreshments as well as lunch.

The representatives from various media attended this event.

Third Press Briefing by MSWG in 2007
4 September 2007

A Third Press Briefing for the Year 2007 and the Seventh under MSWG’s 5-Year Business Plan 2005 to 2009 was held on 4 September 2007. This Press Briefing was held at MSWG’s office as a prelude to the Half-Day Seminar for Retail Shareholders on “Analysing Companies, Stocks and Shares – How to Make the Right Investment” on 7 September 2007 and also the Launching of the Directors’ Remuneration Survey 2007 on 12 September 2007.

The representatives from the various media were also briefed on the latest update of the activities carried out by MSWG for the period from 1 January to 31 August 2007.

MSWG Launched the Second Expanded Edition of its Corporate Governance Screencard 2006 and Dividend Survey 2006 as well as its Latest Corporate Brochure
10 April 2007

MSWG launched the second expanded edition of its Corporate Governance Screencard 2006 and Dividend Survey 2006 covering selected 100 public listed companies and top 200 public listed companies respectively. The latest Corporate Brochure of MSWG was also launched at the Half-Day Seminar held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

The Ceremony was officiated by YB Dato' Awang Adek Hussin, The Deputy Minister of Finance II.

Corporate Governance Screencard 2006

The CG Screencard 2006 is a second as well as an expanded edition in the CG Screencard series for the selected one hundred (100) public listed companies (PLCs). The CG Screencard is not only a mechanism but a dash board for directors of PLCs to ascertain how their PLC scores in terms of compliance with the corporate governance principles and best practices as enshrined in the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance.

CG Screencard series is among the key publications by MSWG in its aims to raise corporate governance awareness among the public, particularly retail investors.

Detailed CG Screencard Analysis has also been published as an important supplement to the CG Screencard 2006.

The CG Screencard and the CG Screencard Analysis are available for sale at RM100 and RM150 respectively.

Dividend Survey 2006

Dividend Survey 2006 is a second as well as expanded edition of the Dividend Survey series and it presents the findings of the distribution of dividends of the top 212 PLCs by market capitalization as at 31 December 2005.

The findings in this survey are useful and relevant to shareholders in gauging the company's dividend practices against the industry standards.

A Dividend Scanner has also been published as an important supplement to the Dividend Survey 2006.

The Dividend Survey and the Dividend Scanner are available for sale at RM100 and RM150 respectively.

Second Press Briefing by MSWG in 2007
3 April 2007

A Second Press Briefing for the Year 2007 and the Sixth under MSWG's 5-Year Business Plan 2005 to 2009 was held on 3 April 2007 at MSWG's office as a prelude to the Launching Ceremony of the Corporate Governance Screencard 2006 and Dividend Survey 2006 as well as its latest Corporate Brochure.

The Media was also briefed on the latest update of the activities carried out by MSWG for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2007.

MSWG Launched “A Guide of Best Practices for Institutional Shareholders” and “A Guide for Retail Shareholders”
29 January 2007

MSWG launched its two Guides entitled “A Guide of Best Practices for Institutional Shareholders” and “A Guide for Retail Shareholders” at a Half-Day Seminar held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad. The Representatives from the Institutional Shareholders and the Retail Shareholders attended the Seminar.

The Ceremony was once again officiated by YB Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, the Deputy Minister of Finance I.

A Guide of Best Practices for Institutional Shareholders was developed in line with Recommendation 112 of the Capital Market Masterplan and Recommendation 3.11 of Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Sector Masterplan. It focused on the roles of Institutional Shareholders as owners of the investee companies and how they need to discharge their responsibilities on behalf of their beneficiaries and other stakeholders to influence, guide and monitor these investee companies in a responsible way.

This Guide can be purchased from MSWG’s office at RM20 per copy.

A Guide for Retail Shareholders is prepared as a learning aid for Retail Shareholders and can be used in whatever way suits them appropriately. This Guide is designed as practical as possible to assist the Retail Shareholders gain financial and commercial knowledge in understanding and interpreting a public listed company’s annual report and financial statements. This Guide can be purchased from MSWG’s office at RM30 per copy.

First Press Briefing by MSWG in 2007
24 January 2007

MSWG held its first Press Briefing for the Year 2007 on 24 January 2007. This Press Briefing was a prelude to a Ceremony organized by MSWG to officially launch "A Guide of Best Practices for Institutional Shareholders" and "A Guide for Retail Shareholders" at a Half-day Seminar held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

During the Press Briefing, The Media was also given the latest update on the activities carried out by MSWG from the Year 2006.

MSWG Launched its Corporate Governance Survey 2006
20 December 2006

MSWG launched its Corporate Governance Survey 2006 at a Half-Day Ceremony held at Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the Launching Ceremony, awards were given to the top 13 public listed companies ranked Top 10 in the Survey of the top 200 public listed companies and top 3 in the Survey of the 100 Small Cap public listed companies.

The Ceremony was officiated by YB Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, the Deputy Minister of Finance I.

This Survey which was carried out in collaboration with Nottingham University Business School was based on the December 2005 Annual Reports.

The Corporate Governance Survey Report covering Top 200 public listed companies and 100 Small Cap public listed companies can be purchased from MSWG’s office. An Analysis Report on the top 13 public listed companies ranked Top 10 is also available for sale.

Second Press Briefing by MSWG in 2006
15 December 2006

A Press Briefing was held on 15 December 2006 at MSWG’s office as a prelude to the Launching Ceremony of the Corporate Governance Survey 2006 for Top 200 public listed companies and 100 Small Cap public listed companies.

At the Press Briefing, the Media was also briefed on the latest update of the activities carried out by MSWG from 1 July to 15 November 2006.

MSWG attended the 2006 Asian Roundtable on Corporate Governance held in Bangkok, Thailand. This Roundtable was organized by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

MSWG also participated as one of the panelists in a session on “Independent Non-Executive Directors”.

The 2006 Roundtable was a follow-up on the recent years’ discussions on the enforcement and implementation of corporate governance in Asia. Participants were presented with case studies from Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Japan.

For details, please refer to the Attendance Report prepared by MSWG.

MSWG Unveiled its New Corporate Logo and Officially Launched its Corporate Governance Screencard 2005 and Dividend Survey 2005
28 August 2006

MSWG unveiled its new Corporate Logo at a Half-Day Seminar held at the Conference Room, Bursa Malaysia Berhad. The new logo carries the acronym “MSWG with the logo colours comprised of blue, red and white. The colour “Blue” denotes MSWG’s concern for corporate good health, the colour “Red” underlines MSWG’s affirmation to protect minority shareholders’ interest and the boldness to enhance shareholder activism while the colour “White” to show that MSWG operates in the white of transparency for the common good of all.

At the Seminar, MSWG also launched its Corporate Governance Screencard 2005 and Dividend Survey 2005. The Ceremony was officiated by En Yusli Mohamed Yusoff on behalf of YB Dato’ Dr Awang Adek Hussin, the Deputy Minister of Finance II.

The Corporate Governance Screencard 2005 and Dividend Survey 2005 were carried out in collaboration with the Accounting Research Institute, Faculty of Accountancy, Universiti Teknologi MARA. Analysis Reports were also produced to complement these two Surveys.

These Surveys and the Analysis Reports are available for sale.

First Press Briefing by MSWG in 2006
17 August 2006

MSWG held its first Press Briefing for 2006 on 17 August 2006. This Press Briefing was a prelude to the Ceremony organized by MSSG to unveil its new Corporate Logo and the official launching of the Corporate Governance Screencard 2005 and Dividend Survey 2005.

During the Press Briefing, the Media was also given the latest update on the activities carried out by MSWG from 1 January to 30 June 2006.

Special Corporate Governance Award Presentation to AMMB Holdings Berhad
9 August 2006

MSWG presented the Corporate Governance Award to AMMB Holdings Berhad at its Headquarters for being ranked Fourth in the Corporate Governance Survey 2004 which was launched in December 2005.

The Award was presented by En Abdul Wahab Jaafar Sidek, the Chief Executive Officer of MSWG to Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim, the Chairman of AMMB Holdings Berhad.

Special Corporate Governance Award Presentation to United Plantations Berhad
17 May 2006

MSWG presented the Corporate Governance Award to United Plantations Berhad at its Headquarters in Teluk Intan, Perak for being ranked Second in the Corporate Governance Survey 2004 which was launched in December 2005.

The Award was presented by En Abdul Wahab Jaafar Sidek, the Chief Executive Officer of MSWG to Tan Sri Datuk Dr Johari Mat, the Chairman of United Plantations Berhad.

Special Corporate Governance Award Presentation to Telekom Malaysia Berhad
15 May 2006

MSWG presented the Corporate Governance Award to Telekom Malaysia Berhad at its Headquarters for being ranked Second in the Corporate Governance Survey 2004 which was launched in December 2005.

The Award was presented by Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, the Chairman of MSWG to Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Ir Muhammad Radzi Haji Mansor, the Chairman of Telekom Malaysia Berhad.

Special Corporate Governance Award Presentation to Tenaga Nasional Berhad
27 April 2006

MSWG presented the Corporate Governance Award to Tenaga Nasional Berhad at its Headquarters for being ranked Fourth in the Corporate Governance Survey 2004 which was launched in December 2005.

The Award was presented by Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, the Chairman of MSWG to Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, the Chairman of Telekom Malaysia Berhad.

Special Award Presentation by Public Bank Berhad
29 December 2005

MSWG Chief Executive Officer and other Management Staff were invited to the Special Award Presentation organised by Public Bank Berhad on 29 December 2005 at their Corporate Headquarters.

Public Bank Berhad was ranked No: 1 in the Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004 launched by MSWG recently.

MSWG Launched its Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004
21 December 2005

MSWG launched its Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004 at a half-day Seminar held at the Integrity Institute of Malaysia on 21 December 2005. The Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004 was officially launched by Y Bhg Tan Sri Dato’ Md Nor Md Yusof, Chairman of Securities Commission & Capital Market Development Fund.

This Survey which was carried out in collaboration with Nottingham University Business School was based on the September 2004 Annual Reports.

The Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004 can be obtained from MSWG Office at RM 50 per copy.

Second Press Briefing by MSWG in 2005
19 December 2005

A Press Briefing was held on 19 December 2005 at MSWG’s Office to provide the prelude to the half-day Seminar organised by MSWG to launch the Corporate Governance Survey Report 2004 and to provide the update on the activities carried out by MSWG from 1st May to 19 December 2005 since the endorsement of its Business Plan for 2005 to 2009 by the Capital Market Development Fund on 20 April 2005.

OECD 7th Asian Roundtable on Corporate Governance in Bali, Indonesia Conference
6 – 8 September 2005

MSWG was invited by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to attend the 7th Asian Roundtable on Corporate Governance held in Bali, Indonesia on 6 – 8 September 2005.

The principal focus of this Asian Roundtable was on implementation and enforcement of corporate governance in Asia pertaining to OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises and Banks in Asian markets.

For details, please refer to the Attendance Report prepared by MSWG.

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