English

At a glance, the recent move by Bursa Malaysia Berhad to assume the role of Malaysian Investor Relations Association (MIRA) is a testament to the Exchange acknowledging the need to further enhance public-listed companies’ (PLCs) visibility and accessibility to the investment community through more active investor relations (IR) engagements.

The practice of re-electing directors yearly is a sword that cuts both ways. On the one hand, it promotes accountability and shareholder engagement by regularly assessing directors' performance and qualifications. And yet, the same practice might lead to a lack of accountability and short-term focus among directors, potentially compromising the company's strategic planning.

“Of late, women directors have become much sought-after to fill board positions. It is high time that the boards of PLCs, which are majority dominated by males, acknowledge that women have an important role to play on PLC’s boards, as appointing women as directors comes with various benefits. Appointing a woman director, preferably an independent director, ticks many conformance boxes for a PLC. Also, a diversified boardroom by gender and skillsets demonstrates the efforts toward better governance.”