28 August 2026 Recent reappointment of an external member to the Monetary Policy Committee

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 AUGUST 2026 —

Bank Negara Malaysia reappoints Datuk Yogeesvaran Kumaraguru to Monetary Policy Committee

The central bank said the reappointment underscores the government’s confidence in his expertise, given his extensive background in economic policy and public service. Datuk Yogeesvaran has served on the MPC since 1 September 2024.

The decision follows the provisions of the Central Bank of Malaysia Act 2009, which governs the appointment and role of MPC members in setting monetary policy and related operations.

Malaysia’s financial markets are expected to remain stable following the announcement, as the reappointment signals continuity in monetary policy guidance. Analysts noted that Datuk Yogeesvaran’s deep experience in economic planning and legal economics would support the MPC’s decision-making process.

Datuk Yogeesvaran brings 27 years of service in the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), where he contributed to national development plans and served on the National Economic Action Council Secretariat. He later served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities from 2017. He has also advised international bodies including the World Bank and the United Nations.

He currently serves as a Partner at a legal firm and as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER). He holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of Manchester, a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Malaya, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London.

The outlook remains neutral, with the MPC expected to continue its current policy stance pending further economic data. BNM did not indicate any immediate changes to monetary policy following the reappointment.

Related: Bank Negara Malaysia · Monetary Policy Committee · Datuk Yogeesvaran Kumaraguru · Kuala Lumpur