Is A 25bps Hike By Bank Negara Malaysia A Given?

Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting starts today and will continue tomorrow. Most economists are expecting a 25 bp increase bringing the OPR to 3.0%. Another key event to watch is the tabling of a revised Budget on February 24 where the Prime Minister Anwar's statement that the national debt including liabilities has reached 1.5 trillion Ringgit. This may provide some clues on the direction of the Budget. How will this impact Bank Negara Malaysia's monetary policy direction? For insights, we speak to Abdul Mui'zz Morhalim, economist, MIDF research.