The Association for Sustainable & Responsible Investment in Asia (ASrIA) today announces its participation in the Bursa Malaysia's public consultation to amend the stock exchange's listing requirements and corporate disclosure guide to include environmental, social, and corporate governance considerations.

Bursa Malaysia Bhd is seeking feedback on two consultation papers that are aimed to promote the Malaysian capital market's transparency, quality and efficiency. ASrIA has drafted responses and comments and distributed those to select members and partners. It is attempting to gain feedback from financial institutions as well as other stakeholders with an interest in improving corporate disclosure by Malaysian companies.

David St. Maur Sheil, Joint Executive Director of ASrIA, explained: "When we consult with stock exchanges around Asia, our general principle is: 'the more corporate disclosure, the better.'" Mr. St. Maur Sheil added: "We strongly encourage all ASrIA members to provide feedback either through us or directly to the bourse so that their voices can be heard. Public consultations are excellent ways to make a lasting impact on capital market development not only in Malaysia but throughout Asia."

Rebecca Mikula Wright, Business and Membership Development Manager of ASrIA, noted: "ASrIA's goal is to facilitate the consultation process for our members as well as our network across Asia. A joint response will send a very powerful signal to the stock exchange that investment professionals expect and value disclosure on environmental, social and corporate governance risks and opportunities."

Investment professionals as well as other interested parties are welcome to contribute to ASrIA's draft submission to the Bursa Malaysia. For a copy of our draft responses, contact Dave Doré, Research Manager of ASrIA at: ddore@asria.org. Submissions to the bourse must be sent by Thursday, 19 August 2010.

Alternatively, Bursa Malaysia Bhd accepts direct responses to:

Regulatory Policy & Advisory
Bursa Malaysia Berhad
9th Floor, Exchange Square
Bukit Kewangan
50200 Kuala Lumpur
E- mail:  norlaila_mohamad@bursamalaysia.com
Facsimile: +603-27320065

Download 15 July 2010 Bursa Malaysia Bhd Media Release
http://www.bursamalaysia.com/website/bm/media_centre/

Download Consultation Papers No. 3/2010 and No 4/2010
http://www.bursamalaysia.com/website/bm/regulation/rules/public_consultation.html