Former GLC CFO urges finance shift to ‘strategic trust architecture’

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Finance professional Dr Abdul Ahad Mohd Salleh (Dr A. Ahad) has proposed a framework for institutional trust and fiscal accountability as Malaysia navigates a complex economic landscape.

With 27 years of experience, including his role as CFO of a government-linked company, Dr A. Ahad argues that governance quality is central to public confidence.

“Governance is often discussed in terms of rules, reporting and compliance, but its real value goes much deeper. Strong governance builds trust, improves decision-making and creates the discipline needed for long-term resilience,” said Dr A. Ahad.

His recent PhD research at Management & Science University analysed 663 observations of Malaysian public listed companies from 2021 to 2023. Using corporate tax avoidance as a metric, the study identified profitability, leverage and board size as key factors, noting that governance is most effective when leadership and accountability are aligned.

“When companies make decisions with greater discipline and transparency, the impact extends beyond the organisation. It contributes to investor confidence, fiscal responsibility and public trust in the wider economy,” he noted.

Dr A. Ahad advocates for finance to evolve from a reporting function into a strategic discipline.

“Finance and accounting can no longer be viewed as back-office functions that only report what has already happened. At their best, they are part of an organisation’s trust architecture — shaping how decisions are tested, how resources are allocated, how risks are surfaced and how accountability is built into daily management,” he said.

This approach aligns with remarks by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan at the MIA International Accountants Conference 2026 regarding fiscal discipline.

Consequently, Dr A. Ahad supports the proposed Malaysian Management Accountants Association to elevate the profession as a strategic partner in long-term value creation.