Fitch: Malaysia Budget Signals Reform, but Implementation is Key

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE, October 28 (Fitch) The Malaysian government's restatement of its commitment to lowering the Federal Government deficit, and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), are potentially constructive steps, says Fitch Ratings. But a track record of budget management remains key to limiting further credit pressure on the sovereign rating. The Outlook on the sovereign's 'A-' Foreign- and 'A' Local-Currency Ratings was revised to Negative in July 2013, due to the deterioration in public finances and a perceived weakening of prospects for fiscal consolidation and budgetary reform. The latest budget contains three key announcements which are potentially constructive for Malaysia's sovereign credit profile. One is the restated commitment to the existing objective of a Federal Government deficit of 3.5% of GDP in 2014, and 3% by 2015, signaling a potential intensification of efforts to consolidate government finances. This is notable, as it comes about despite the government's weakened political position following the May 2013 general elections. Second is a budgeted reduction in subsidy expenditure. However, Fitch points out that the steps to achieving this outcome are not yet fully identified, and remain subject to external shocks. Third is the proposed introduction of the long-mooted GST in April 2015, at an initial rate of 6%. Fitch feels this is a key reform which could strengthen the credit profile by broadening the revenue base and lessening the budget's dependence on petroleum-derived revenues. We will look, however, for a track record of implementation towards the stated goal of deficit reduction (as a percentage of GDP) - backed by subsidy rationalisation and GST introduction over 2014-2015 - hence the ratings remain on Negative Outlook. Another increasingly important issue is whether Malaysia can avoid the emergence of twin public and external deficits. As we have previously highlighted, the rapid erosion of Malaysia's current account surplus has been driven partly by a drawdown of public-sector savings as well as by increased investment. The slippage of the current account position into deficit could increase Malaysia's vulnerability to renewed market tensions when Fed tapering becomes more likely. Beyond the budget, Fitch has previously highlighted the rapid rise in federally guaranteed debt as a source of pressure on the credit profile. Guarantees rose to 15% of GDP by end-2012 from 8% at end-2008. This is an area of the public finances that we will monitor beyond the budget. The upshot of all this is that budget deficit reduction is heavily reliant on expenditure restraint, and a track record of sound budget management and implementation will be integral to our assessment. Moreover, the avoidance of a domestic savings/investment imbalance which forestalls a weakening of Malaysia's funding strengths is also important.

Andrew Colquhoun Senior Director, Sovereigns Tel: +852 2263 9938 Art Woo Director, Sovereigns Tel: +852 2263 9925 Aninda Mitra Senior Director, Fitch Wire Tel: +65 6796 7232 Media Relations: Leslie Tan, Singapore, Tel: +65 67 96 7234, Email: leslie.tan@fitchratings.com; Wai-Lun Wan, Hong Kong, Tel: +852 2263 9935, Email: wailun.wan@fitchratings.com. The above article originally appeared as a post on the Fitch Wire credit market commentary page. The original article can be accessed at www.fitchratings.com. All opinions expressed are those of Fitch Ratings. Applicable Criteria andALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE.