Bank Negara's Zeti: a tough act to follow

Singapore

COME April, Malaysia's most admired "Grade A" central bank governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz will bow out of the institution she has led for 16 years with her characteristic soft-spoken, wavery voice yet steady, trusted hand.

The 68-year old central-bank lifer, who deftly steered the country through two financial crises, will exit Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) at a crucial point: the crude-reliant nation faces sluggish economic dynamics from a slowing global economy, a commodity slump, and a much weakened ringgit.