Public Bank grabs four top spots in FinanceAsia.com poll

PUBLIC Bank Bhd, the largest banking group in terms of market capitalisation, has come out tops in a recent annual poll conducted on best-managed companies in Malaysia.

The bank was recognised as the best company in four categories, namely management, corporate governance, investor relations and most committed to a strong dividend policy.

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) was also named one of the top five companies in the same four categories.

The poll, conducted by FinanceAsia.com, was the eighth annual poll of Asia's top companies. The financial markets' website collected votes from 167 investors and analysts across the region.

CIMB Group came in second for the best managed and best corporate governance categories and was placed third in the best investor relations category.

The only telecommunications company to make the list was DiGi.com Bhd, the country's third largest mobile phone operator.

DiGi.com ranked number two in terms of investor relations with 31 votes.

For the best chief financial officer (CFO) category, Tanjong Plc's Gerard Nathan came in tops with 17 votes while DiGi's Stefan Carlsson tailed with 11 votes.

The country's biggest media group Media Prima Bhd was voted the best mid-cap company with 17 votes, followed by low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd with 13 votes.

Steel miller Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd was voted best small-cap company, while oil and gas services provider Deleum Bhd came in second.

Other notable mentions for categories including best management, best corporate governance, best investor relations and most committed to a strong dividend policy are Petronas Gas Bhd, IOI Corp Bhd and British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Bhd.