Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz has denied she was forced to retire by April 30 due to political pressure.

"There are no hidden hands," she said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

She was presenting the central bank's Annual Report 2015 and Annual Financial Statement 2015.

She said she retired as she has completed her mission in her tenure as the governor.

"I felt that given my background and so on and the team I have now, I had done all those things I wanted to do, and in my own assessment, it is good time to hand over," said Zeti.

The completed mission included strengthening the bank's organisational resilience and capability, she said.

"The whole system including the policy-making decision is functioning effectively and delivering results, so I have a high level of confidence that this is likely to continue.

"There is no reason to doubt the organisation will continue to deliver this kind of result," she said.

Zeti was again bombarded with questions on her successor, including being asked whether she is willing to stay for another half-term.

"All the preparations have been made (to pave way for my retirement). I plan to write a book," she said.

"I had been quoted in three interviews as saying that there is unfinished business... but as far as I am concerned, it is time for me to hand over the baton," she said.

Zeti, 68, has headed Bank Negara for 16 years.

She, however, said she was not privy to the identity and details of her successor.

"The recommendation made by the governor's board committee is highly confidential. You just have to be patient. There are only 38 days left," she said.

The committee has submitted its recommendation (to pick the next governor) to the government, she said.

"Now, the government has to make the decision," she said at her last official press conference.

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