Premier Najib Abdul Razak today expressed his appreciation to Zeti Akhtar Aziz, whom he described as having served the nation in the most outstanding manner as the governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

The prime minister said Zeti had led and implemented all initiatives to ensure the stability of the country's banking and financial sectors, besides placing Malaysia's economy on a strong footing.

"Malaysia takes pride in the contribution and achievements of Zeti, a woman who has also received international recognition and awards.

"Thank you, and I wish you success and the best of luck," said the prime minister in his Facebook entry, today.

Zeti, who retired on April 30, was chosen as one of the best central bank heads in the world by the magazine, Global Finance in 2009.

The daughter of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid and a noted cultural figure, Sharifah Azah Mohamed Alsagoff, joined BNM in 1985 as deputy manager in the economics department.

Muhammad Ibrahim succeeds her as the new BNM governor.

- Bernama