Shareholder primacy, controlling shareholders and Malaysia’s Companies Act 2016

Mohd. Sulaiman, Aiman @ Nariman and Rachagan, Shanty (2017) Shareholder primacy, controlling shareholders and Malaysia’s Companies Act 2016. Journal of Corporate Law Studies, 17 (1). pp. 203-224. ISSN 1473-5970

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) | Request a copy
	PDF (SCOPUS) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (71kB) | Request a copy
	PDF (WOS) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (119kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The predominant corporate governance model within the Commonwealth mimics that of the UK where powers of management are reserved for the board. This director primacy model, however, is being challenged by proposals to expand shareholders’ decision-making rights including giving shareholders the power to initiate their own proposals and to instruct the board. Amidst this debate, Malaysia has passed its new Companies Act 2016 which contains, amongst others, s 195 which empowers shareholders to make binding recommendations to the board relating to the management of the company. Empowering shareholders by giving them such powers have been the subject of intense criticisms. This article examines s 195 and the shareholders participation eco-system to provide an idea of the law in practice as well as to address the concerns relating to giving shareholders such expansive power. This article advances the view that the decision-making framework under the Companies Act 2016 and the actual functioning of the power to instruct show that these criticisms may be unfounded and the potential setbacks of shareholder empowerment can be minimised through judicious use of legal rules.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	1872/65493
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Malaysia Companies Act 2016
Subjects:	K Law > KPG Malaysia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws
Depositing User:	Prof Aiman Nariman Mohd-Sulaiman
Date Deposited:	08 Aug 2018 11:46
Last Modified:	08 Aug 2018 11:46
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/65493

Actions (login required)

View Item