Kuala Lumpur, 17 June 2010 - The discontinuation of the Bank's rating services by RAM Ratings Sdn Bhd is made after a review of our current local ratings requirements, to be in line with the rating practices of the Parent and Group.

The development is to streamline our financial institution's rating exercise, so it is in synergy with our Parent. At the same time, it is also part of the Bank's cost rationalisation exercise, as we had previously engaged in the services of two rating agencies.