KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 ― Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Irwan Serigar Abdullah said today he does not know if he has been chosen to replace Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor.

Irwan was quoted in The Star Online as saying that he “doesn’t know” if this were true, following a report on the speculation this morning in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to the financial daily, Irwan will most likely be Zeti’s replacement.

Citing information from an unnamed Cabinet minister and a senior commercial banker, the newspaper said the energy management and policy masters holder is expected to be named the central bank’s new head some time next week.

WSJ said, however, that it was unable to confirm the matter with the Prime Minister’s Office, BNM, Irwan and Zeti.

Irwan, who reportedly joined the Finance Ministry in 2003, also currently sits on the board of advisers in state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Zeti, who has served as the central bank chief for 16 years and whose term expires in April, yesterday told reporters that BNM has made its recommendations for the post of new governor but kept mum on the names.

She added that it was in the hands of Putrajaya to make the decision and submit the names to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.