MARC has withdrawn the AA-/MARC-1 ratings assigned to Hong Leong Financial Group Berhad’s (“HLFG”) RM300 million Commercial Paper and Medium-Term Notes Programme (CP/MTN) with immediate effect following notification by the facility agent of the expiry of the facility. MARC’s remaining rating obligation in respect of HLFG is now limited to its RM800 million CP/MTN Programme 2007/2014 which had its ratings recently affirmed at AA-/MARC-1. Please refer to our Press Announcement dated August 20, 2009 for details on the affirmation.

Contact:
Ahmad Rizal Farid, 03-2090 2253/ arizal@marc.com.my