KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Malaysia's central bank kept interest rates unchanged on Friday, citing tame inflation and slower growth and warned of the risks arising from large capital flows into the region. As expected, Bank Negara held the key overnight policy rate at 2.75 percent for the second meeting in a row, after hiking three times this year on the back of strong economic growth. ********************************************************* KEY POINTS: For story on interest rate decision, double click on For text of central bank decision, double click on COMMENTARY: JOANNA TAN, ECONOMIST, FORECAST: "While regional counterparts are scrambling to act on inflationary pressures, Bank Negara has already frontloaded 75 bps worth of rate hikes in the earlier part of the year and recent data showed that inflation is still within manageable levels. In light of the moderating recovery, a rate pause seems like the best action to take for now. We expect that the central bank will steer policy in a neutral gear into the new year while keeping a watch on growth risks. Rate hold could extend to Q2 next year." MANOKARAN MOTTAIN, ECONOMIST, AMINVESTMENT BANK "Within expectations. I think it is the right kind of policy adopted. I think capital flows is not alarming now to require any kind of controls on that side. My guess for the next hike will be in May, by then we will already see some stability." (Reporting by Loh Li Lian, Razak Ahmad and Royce Cheah, editing by Liau Y-Sing) ((y-sing.liau@thomsonreuters.com; +603 2333 8083; Reuters Messaging: y-sing.liau.reuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: MALAYSIA ECONOMY/VIEW (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved.
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