Kuala Lampur, Sept. 14 -- The ringgit opened stronger this week on renewed hopes that the United States Federal Reserve may soon cut interest rates.

While financial markets often interpret such news in the narrow lens of currency speculation, the implications for Malaysia go much deeper.

A firmer ringgit is not just about a temporary reprieve against the US dollar. It is a reflection of growing resilience in the Malaysian economy, particularly within the larger Asean landscape.

The ringgit and market confidence

For much of the past two years, the ringgit had been under pressure, trading at historically weak levels against the greenback.

Investors were quick to cite Malaysia's fiscal constraints, its modest tax base, and the uncertain...