1.   As such, it receives special breaks denied most Malaysian banks.

2.   A month later, UOB said it will merge its two Malaysian banks and start a brokerage to match larger rivals.

3.   Cautious lending and stronger government oversight helped insulate Malaysian banks from some of the weakness suffered by banks in Indonesia and Thailand.

4.   In October, Malaysian banks were told to raise reserves and account sooner for non-performing loans.

5.   Mahathir has in fact criticized Malaysian banks as too prudent, depriving enterprises of funds.

6.   SINGAPORE stocks rose, led by shares of United Overseas Bank Ltd. on expectations its profits will rise due to the merger of its two Malaysian banks.

7.   The stock market curbs followed the imposition of limits on currency swap transactions between Malaysian banks and foreign customers.

8.   Patriarch Many Malaysian banks were founded as family-based enterprises.

9.   Although positive in the longer term,there are concerns over the short term fragility of Malaysian banks.

10.   And yes, all was and has been very wellindeed for the Malaysian banks, at least for the last decade or so.