Date of Award

2-10-2026

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Dissertation

Divisions

Faculty of Business and Economics

Department

Department of Accounting

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ownership structure and corporate tax avoidance among Malaysian publicly listed firms, with particular emphasis on the moderating role of multinational corporation (MNC) status. Drawing on agency theory, the study investigates how three ownership types government ownership, managerial ownership, and institutional ownership influence firms’ tax avoidance behaviour. Using a quantitative research design, the study analyses panel data from 885 non-financial companies listed on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market over the post-COVID-19 period from 2021 to 2023. Tax avoidance is proxied using adjusted effective tax rates (ETRadjusted), and panel regression techniques are employed to test the hypothesised relationships and moderating effects.The results indicate that both government ownership and managerial ownership are positively associated with effective tax rates, suggesting lower levels of tax avoidance. In contrast, institutional ownership does not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with tax avoidance. Furthermore, the findings show that MNC status strengthens the compliance-enhancing effects of government and managerial ownership but does not significantly moderate the relationship between institutional ownership and tax avoidance. These findings highlight the importance of ownership structure as a governance mechanism in shaping corporate tax behaviour, particularly in an emerging market context. The results offer important implications for policymakers, regulators, and investors seeking to strengthen corporate governance frameworks and curb aggressive tax planning practices.

Initial

khm

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya, 2026.

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