Most equities in the region firmed, following overnight gains on Wall Street.

Certain segments of foreign investors will see emergency declaration as an undemocratic move.

The ASCM says suspending the stock market will protect it from severe damage that could take a decade to heal.

It adds that business continuity plans to manage and mitigate potential risks.

FBM KLCI was 56.56 points lower at 1,719.28 from Monday's close of 1,775.84.

They expect markets would remain edgy, at least for the first 100 days of the new gov't.