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A hard-hitting and readable book which examines Mahathir's character, his ideas and policies and relates them to the social, economic and political setting inside Malaysia. Up until recently, high rates of economic growth and a striking reduction in poverty have been the hallmarks of this vibrant Tiger economy. Mahathir's success has now been placed in jeopardy by the recent economic crisis, and his rule is coming under hostile scrutiny.As one of the most controversial political figures in South-east Asia, Mahathir's success at managing ethnic tensions, policies of industrialization, modernization and foreign policy are explored, as are his grandiose projects, his human rights record and approach to corruption. Milne and Mauzy, leading authors in this field, assess Mahathir's rule within this context as well as the abrupt dismissal from office, arrest and trial of Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir's deputy, in late 1998.
E-Book Content
Malaysian politics under Mahathir Economic success and authoritarian government have been the hallmarks of Mahathir Mohamad’s administration. Since Mahathir became prime minister in 1981, the Malaysian economy has grown dramatically and Mahathir has remained firmly in control of the political scene throughout. Malaysian politics have been decisively shaped by Mahathir and this book provides a balanced and detailed account of his character, ideas, and temperament. The social and political scene in Malaysia is examined, as are the Prime Minister’s successes such as the careful management of ethnic tensions between Malays and Chinese, the program of modernization and industrialization, and his emergence as a champion of Third World causes. Mahathir’s faults are also honestly examined, including his preference for grandiose projects and his failure to check corruption. The abrupt dismissal from office, arrest and trial of Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir’s deputy, in late 1998, and their implications, are assessed. The recent economic crisis in Asia has had a major impact on certain Southeast Asian states including Malaysia. Malaysian Politics under Mahathir considers these recent developments and their implications for Malaysia’s, and Mahathir’s, future. R.S.Milne is Emeritus Professor and has held professorships at the University of British Columbia, Singapore University, London University and Victoria University, New Zealand. Diane K.Mauzy is Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia. Both have published widely on Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Politics in Asia series Edited by Michael Leifer London School of Economics ASEAN and the Security of South-East Asia Michael Leifer Political Change in Southeast Asia Trimming the Banyan Tree Michael R.J.Vatikiotis China’s Policy Towards Territorial Disputes Chi-kin Lo Hong Kong China’s Challenge Michael Yahuda India and Southeast Asia Indian Perceptions and Policies Mohammed Ayoob Korea versus Korea A Case of Contested Legitimacy B.K.Gills Gorbachev and Southeast Asia Leszek Buszynski Indonesian Politics under Suharto Order, Development and Pressure for Change Michael R.J.Vatikiotis The State and Ethnic Politics in Southeast Asia David Brown The Politics of Nation Building and Citizenship in Singapore Michael Hill and Lian Kwen Fee Politics in Indonesia Democracy, Islam and the Ideology of Tolerance Douglas E.Ramage Communitarian Ideology and Democracy in Singapore Beng-Huat Chua The Challenge of Democracy in Nepal Louise Brown Religious Identity in Foreign Policy Islam, Malaysian Foreign Policy and the Mahathir Administration Shanti Nair Taiwan and Chinese Nationalism National Identity and Status in International Society Christopher Hughes Managing Political Change in Singapore The Elected Presidency Kevin Y.L.Tan and Lam Peng Er Islam in Malaysian Foreign Policy