Malaysian Politics Under Mahathir

by Mauzy,Diane K.

• ISBN13: 9780415171434
• ISBN10: 0415171431
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-03-31
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

As Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad has led Malaysia to a high rate of economic growth and a reduction of poverty. The recent economic crisis in Asia has put Mahathir's controversial rule under increasing scrutiny. This book examines Mahathir's character, his ideas and often despotic nature, relating them to Malaysia's social, economic and political context. It contrasts his success at managing ethnic tensions, policies of industrialization, modernization and foreign policy, with his failures in human rights, checking corruption and grandiose projects. While many believe that Mahathir's leadership accentuated the economic crisis, many also believe that he is the best one to lead the country out of it. Looking toward Malaysia's future, the authors also consider the political prospects of Mahathir's deputy, Anwar Ibrahim.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Acknowledgements	xi
List of acronyms	xii
Malaysian proper names and titles	xv
Key dates	xvi
Map 1 Southeast Asia	xvii
Map 2 Malaysia	xix
Introduction: leadership in Malaysia	1	(7)
Malaysia: how Mahathir came to power	8	(21)
Mahathir's assertion of executive power	29	(21)
The economy and development	50	(30)
Containing ethnic discontent	80	(23)
Human rights	103	(19)
Foreign policy	122	(22)
The succession to Mahathir: Anwar Ibrahim	144	(15)
Mahathir as Prime Minister	159	(28)
Postscript	187	(2)
Notes	189	(21)
Further reading	210	(7)
Index	217