Since World War II the democratic systems adopted by states emerging from colonial rule have in some cases been abandoned and in others suspended or transformed. Two questions arise: Can democracy succeed in newly independent states dominated by communal cleavages? If so, what adjustments are necessary in Western models of democracy? Karl von Vorys contributes new answers by examining the polit…
This is a collection of opinion pieces written by Ooi Kee Beng and published in the mass media after Abdullah Badawi became Malaysia's Prime Minister in October 2004. The articles analyse the many difficult aspects of leadership that have been facing Abdullah Badawi over the last two years. The book discusses the country's underlying problems, the dilemma involved in succeeding Mahathir Mohamad…
Contents: 1. Economics, management, politics and security 2. Regional and international 3. Miscellaneous
The book examines Malaysia's long-term social transformation, the global disruptions of July 1997 and 'September 11', key leaders' calculations of power, and the pitfalls of succession that intersected to produce the political dramas of Mahathir's final decade in power.
The past five years have held tremendous significance for the process of nation building in Malaysia. Civil society and voters -- especially in urban areas -- are making new and strong demands on the government, in fact on governance per se; the opposition parties that managed to pull off successful electoral upsets in 2008 have formed a viable coalition to challenge the long-term federal gover…
The assertiveness of the Islamic ethos in many parts of the world since the 1970s is a reality witnessed in many countries, particularly those with sizeable Muslim populations, and Malaysia is no exception.
Books and articles on the subject of the formation of Malaysia abound. Some dwell on the significance and interpretations of event which have taken place. In the memoir, Ghazali Shafie's decided to chronicle the way these matters should be narrated. He felt he owed future generatios an obligation to put national historical matters in the perspective.