This book, which traces the evolution of what is now Malaysia from a far-flung colonial trading outpost at the time of the Pangkor Engagement in 1874 to a modern, diversified economy, is divided into five parts, in 10 chapters, which chronicle the events and the transformations—as well as the people—that marked this journey.
“The task of a historian—it is often said—is not to judge but to explain. History is complex. It is long, winding, and ever changing, filled with countless perspectives and opinions. Indeed, young historians could spend their whole life ‘looking down’ when they do research, and by the time they look up they would be as old as Malaysia itself.”
Launch of Striving for Inclusive Development, July 2019
In navigating our future course towards high-income status, Malaysia faces many challenges, which must be carefully considered and discussed if they are to be faced effectively.
We must also seek a better balance between competing demands on the environment and on our natural resources, for the benefit of this and all future generations."
Isis Malaysia’s Praxis Seminar: A Time for Transitions: The Malaysian Economy to 2020, October 2018
As we look forward into an uncertain future, we can also learn lessons from history. The story of our recent past is one of previously undreamt of human progress, however uneven and incomplete.
We must now ensure that the even more amazing gains that are likely to be made this century are managed effectively and for the greater good."
The Pangkor Dialogue 2017: Rethinking Development, September 2017
In navigating our future course towards high-income status, Malaysia faces many challenges, which must be carefully considered and discussed if they are to be faced effectively.
We must also seek a better balance between competing demands on the environment and on our natural resources, for the benefit of this and all future generations."
Isis Malaysia’s Praxis Seminar: A Time for Transitions: The Malaysian Economy to 2020, October 2018
As we look forward into an uncertain future, we can also learn lessons from history. The story of our recent past is one of previously undreamt of human progress, however uneven and incomplete.
We must now ensure that the even more amazing gains that are likely to be made this century are managed effectively and for the greater good."
The Pangkor Dialogue 2017: Rethinking Development, September 2017
Education contributes to development by empowering individuals to reach and fulfil their potential.
At the same time, education is instrumental in generating economic growth by boosting productivity and enabling populations to contribute more effectively. This direct relationship makes it imperative for education systems and methods to stay ahead of the game in our competitive and challenging times. "
Spectacular declines in poverty over the past 50 years have benefited all of Malaysia’s communities
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1970 relate to Peninsular Malaysia.
Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
Starting 2019, calculation of poverty is based on PLI 2019 Methodology.
In 2020, poverty rates were still above 10% in Sabah, Sarawak, and Kelantan: highest in rural areas
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
adata are for 1976.
Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
Starting 2019, calculation of poverty is based on PLI 2019 Methodology.
As the share of persons employed in agriculture declined, poverty rates tumbled
Sources of data:
Employment 1970: Ramesh Chander, General Report, 1970 Population Census of Malaysia (1977). Employment 1976–2016: Department of Statistics–Malaysia, Labour Force Survey (various years). Data on poverty: Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1970 relate to Peninsular Malaysia. Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens. Starting 2019, calculation of poverty is based on PLI 2019 Methodology.
Median monthly income of Malaysian households has risen 10–fold since 1979, and all communities have benefited
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1970 and 1974 relate to Peninsular Malaysia. Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
Income share of bottom 40% of Malaysia’s households has increased over time, but it still accounts for just 16%
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1974 relate to Peninsular Malaysia. Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
Income inequality within each of Malaysia’s communities has narrowed over time: now highest within Chinese community
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1970 and 1974 relate to Peninsular Malaysia. Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
Income inequality tends to be highest in the most and least prosperous Malaysian states, and is greater in urban areas than in rural areas
Source of data:
Economic Planning Unit–Malaysia, www.epu.gov.my
Notes:
Data for 1974 relate to Peninsular Malaysia. Starting 1989, data are for Malaysian citizens.
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ECONOMIC HISTORY OF MALAYA
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