This substantial book examines key economic, political and social aspects of Malaysia at the turn of the new century. It covers the years of rapid growth and dramatic structural change leading up to the 1997 financial crisis, and the subsequent adjustments which enabled the economy to resume its vigorous advance. The authors critically address affirmative action policies aiming to help Malays enter the modern economy and make income distribution more equitable while reducing poverty. They look at case studies of persisting poverty amidst economic progress, and also scrutinize the development of East Malaysia with its special problems away from the centre of power in Kuala Lumpur. The authors review the direction of politics after Prime Minister Mahathir, as well as exploring Malaysia's foreign, education, and labour policies. They canvass the idea of a 'new Malay' better adapted to modern society, investigate the position of the Chinese, examine the struggle for women's rights within the religious framework of Islam, and discuss the contributions of Malaysian NGOs to ongoing changes. They finally draw together crucial issues facing Malaysia in the 21st century. The contributors, who are leading scholars in their spheres, have produced a wide ranging and comprehensive guide to the economy and society of Malaysia. This book will be of great value and interest to students and scholars of Asian economics, development and social studies.

Despite the fact that Rubber is one of the world's major commodities, surprispingly little has been written about hte the subject. First published in 1994, The World Rubber Industry seeks to redress this deficiency. It presents information in a clear and accessible manner, with numerous tables and illustrations, and an extensive glossary. This is a comprehensive and definitive analysis of one of the world's major and most essential commodities.

This ambitious book scrutinizes the role of institutions in economic change, with special reference to Southeast Asia. It suggests that the nature of institutional arrangements such as households, community groups, firms, bureaucracies and formal governance systems can significantly affect human activity and economic success. The book begins by outlining the key elements of the theory of institutional economics. It then addresses institutions associated with particular markets and economic functions using case studies such as new agricultural technologies, the Indonesian labour force, the market for manufactured goods in Malaysia, Chinese entrepreneurs and policy makers in Thailand. The role of institutions is then discussed within the broader context of national and international change. Included are examinations of institutions which have evolved in Indonesia, those concerned with the transformation from central planning to the free market in Vietnam and institutions connected with governance and economic improvement in the Philippines. The discussion is brought up-to-date by an analysis of the role of global economic institutions in the recent Asian crises, looking at ways in which their performance might be enhanced.

Depsite the fact that Rubber is one of the world's major commodities, surprispingly little has been written about hte the subject. First published in 1994, The World Rubber Industry seeks to redress this deficiency. It presents information in a clear and accessible manner, with numerous tables and illustrations, and an extensive glossary. This is a comprehensive and definitive analysis of one of the world's major and most essential commodities.