In 2007, Malaysia celebrates a half-century as an independent nation-state. Inheriting a multi-ethnic society, the post-independence leaders of Malaya (later Malaysia) vigorously pursued a programme of social, cultural, economic and political modernisation and stability. Malaysia's half-century of achievements is a true success story, considering its size and short history. It has transformed itself from a poor third world country to one of the economic tigers of the Asia-Pacific. Malaysia's international standing speaks volumes about its leadership in the region and the Muslim world. In international forums, Malaysia is very well respected and its opinion receives due attention. This book takes a look back over the last 50 years and then looks ahead to 2020 and beyond. Containing chapters contributed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, veteran politicians and renowned scholars, this comprehensive volume is an ideal resource for anyone who wishes to understand the forces and factors that have made Malaysia the prosperous Muslim nation it is today.
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Timeline
Introduction: Fifty Years in Brief
1. Reflections on Fifty Years of Independence
2. Where We Want to See Malaysia Go
3. Reflections on Malaysia at 50 - Peace and Prosperity for All
4. Globalising Higher Education - Upgrading Quality and Standards
5. Education and Nation Building
6. Evolution of Malaysia's Foreign Policy
7. Paradigm Shifts in the Civil Service
8. Women Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming
9. Harmonising the International Human Rights Law with the Rights of Women
10. Fifty Years of Medical and Health Services - Maternal and Child Care
11. Advances in Medical and Health Education
12. Islam and Economic Development
13. The Management of Zakat in Malaysia
14. National Integration
15. A Tale of Three Cities
16. The Monarchy - Symbolism, Guardianship and Stability
17. Elections and the Electoral System
18. Military-Civilian Relations
19. Contributions of NGOs and CSOs to Sustainable Development
20. Development of the Islamic Legal System
21. Political Economy & Sustained Development - Policy, Process & Progress
22. Business in Manufacturing, Services and Finance
23. The Manufacturing Sector and the Economy
24. Agricultural Development and Policy Adjustments
25. Development of Small and Medium Enterprises
26. Growth and Development of the Capital Market
27. Poverty Eradiction - A Success Story
28. The Role of MARA in Bumiputra Socio-Economic Development
29. Information and Nation Building - The Role of Bernama
30. IIUM - Recreating a Sanctuary for Scholars in the Service of the Ummah
Index
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Syed Arabi Idid
Syed Arabi Idid is Professor in the Department of Communication, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, and Dean of the Research Centre at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He was at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for over twenty years before joining IIUM in 1999. Idid was with BERNAMA (Malaysia National News Agency ) as a reporter and Bureau Chief until he left to join UKM as its first Public Relations Officer in 1971. He has conducted several public opinion studies and is also involved in market research. He holds a B.A. from the Universiti Malaya, and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of the World Public Opinion Research Association, International Communication Association, and Asian Mass Communication and Information Centre. He was President of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia from 1993 to 1997. His interests include conducting public opinion studies, studying public relations, and international communication.