ABSTRACT
This chapter adopts a political-economy approach to the concept of ‘governance for harmony’, with special focus on the study of one country: Malaysia. The following aspects will be examined and evaluated in relation to the main theme.
Governmental regulation of the economy and society, and its implications for harmony.
Legal and constitutional safeguards for religious freedom (given the fact that there is ‘creeping Islamization’ which is causing concern to the non-Malay/Muslim component of this multireligious nation).
The issue of ‘good governance’ and the challenges of transparency, responsibility and accountability.
The New Economic Policy (NEP; 1970–1990) and the New Development Policy (NDP; 1990 on): Have they promoted or do they currently promote social and economic development as well as social justice and harmony in a multiracial society?
