ABSTRACT
This part presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The part explores the paradoxes of Malaysian economic development: liberalism mixed with state direction, targeting both efficient growth and politically expedient distributional rules. It focuses on political imperatives with careful assessment of the bases for, progress of, and strengths and weaknesses of affirmative action policies in Malaysia. The chapter suggests that Malaysia's record on environmental sustainability has been perhaps less erratic and politicised, though still falling short. Starting with forest management under the colonial administration and continuing through ever more comprehensive structures and policies, Malaysia has a record of striving for sustainable development. The chapter offers both an overview of prevailing dynamics and a trenchant critique of a literature that focuses overly much on the Malay community, on the one hand, neglecting Orang Asli, Chinese, Indian, and immigrant populations, and on only certain dimensions of rural life, on the other hand.
