The Malay Dilemma Revisited: Race Dynamics in Modern Malaysia [Paperback]

M. Bakri Musa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 24, 1999

The Malay Dilemma Revisited is a critical and balanced analysis of Malaysia's preferential race policy and its impact on the nation's delicate race dynamics and economy. Unlike America's affirmative action, Malaysia's version is far more aggressive and pervasive and has been remarkably successful in creating a sizable and stable Bumiputra (indigenous group) middle class. The price tag is significant: distortion of freemarket dynamics and consequent inefficiency. Perversely, the policy impairs rather than strengthens Bumiputras' ability to compete.In contrast to quotas and other set-aside programs that are the hallmark of the current policy, the writer presents an alternative strategy aimed primarily at enhancing Bumiputra competitiveness. The proposed approach would not negatively impact the economy nor interfere with the freemarket. Equally important, it would not arouse resentment from other Malaysians. The first objective would be to modernize the nation's archaic educational system to emphasize English, mathematics, the sciences, and technical training. Secondly, the influences of religious and royal institutions must be curtailed, and the rates of urbanization and population growth reduced.The primary objective is in enhancing competitiveness, not on meeting arbitrarily picked numerical goals and targets.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bakri Musa's credits, apart from scientific articles in professional journals, have appeared in the New Straits Times, Far Eastern Economic Review, Businessweek, and National Public Radio's Marketplace. His essays examine Malaysia's current socioeconomic and preferential race policies. A surgeon in private practice, Bakri received his undergraduate, medical, and graduate degrees from the University of Alberta, Canada. He lives in Morgan Hill, California, with his wife Karen, a college instructor, and children Melindah, Zack, and Azlan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (August 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583483675
• ISBN-13: 978-1583483671
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,552,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timely Critique of Malaysia's Socio-economic Dilemma, May 7, 2000

By 

Liz Nelson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Malay Dilemma Revisited: Race Dynamics in Modern Malaysia (Paperback)

Thrilled to find a book that is so well written and reader friendly. This timely book not only highlights Malaysia's race relations and the shortcomings of its economic policies, but also offers refreshingly commonsensical solutions. One wonders why Malaysian leaders have not thought of them.

This book is obviously a response to the original "The Malay Dilemma," written by Mahathir Mohammad in 1970. Mahathir is now Malaysia's present Prime Minister and this book takes a critical look at his social and economic policies.

I particularly like the chapter that compares and contrasts Malaysia's race problems to that of America and that of the English/French conflict in Canada. Although the book focuses primarily on race relations in Malaysia, the author's perspectives and analyses could well apply to other multicultural nations.

This book is a must read for those interested in race relations generally, and for students of Southeast Asian Studies.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The truth being exposed at last, March 14, 2003

By 

"barkochba19" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Malay Dilemma Revisited: Race Dynamics in Modern Malaysia (Paperback)

The author is a straight shooter, from neutral perspective unclouded by political biasness. Credit was given to those who deserve it (even to Mahathir, so no, this is not blind fury anti-Mahathir book) and vice versa. Unlike most literature on Malay politics and social issues, this one wasn't written with the intention to please any party.

Brilliant refutation on the points put forward by Dr Mahathir in his book "The Malay Dilemma" - The problem is not with the people ...(read it find out more...)

Explains accurately the evolution and factors that shapes the psyche of the Malay people and the root cause of the problems they are facing. The mistakes that the governement had done which the Malay people had to endure. The author supports his arguments (like the "Sultan syndrome") accurately by drawing from his own experiences with certain government officials.

This book is both enlightening and entertaining. The best book I have read pertaining to the issues of the Malay people. A must read to all Malaysians, especially the government officials.