The Malaysian Economy: Structures and Dependence

This book provides an analysis of the structures of the Malayan and the Malaysian economies using the perspective of dependence.

It analyses the structures of dependence in colonial Malaya established by the British during the colonial era, in foreign ownership of key sectors, in trade, finance, the public sector and technology. Estimates are provided on the amounts of surpluses transferred out of colonised Malaya under British rule.

The book then examines the post-colonial situation, as continuity as well as changes took place after Independence. It provides details on and changes in ownership and control of the Malaysian economy, and in trade, finance and technology-related issues. Methods by which economic surpluses have been transferred out of the economy and the large amounts are meticulously described.

The framework used in this book distinguishes it from other works on the performance and transformation of the Malaysian economy. The present economy has many elements of the structures and dynamics described. This book is thus essential reading for those interested in knowing how the Malaysian economy was shaped in the colonial and post-colonial periods, and many of the features that characterise the present economy.

Martin Khor Kok Peng is Advisor to the Third World Network and Secretary of the Consumers' Association of Penang. He was formerly Executive Director of the Geneva-based South Centre, and had also lectured on Economic Development in the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains

Contents
List of Tables
List of Appendices

1 Introduction

PART I THE CONCEPT OF EXTERNAL DEPENDENCE

2 Dependence and Surplus Transfers in the Third World

PART II DEPENDENCE AND SURPLUS TRANSFERS IN COLONIAL MALAYA

3 Historical Background

4 Dependence in Colonial Malaya

5 Surplus Transfers in Colonial Malaya

6 Some Conclusions

PART III DEPENDENCE IN POST-COLONIAL MALAYSIA

Introduction to Part III

7 Direct Dependence: Ownership and Control of the Economy

8 Trade Dependence

9 Financial Dependence

10 Technical Dependence

PART IV SURPLUS TRANSFERS IN POST-COLONIAL MALAYSIA

11 Surplus from Direct Dependence

12 Surplus from Trade Dependence

13 Surplus from Financial Dependence

14 Surplus from Technical Dependence

PART V CONCLUSIONS

15 Conclusions

Bibliography
Appendices