Description
This book examines the character, ideas, and often despotic nature of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and relates it to the social, economic, and political setting inside Malaysia. Mahathir's success at managing ethnic tensions, policies of industrialization, modernization and foreign policy are covered, as are his grandiose projects, low regard for human rights and failure to check corruption. The authors also discuss the political prospects of his deputy Anwar Ibrahim.
Malaysia's long serving Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, is a controversial political figure. High rates of economic growth and a striking reduction in poverty have been the hallmarks of a vibrant Tiger economy. This success has now been placed in jeopardy by the recent economic crisis, and Mahathir's rule is coming under hostile scrutiny. This book examines Mahathir's character, his ideas and frequently despotic nature and relates them to the social, economic and political setting inside Malaysia. His success at managing ethnic tensions, policies of industrialization, modernization and foreign policy are covered, as are his grandiose projects, low regard for human rights and failure to check corruption. The authors also discuss the political prospects of his deputy Anwar Ibrahim.