Malaysia's Socioeconomic Challenges
Debating Public Policy Issues
By Ramon V. Navaratnam
May 2003
Pelanduk
Distributed by Coronet Books Inc.
ISBN: 9789679788488 
228 pages, 5 1/2 x 8 3/4"
$37.50 Hardcover
This book analyses Malaysia's ability to respond to the socioeconomic challenges
of globalisation. With the commencement of the Asean Free-Trade Area (AFTA)
in 2003, the movement towards the formation of Asean+3 (China, Japan and
South Korea), and the prospects of some Asean countries establishing free-trade
agreements with Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the challenges
of greater competition will increase substantially. Furthermore, the rising
influence of the Chinese economy will impact adversely on the economies of
the region.
The haunting question is, Are we ready? Is Malaysia competitive enough to
confront the challenges of globalisation? By commenting critically but constructively
on Malaysia's public policy issues as they unfold, as well as on the nation's
ability to respond to the threats and opportunities of globalisation, Navaratnam
warns that Malaysia will fail to attain the goals of Vision 2020 if we do
not enhance our competitive edge at a faster pace and improve on the affirmative-action
policies.
Sociology; Economics
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