New Book Release: Imagining Malaysia's Future through Razak’s Lenses

The Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) and the Centre for ASEAN Regionalism Universiti Malaya (CARUM) proudly present the forthcoming publication of "Imagining Malaysia’s Future through Razak’s Lenses," a comprehensive exploration of Malaysia’s developmental trajectory inspired by the visionary leadership of the nation’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. This insightful volume is published by UMPress and edited by distinguished scholars Rajah Rasiah, Kamal Salih, Hafriza Burhanudeen, and Mohamed Tawfik Ismail.

Set to make a significant impact on both academic and public discourse, the book is dedicated to the memory of Tun Abdul Razak, whose tenure from 1970 to 1976 introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) aimed at fostering ethnic restructuring and unity within Malaysia. Despite the dramatic transformations the country has undergone since Razak’s administration, the editors believe that his spirit of visionary governance remains profoundly relevant today.

The book features contributions from leading experts in various fields, including economics, political science, and education. It examines critical areas such as democratization, economic progress, fiscal planning, food security, and good governance, all through the lens of Razak's exemplary leadership. Among the notable contributors are Abdul Rahman Embong, Nazir Razak, Tricia Yeoh, and James Chin.

"Imagining Malaysia’s Future through Razak’s Lenses" seeks to shift the political focus away from divisive race and religion-based politics towards a more advanced, egalitarian society. The book calls for a renewed emphasis on building a united, corruption-free, and economically vibrant Malaysia, drawing lessons from Razak’s administration to guide future governance.

The foreword, graciously provided by HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah, and the preface by Rajah Rasiah, set the tone for the book’s ambitious goal: to influence learned Malaysians and, through them, the broader populace, in shaping a better future for the nation.

The publication of this book comes at a critical time when Malaysia is navigating complex social, economic, and political challenges. It is poised to serve as an essential resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in the future of Malaysia.

Stay tuned for more updates on the official release date and upcoming events related to the book launch.