Chronicling Themes in the Economic and Social History of Malaysia comprises 35 fascinating chapters by highly distinguished Malaysian and international scholars, edited and with an Introduction by Sultan Nazrin Shah. The chapters cover multicultural and multiethnic Malaysia’s volatile and intriguing past as it transformed itself from a low- to an almost-high-income economy.

The book is organized around three main interconnected themes. Part 1 covers the economic development of Malaya, then Malaysia, and is subdivided into three sections; on the colonial years before independence; on the post-independence era; and on the period covering pre- and post-independence. Part 2 covers social development, and Part 3 the development of states and cities.

In its tracing of the country’s economic development, the book explores the institutions and governance of British colonial rule, when tin and rubber were the mainstay of Malaya’s rising prosperity; the country’s struggles during and after the Japanese occupation; the Emergency and Communist insurgency; Britain’s counter-insurgency, as it fought to protect its huge economic investments in the country; and Malaya’s independence in 1957.

Progressing further into the 20th century, the book critically evaluates Malaysia's New Economic Policy (NEP), with its strident affirmative action to redress historically determined economic and social imbalances between Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Both the dangers and the achievements of the NEP, which emerged in 1969–1971, are examined, as are developments in education policy.

The book also analyses Malaysia’s experience of structural change, from agricultural dependence to modern industry and services, which helped lagging rural communities move out of poverty. The chapters also touch on many issues of contemporary relevance, including Malaysia’s current middle-income trap predicament; the changing definitions, impacts, and meanings of poverty; the challenges of its education system; women’s contribution to development; the rise of Kuala Lumpur as a great Asian city, and the emergence of Penang as a global electrical and electronics hub.

Replete with expert perspectives, thorough analyses, and striking visuals, the book will be of great interest to policymakers and planners, academics and students, and anyone wishing to learn about the nation’s captivating past—and the key challenges that it will surely overcome.