Overview

This volume describes and analyses several of the most important social movements in contemporary Malaysia. Contemporary Malaysian non-governmental orgnanisations (NGOs) have evolved over the years into significant actors in Malaysian politics and society. The Reformasi movement that began in the late 1990s proved the potency of some of these movements, as civil society came to play a more critical political role. Shifts in the organisational manifestations of social movements have reflected Malaysian's changing perceptions of the place, nature, and function of civil society in the polity. Included in this collection of essays are discussions of Malaysian movements organised around women's rights, the environment, human rights, global peace, Islam, and the rights of indigenous peoples. The contributors trace the historical roots of the movements as well as of the legal framework in which they operate. These groups face particular constraints posed by Malaysia's political and economic environment as well as organisational weaknesses. However, it is argued that they have still managed to find innovative ways to network and lobby for shared goals and have had a real impact on a range of government policies and popular attitudes.

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9780700716463

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'The editors should be commended for producing a phenomenally rich book that adds to our knowledge on Malaysian NGOs and gives one a solid basis through which to think about strategies for political change' - Journal of Contemporary Asia

'the editors should be commended for producing a phenomenally rich book that adds to our knowledge on Malaysian NGOs and gives one a solid basis through which to think about strategies for political change' - Journal of Contemporary Asia

Author Information

Hassan, Saliha; Weiss, Meredith

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