1.0
INTRODUCTION
In this globalizatio globalization n era, every country in this world is eager in chasing chasing development development especially in terms of economic, social and politic. Speaking of development, Malaysia has turned 18 degrees since Independence in 1!"#, transforming itself into a thriving modern econom economy y and leapfr leapfrogg ogging ing from from a low$in low$incom comee to a middle middle$inc $income ome tra%ecto tra%ectory ry.. &ormer &ormerly ly known known as 'Malaya( 'Malaya( and consists of multiracial, multiracial, multi$ethnic multi$ethnic and multi$religious multi$religious society, society, Malaysia is a country of diversity in unity that encompasses Malays, )hinese, Indians and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak *+ne orld orld -ation, 1"/. +ther than that, Malaysia0s economic policy settings have been remarkably stable and consistent and it is very difficult to identify any substantial changes in policy direction, much less the $turns observed in ma%or 2sian countries such as )hina, Indonesia and 3ietnam. +ne of the most important stylized facts is that Malaysia has been a high$growth economy consistently for over five decades in which in the 1!#s was the decade of highest growth in 456 per capita, at ". per cent meanwhile in the 1!8s, its growth rate has been less than half that of )hina and significantly below that of South 7orea *aylor 9 &rancis, 1/. 6lus, in the 1!!s growth was a good deal higher as well, at :." per cent, notwithstanding the 2sian financial crisis. 2s we can see, although policy consistency has been a dominant theme in Malaysian economic development, there have been more or less distinct and identifiable episod episodes es of growth growth and variati variations ons in policy policy emphas emphasis is which which is why Malaysia Malaysia has been drafting and carried out policies ever since such as he ;ighth Malaysia 6lan *1$"/, he -inth Malaysia 6lan *<$1/ and he enth Malaysia 6lan *11$1"/.
2.0 2.0
Mala Malays ysia ia’s ’s Phas Phases es of of Deve Develo lopme pment nt sin since ce 200 2000 020 201! 1!
=ypothetical =ypothetically ly,, Malaysia0s Malaysia0s phases of developmen developmentt does not start since the year until today, but Malaysia has been drafting development plans and policies since the 1!"# Indepe Independe ndence nce 5ay such as Dasar Luar Pemimpin Negara, Negara , Dasar Pro-Barat , Dasar Anti Komunis and Komunis and Dasar Dasar Ekonomi Baru. Baru . =owever, our focus is only within the years of until 1" period which encompasses > phases of development which are he ;ighth Malaysia 6lan, he -inth Malaysia 6lan and he enth Malaysia 6lan.
1
2.1 2.1
The "i#h "i#hth th Mala Malays ysia ia Plan Plan $200 $2001 120 200! 0!%%
he ;ighth ;ighth Malaysia Malaysia 6lan or more more well$kn well$known own as Rancangan Malaysia Kelapan (RMK-8) which (RMK-8) which covered the 1$" period is literally the first phase of the implementation of the hird +utline 6erspective 6lan or also known as Rangka Rancangan angka Pan!ang Ketiga (RRP")# $%%&-$%&%. $%%&-$%&%. -ational 3ision 6olicy or Dasar or Dasar 'aasan 'aasan Negara (D'N) that contained in RRP" in RRP" will will determined the direction of development in the first decade of the 1st century. RMK-8 century. RMK-8 combines combines strategy, programs and pro%ects that were designed to achieve D'Ns D'Ns ob%ectives of sustainable growth and strengthening economic resilience and to create a united united and fair fair society society.. 5uring 5uring RMK-8, RMK-8, the Malaysia0s economy is ought to face more challenges challenges due to increasing in globalizatio globalization n and liberalization liberalization and also the advancement advancement of technology, particularly Information and )ommunications echnology *I)/. hese actions are considered to be effective to improve the competitiveness and strengthen the economic resilience and so as to increase the productivity factor as well as facilitating development$ based economy knowledge. 6riorities 6riori ties will be given for the increment of supply of the labor0s ?ual ?ualit ity y, enha enhanc ncin ing g rese resear arch ch and and deve develo lopm pmen entt *@ 9 5/ and and the the acce accele lera rati tion on of the the develo developm pment ent of a sector sector that that contrib contribute uted d to the econom economic ic growth growth.. =owev =owever, er, the ma%or ma%or emphasis also will be placed on strengthening positive values among people and form a community that is united and fair. 2.2 2.2
The Nint Ninth h Mal Malay aysi sia a Pla Plan n $20 $200& 0&2 201 011 1%
he -inth Malaysia 6lan or RMK-* or RMK-* was was presented presented on >th March < ago with the main ob%ective ob%ective is AStrengthen AStrengthening ing -ational -ational nityA, nityA, theme Aogether Aogether owards owards ;Bcellence, ;Bcellence, 4lory and 5istinctionA. RMK-* is RMK-* is also implemented with a view to fostering prosperity which is an important national development program in the history of the country, as the country is now at the mid$point in the %ourney towards . he main strategy implemented in RMK-* in RMK-* is is to strengthen field services, manufacturing and agriculture. In addition, RMK-* addition, RMK-* is is ought to go through the five thrusts which have been drafted out in this planC
1.
Imp' mp'ovin# vin# the econo onomy to a hi# hi#h he' val( al(e ch chain ain
hrough this foundation, the 4overnment aims to increase the added value of eBisting
economic sectors, as well as creating a knowledge$based activities and opportunities in the
2
field of I), biotechnology and services. In addition, the government will also create a conducive environment for private sector led economic development. 2.
Inc'ease the capacity fo' )no*le+#e, innovation an+ n('t('e -fi'st class
mentality-.
he future success depends on the ?uality of its human capital, not only intellectually
but also its character. In line with this thrust, the 4overnment will undertake efforts to improve the countryDs education system as a whole, from pre$school to tertiary and vocational education. 6lus, a favorable environment will be created to generate more business research and development *@ 9 5/. 2t the same time, emphasis will be placed on nurturing civilized society and have moral force.
.
To a++'ess pe'sistent im/alances const'(ctively an+ p'o+(ctively
he government believes in eradicating poverty, generating more balanced growth and
ensuring the benefits of growth are en%oyed by people fairly and e?uitably.
.
To imp'ove the stan+a'+ an+ s(staina/ility of (ality of life
he 4overnment will continue to provide basic needs such as water, energy, housing,
transport and other facilities, but the emphasis should be on addressing issues relating to the maintenance, upgrading and efficient use of resources.
!.
To st'en#then the instit(tional an+ implementation capacity
he success of the design lies in the ability to eBecute. o that end, the 4overnment is
committed to improving the public service delivery system at all levels. In addition, the 4overnment will also address issues related to corruption and integrity in the public and private sectors, as well as among the general public.
3
2.
The Tenth Malaysia Plan $2011201!%
he enth Malaysia 6lan or RMK-&% was presented by 6rime Minister 5atuk Seri -a%ib un @azak in 6arliament on Eune 1, 1, with the theme Aowards ;conomic 6rosperity and Social EusticeA. nlike RMK-* and RMK-8, RMK-&% drafts are very critical for the countryDs development agenda forward towards realizing 3ision and centered on the developed countries and high income. In line with the +agasan &Malaysia Rakyat Di,aulukan Pencapaian Diutamakan, the government is working on plans to provide welfare to people regardless of race, geography and political borders. Since Mo,el Baru Ekonomi or -ew ;conomic Model was introduced, the government aims @M7$1 to be a catalyst for achieving the vision of a knowledge$based economy, innovative, creative and highly skilled, driven by the services sector will boost the aspirations of high income countries. )ountries can no longer rely solely on the eBport sector, agriculture, mining and electronics after the crisis that hits the economy in 8. his gesture can be said as a good sign for Malaysia in the race to become a highly independent country that relies more on its own sources. +ther than that, RMK-&% is the plan of national development program designed to support the implementation of the -ew ;conomic Model, the siB -ational 7ey @esult 2reas *-7@2/, -ational 7ey ;conomic 2reas and the 4overnment ransformation 6lan *citation internet/.
.0
Mo+e'niation in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the modernization processes was implanted by Fritish colonial rule where they only focused in the urban areas because the colonialists seem to have neglected the rural areas *2bdul @ahman 2bdul 2ziz, "/. 2s a result, there was a lack of participation by the indigenous community. &urthermore, there was different responses between the Malays and the non$Malays towards modernization brought by the Fritish . In the 1!<s, the independent government of Malaysia embarked on its modernization programs which were geared towards the Malays, especially those who live in the rural areas. In the government0s view, more especially that of the Malay ruling party nited Malay -ational +rganization *M-+/, the Malay community needed to transform their cultural values in order to be an active participant in the new era of development. he slogan of the youth wing of the party was re.olusi mental or mental revolution, urging the Malay 4
community to change their attitudes *Senu 2bdul @ahman, 1!#1/. In fact, Senu 2bdul @ahman initiated the compilation of a book that was intended to be a guide in modernizing the Malays. he influence of modernization theory became in the 1!<s. he focus of discussion and policy$decision was geared towards the Malays, searching for the root causes of Malay economic backwardness. he root causes of Malay backwardness have been classified into two opposing views, the values system versus the structural argument *Shaharuddin Maaruf, 1!88/. he main eBponent of the value system perspective was 6arkinson *1!<#/. 6arkinson s ‟
views were supported and in fact popularized by some Malay intellectuals. hey argued that Malays were genetically inferior to the )hinese, because of their preference for cousins$ marriages, and that the so$called national character of the Malays is mostly negative when compared to the )hinese *Senu 2bdul @ahman, 1!#1/. &uthermore, the notion proposed by the modernization theories could not totally be ignored. he Malay ruling elites seem to consider that the cultural values, attitudes, and modern eBposure are lacking in the Malay community. hough the Malays seem to be responsive to economic development and educational attainment as any other ethnic group, but apparently ma%ority of them failed to prove to be eBcellent in performance. +ne would agree that in 1!<s there were fewer opportunities open to Malays, in the field of economic development and education. Fut, after 1!# those opportunities were widely created and opened to Malays, but they still could not be attained as desired by the policy. his has led the government to believe that the core problems are still related to cultural values, attitudes, lack of eBposure and backward thinking. In fact, 5r. Mahathir Mohammad believed that the poor perf ormances of the Malays in economic, educational and overall management of activities are due to the backward thinking. =e initiated the establishment of )ivic Fureau of Biro /ata Negara during his tenure as Minister of ;ducation *1!#:$1!##/. he main function of this department is to create awareness among the Malays about their plight in Malaysia s rapid economic development. It ‟
is also the function of the department to conduct training programs so that Malays could be continuously educated and reminded of the role in the country. 6resently, the )ivic Fureau is under the control of the 6rime Minister s 5epartment. he target audiences of the )ivic ‟
Furea0s sensitive training are the MalaysC students *from grade &ive to niversity/G youthsG community leadersG public sector officers and private sector eBecutives. he main ob%ectives 5
of the sensitivity training is the boost the morale of the Malays so that they could participate with success and eBcellence in whatever their enterprise. In fact, when 5r. Mahathir Mohamad became the fourth 6rime Minister *1!81 H >/, Mahathir introduced two crucial policies with regard to correct 'Malaysian thinking( in particular the Malays. he two policies were 'ook ;ast 6olicy( and 'he Inculcation of Islamic 3alues(. he Dasar Pan,ang ke /imur *ook ;ast 6olicy/ is meant for the Malaysians to emulate the work ethics of the Eapanese. In this program, many Malaysian youth are sent to study in Eapan and there were numerous short courses attended by Malaysian in Eapan. he purpose of the visits is to study Eapanese way of life and the way Eapanese manage their business, education, and other related values. In the 6enerapan -ilai$nilai Islam *he Inculcation of Islamic 3alues/ the aim is to make Islam compatible to modernity and development *)handra Muzaffar, 1!8!/. In short, the underlying assumptions of the Malay elite were the modernization theory and the beliefs in the values and arguments forwarded by the modernization thinkers *-orhashimah Mohd. Jassin, 1!!:/. 5r. Mahathir Mohamad s thinking about the backwardness of the Malays was ‟
portrayed in the Malay 5ilemma *1!#/. +ne of 5r. Mahathir Mohamad s arguments among ‟
others, stresses the importance of heredity as the cause of Malay economic backwardness. =owever, he does indicate that the ma%or factor in eBplaining the differences of performances in economic and educational attainment between the Malays and the non$Malays are the cultural eBperiences which each ethnic group has undergone. 5r. Mahathir Mohamad s main ‟
criticism was towards the neo$colonial government led by unku 2bdul @ahman 6utra who ignored this situation and left the Malays on their own to face the competition of the non$ Malays on une?ual terms. Syed =ussein 2latas, professor in sociology and an academic in the 5epartement of Malay Studies, niversity of Singapore *1!#/, responded to the two books which were written by politicians. Re.olusi Mental was compiled in the late 1!<s but published as a book in 1!#1. /e Malay Dilemma written by 5r. Mahathir Mohamad as a response to the May 1>,1!
retarded the growth of the Kspirit of capitalism among the Malays in the Malay 6eninsula. ‟
&or eBample, in the 1!th century, the rural Malays were always loath to accumulate too much wealth because it invited confiscation by either the Sultans or the local chief *Syed =ussein 2latas, 1!#/. +n the other hand, the 'spirit of capitalism( is present among the )hinese and other minority groups. his is also true among the 2rab Muslims, the Indian Muslims, Fenggali Muslims, and others who migrated to Malaysia *Syed =ussein 2latas, 1!##/. 2nother important factor beside the Kspirit of capitalism is the Kimmigrant ethos that eBisted among ‟
‟
the minorities mentioned above. he Kimmigrant ethos is the powerful incentive to migrate ‟
for reasons such as poverty that forced them to ac?uire the habits of drive and hard work. &or the )hinese, they had to struggle under conditions of hardship to ac?uire wealth. If they did not struggle under such condition their survival and security in the new environment would not have brought any success. &ailure meant a return to seas, back to the dead$end$ street of the society they had fled. he Malays, on the other hand, lived in the security of their homeland. hey had not developed in a struggling alie n environment as the )hinese and other immigrants had *Mahathir Mohamad, 1!#G an =ashim, 1!8>G Muhammad =a%i Muhd. aib, 1!!>/. 2nother important finding on Malay economic backwardness is that the poor Malays have been eBploited by other Malays and by )hinese middlemen. he Malays peasants are eBploited by the absentee landlords many of them whom are Malay government servants, politicians or businessmen. Swift *1<#/ in his study has noted that among the Malay peasants there is a concentration of wealth especially of the landholdings. his implies that among the Malay peasants there is a concentration of wealth in the hands of a small minority. In the urban areas, the concentration of wealth is in the hands of )hinese millionaires and owners of big enterprises, and also the Malays from the political and bureaucratic elite who hold one or two dozen directorships in government$owned companies, statutary bodies or private firms *an =ashim, 1!8>/. he rationale behind this is that there are not enough Malays of comparable caliber to hold the positions in order to be on e?ual terms with the )hinese.
7
.1
Mo+e'niation Theo'y 3e's(s Depen+ency Theo'y
Foth theory have their own pros and cons. hese theory has been used for so many times since a long time ago. Fut some people were not definitely agree with one of the theory. Felow are the viewpoints of each theory which actually diffrentiate them with each otherG Modernization Theory
Modernization has been a dominant theory in the social sciences in the est since the 1!"s. It draws on the biological sciences, which, since the last ?uarter of the 18th century in estern ;urope , studied the growth and development of different species. he biological metaphor was transferred to the social sciencesC societies, political institutions, economies were deemed to be growing organisms progressing according to an order natural to them. hat is, the development of elements of social life was naturalisedC made to appear as if development *as opposed to constant change/ is directional, following a path of ever$near perfection. In reality this Lnaturalisation0 was esternisation in disguiseC the so$called natural progress closely followed the tra%ectory of estern ;urope and -orth 2merica C how they had transformed and Ldeveloped0 became the blueprint for the rest of the world. Modernization theory became the foundation stone of this evolutionary prescription for development. he theory is not homogeneousnumerous proponents disagreed on several key features. Fut in broad outline, the theory focused on deficiencies in the poorer countries and speculated about ways to overcome these deficiencies. It viewed traditional society as a series of negativesC stagnant and unchanging, not innovative, not profit$making, not progressing, not growing. It argued that about " years ago, most people in the world were poor or living in traditional *often subsistence/ social arrangements. Scientific innovation eBisted in many parts of the world * )hina , India , the Middle ;ast / but for a variety of reasons *not least of them the con?uest of the -ew orld and slavery, which modernization theory bypasses/, science and entrepreneurship grew in estern ;urope . he engine of this economic growth was capitalism. Innovation and technological growth became self$sustaining in estern ;urope because they were embedded in the capitalist system. ;ntrepreneurs were in competitionC profits were pursued by lowering costs and increasing revenues and re$investing in order to make more profits. his ceaseless accumulation and eBpansion spurred growth.
8
Some
modernization
theorists
emphasised
the
political
modernization
that
accompanied this economic advanceC feudal lords and autocratic monarchies were challenged and representative forms of government were established over hundreds of years. his meant individual freedoms, political parties, elections, rule of lawC in short, western$style liberal democracy. he hird orld did not undergo these economic or political transformationsC it was Lleft behind0. So the task of the hird orld is to transform itself from tradition to modernity. hat is, to follow the footsteps of the est. In fact, because the path is now charted, these countries can avoid the mistakes made by the est. +ne of the most influential modernization theorists has been @ostow of the S . =is 1!< book */e 0tages o1 Economic +rot/ outlined five stagesmuch ?uoted now in critical development literature $$ using the metaphor of take$offC from the traditional society to the take$off *old resistances fall, political power accrues to a group interested in promoting economic growth, the countryDs savings rate grows, modern technology is applied/ to the. drive to maturity *economic growth spread, integration into international markets/ and the age of high mass consumption *fruits of growth finally transferred to the bulk of the people/C airplanes flying smoothly in the sky. 2s the countries prepare to launch their airplanes or struggle to keep them flying, they need assistanceC funds, technology, new markets. Many modernization theorists stress correct policies. So the need for all the consultants and eBperts in the orld Fank, the -, all constantly advising different governments. 2ll operating according to formula. he flaws in this theory are numerous. It does not consider what will happen if the Laeroplanes0 fail to Ltake$off0 or if the ones already flying start to slow down or lose the power to lift the planes on the ground. his means developed countries must continue to grow if they are to keep afloat and if they are to Lassist0 the developing countries. he theory also does not consider such factors as the instability eBisting ine?ualities may create. It sees no conflict between the interests of the rich and of the poorG it ignores the fact that the worldDs resources and benefits may be limited, that the accumulation of wealth in some hands might actually diminish the chances of others. =owever, even more serious criti?uessuch as dependency theory $$ refer to its a$historicity and its ;urocentricism.
9
Dependency Theory
5ependency theorists sharply criti?ue the modernization school. he earliest formulation of dependency theory came up alongside modernization theory. he theory emerged first in atin 2merica , amongst social scientists such as @aul 6rebisch, an 2rgentinian economist, who was Secretary to the - ;conomic )ommission for atin 2merica in the 1!"s. he ideas of dependency were also developed, amongst others, by other atin 2merican social scientists such as )elso &urtado, heotonio 5os Santos and & = )ardosoG by Samir 2min of Senegal, by 2ndre 4under &rank of 4ermany and by 6aul Faran and Immanuel allerstein *who later formulated another, related version, called world$ systems theory/ of the S. 5ependency is also not a homogeneous, unified theory which is a serious analytical differences persist within the school. Fut in essence, dependency theory argues that the origins of persistent global poverty cannot be understood without reference to the entire international economic system. nderdevelopment is not a conditionC it is an active process of impoverishment linked to development. hat is, some parts of the world are underdeveloped because others are developed. hey are not separate processes but two aspects of the same process. In other words, economic growth in advanced countries created hird orld poverty in its wakeC not simply that the hird orld is poor in comparison with the industrialised worldG rather that it is poor because development of the industrial system in estern ;urope and -orth 2merica changed and impoverished many societies of 2sia, 2frica and atin 2merica, through colonialism, imperialism and eBtractive terms of trade. 5ependency argues that before the era of modern economic growth *until about " years ago/, the worldDs ma%or regions were not densely connected to each other *though eBtensive trade networks eBisted/. hen capitalism began to spread, the ceaseless search for profit beganC through the production of agricultural goods in colonies or other lands, and estern ;urope 0s ability to drive une?ual bargains. his fundamentally changed the social structures of the hird orld . he term dependency comes from this linkC Some say the eBploitation of various regions for their raw materials and labour impoverished them and made them depend on the
10
est. +thers point out that in fact it is the other way aroundC that the est has been dependent on the hird orld though history in order to be able to grow and prosper. So, poverty in the hird orld is not Ltraditional0 or accidental. It is a necessary companion to the richness of the developed world. he eBpansion of the industrial world deformed the rest of the world. =istorian ;ric illiams, for eBample, argues that the slave trade between 2frica and the )aribbean islands was responsible for the emergence of a commercial middle class in Fritain and eventually for Fritain Ds industrial revolution. Slaves were taken from 2frica to the )aribbean G their unpaid and coerced labour produced such profitable commodities as sugar or cotton, which were taken to ;urope for huge profits. his provided the conditions for Ltake$off0 for Fritain 0s industrial revolution. Similarly, in the late$18th century, =aiti , now the poorest country in the northern hemisphere, produced one$half of all the sugar and coffee consumed in ;urope and the 2mericas , as well as substantial amounts of indigo and cotton. he approBimately ", slaves working on the colonyDs 8,$odd plantations generated two$fifths of &rance Ds overseas trade hese
eBamples
show
the
dependency
approachC
the
actual
creation
of
underdevelopment at the cost of development. est 2frican societies were uprooted by centuries of the slave tradeG in the )aribbean the plantation system *set up to meet the needs of the colonists/ met no local needs and impoverished workers. Mines in the hird orld produced bauBite, tin, iron and other metals and minerals for the industries of the est. 2ll of this depended on cheap indentured or slave labour. Many of the regions of the world were left with skewed, impoverished economies and devastated populations while the now$developed countries gained prosperity. his was a grossly une?ual eBchangeC the hird orld gave much more than it got. he eBchange may have created some new wealth in the hird orld , some infrastructure maybe, but it also created an international system of ine?uality. Members of dependency see this process as continuing. &or eBample, transnational corporations bargain from a position of strength, distort the local economy, create vast income gaps, impose their own priorities, and damage the environment. +r the orld Fank and IM& pursue policies that indirectly favour rich countries.
11
So, modernization theory sees capitalism as a creative force, causing growth and progress. 5ependency sees international capitalism as the ruin of the hird orld . Modernization sees rich countries as helpers of poor countriesG dependency sees them as the main obstacle to the well$being of the poorer countries. -ot all of dependency theorists0 prescriptions are anti$capitalism howeverC some see some good in using capitalism and protectionism to enhance national economies. 2n offshoot of dependency has been world$systems theory and it also emphasises the eBpansion of a capitalist world economy from the beginning of the 1
|
.2
Compa'ison /et*een the t*o theo'y
5ependency theory and modernisation theory are two of the dominant post$colonial theoretical interpretations of development. Foth theories have been influenced by significant global, political events and key intellectual figures in the field of development and the social sciences. 5ependency theory is a criti?ue of modernisation theory and the global capitalist system in which the west has encouraged it be administered by the developing world. hese two theories therefore characteristically contrast with one another. =owever, this viewpoints will also argue that there is an underlying commonality that can be viewed. he first contrast studied in this viewpoint will be the way in which both theories view the effects of colonialism on the developing world, based upon their epistemological stance. 2rgentina0s president -estor 7irchner once noted at a summit that 'In reference to -eo$liberalismN DS policy not only generated misery and poverty but also a great social tragedy that added to 12
institutional
instability
in the
region,
provoking
the
fall of democratically led
governments0.(*4ibbs,
13
not enter the global capitalist system such as modernisation theory suggests. his demonstrates a clear contrast in the two theories. 5ependency theory argues that due to diffusionary influences the former colonies are unable to enter the global capitalist system they already belong to as dependencies. Modernisation fails to recognise this, according to dependency theory, as the theory has been manufactured by the very countries that are the fundamental cause. 'Metropolitan capitalism depends on the eBploitation and active underdeveloped of an already capitalist peripheryN old style colonialism has simply given way to neocolonialism dominated by the IM& and the multinationals, and enforced by transfer pricing and une?ual eBchange in world trade. *)orbridge, 1!!"/. If it is true that due to diffusionary influences, the underdeveloped countries are unable to develop it would demonstrate a paradoB in modernisation theory. he paradoB being that the very blueprint for development that modernisation theory re?uires underdeveloped countries to adhere to is the original cause for their underdeveloped state and the cause of their inability to modernise in the way modernisation theory re?uires. he ma%or influences that each theory draw on to construct their opinion regarding development can also help eBplain and demonstrate the neBt contrasting theme. Modernisation theories holistic approach to development is inspired by its structural functionalist influences, and %ust as importantly, by the works on values and attitudes by MaB ebber *)alvert 9 )alvert, #/. Modernisation re?uires a shift from traditional to modern society. his is made possible by institutional transformations, change from the top down. 'modernisation theorists saw traditionalism and modernity as two poles, and in zero$sum relationship with one another( *)alvert 9 )alvert, #/. his contrasts with dependency theory, which is concerned primarily with the political and economic functionality of modernisation theory and its impacts on the developing countries. It could be argued from this that dependency theory does not argue against a shift from traditional to modern society. It does however criticise how modernisation theory states the transition to modernity be made. he influences of MarBism on dependency theory can be seen in its critical analyses of the international division of labour and une?ual class relations that it claims are inherent to the global capitalist system. =owever, there is no clear suggestion that socialism is the, ideal paradigm for development. Instead placing emphasis on state led development as a mechanism for wealth redistribution. his essay will follow on from this point to present the third contrast between dependency theory and modernisation theory.
14
5ependency theories criti?ue of the global capitalist system can be seen to stem, in particular from the writings of 7arl MarB. In a preface to his book '2 contribution to the )riti?ue of 6olitical ;conomy( MarB notes that 'he mode of production of material life conditions the general process of social, political and intellectual life. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their eBistence, but their social eBistence that determines their consciousness. 2t a certain stage of development, the material productive forces of society come into conflict with the eBisting relations of production( *MarB, 18"!/. he result of this conflict within society, would be a social revolution according to MarBism, where the dissatisfied workers overthrow the owners of the means of production. MarBist thinking can be viewed as the raison dDetre in regards to dependency theories criti?ue of the economic Dmedicine0 modernisation theory demands be administered. Modernisation theory as already shown in this essay, accepts structural ine?uality as a natural part of the organic body of society. ith the Industrial revolution serving as a historical demonstration of the power of modernisation. It could be argued that the creators of modernisation theory envisioned the developing countries adopting the same 'measures which turned the rolling green hills of arwicshire and yneside into the DFlack )ountry0 and the fields and wastes of ancashire into the cotton center of the world( *)orbridge, 1!!"/.5ependency theory fails to suggest an alternative actual plan for development which demonstrates a clear contrast in the two theories. 2nd in the opinion taken in this essay, also demonstrates a weakness. he failure as suggested by this essay, can be eBplained by the uncertainty that MarBist analyses, and conse?uently dependency theorists hold regarding the suitability of socialism for the developing countries. 'he principles of historical materialism specify that societies become capitalist before they can go through a further revolutionary transformation to socialism, but dependency theory is based upon the argument that ;urope0s colonies were brought into the capitalist economic system as dependencies during the colonial period.( *Spybey, 1!!1/. he underlying commonality shared by both modernisation theory and dependency theory is the fact that both make absolute statements regarding the relationship between the developed and the developing world. his does not suggest that they share the same opinion. his commonality is however, a crucial element in understanding development theory in the conteBt of the twenty first century. Foth theories construct their arguments based upon 'a mirror of changing economic and social capacities, priorities and choices.( *6ieterse, !/. his is visible in the way that modernisation theory has nuanced over the last < years to adapt to the rise of neo$liberalismG the growing influence of M-)0s, the orld Fank, the IM& 15
and the industrialisation of countries within the developing world. his commonality can be seen as more of an observation of development theory in a more general sense, rather than a commonality in the content of either theory. he role that paradigms has to play in deciding what the possible future of impoverished people across the globe might be, offers the opportunity to place dependency theory into a slightly more historical conteBt. hrough the means of revolution, )lassic iberalism and an aspiring middle class emerged in &rench society in the 18s, as a direct response to mercantilism, as Diberals criticized the political and economic privileges of the landed aristocracy and the unfairness of a feudal system.0 *=aywood, #/. he very industrial revolution that provided the environment in which a middle class could emerge, is viewed by dependency theory to be reason that post$colonial countries can not Ddevelop0 in the conteBt that modernisation theory states. hile modernisation theory views the emergence of a middle$class in &rance in the 18s as a satisfactory model of how development ought to occur in the 1 st century. his viewpoints that were outlined has demonstrated how modernisation theory and dependency theory contrast with each other at a fundamental level whilst also highlighting an eBtremely important commonality. he contrasts made have been eBplained and discussed, utilising the key theoretical workings, and ma%or influences surrounding them. It has been shown that the paradigm which each theory can be said to operate within, is responsible for the economic and political arguments it makes or does not make. It has been shown also that the role of the state is a key dimension when demonstrating the contrasting themes in each theory. hirdly it has been argued that dependency theory offers no suggestion or actual blueprint for development, unlike modernisation theory which is characteristically an archetype for development due to the influence of structural functionalism. he commonality observed in this essay, that both make absolute statements about the relationship between the developed and the developing countries, has also been outlined. It could be argued from this essay that both development theories are a reflection of the political, economic and social environment in which they were created. he implications of this being that the neBt stage in development is sure to be a reflection of whatever climate surrounds it. he global financial crisis of recent years may be the end of -eo$liberalism as we know it and a shift to the left in popular opinion may well have unknown conse?uences on what is termed as Dideal development0 for the post$colonial countries.
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.0
Concl(sion
It is without a doubt that Malaysia0s phases of development that encompasses RMK-8# RMK-* and RMK-&% during $1" are very critical for Malaysia in progress of pursuing the 3ision. =owever, though the drafts and plans has been outlined clearly, the implementation part will always be the most difficult part to bear with as economic status can change over time as well as other social and political factors that also could slow down the process of development. Fut then again, that is where modernization theory comes in and being applied to develop Malaysia and same goes to the opposite view which is dependency theory. 7nowing the fact that the modernization theory is focused on the foundation stone of this evolutionary prescription for development, not all society seems to agree with the idea. his is because the modernization processes that have been introduced are only focused on the urban areas while the rural areas are being ignored back in the days on 1!"s and seems to be both efficient and not efficient at some point for the 4overnment these days to promote rapid development in which turns out catastrophically as une?ual prosperity and internal social and economic division are often occurs in Malaysia.
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Refe'ences
2bdul @ahman 2bdul 2zis *"/. he State and Modernization 6erspectives in Malaysia0s 5evelopment 6lanning. )alvert 9 )alvert. *1/ Politics an, society in te tir, orl,2 6earson ;ducation td, Malaysia. )handra Muzaffar. 1!8!. '=ard ork H he )ure 2llO( in Eomo 7. Sundaram *ed/. Maatirs Economic Policies. I-S2-C 7uala umpur )lifford, M.. 1!<8. /e Lan, an, People o1 Malaysia . S2C EF ippincott )orbridge, S. *1!!"/ De.elopment 0tu,ies3 A Rea,er2 2rnold, ondon. 4ibbs, . *rd edition. 6algrave Macmillan, =ampshire. =arrison, 5. *1!88/ /e sociology o1 mo,erni5ation an, ,e.elopment2 nwin =yman td, ondon. MarB, 7. *1!##/ A contri6ution to te criti7ue o1 political ecomomy2 6rogress 6ublishers, Moscow. Muhammad =a%i Muhd. aib. 1!!>. Melayu Baru. 7uala umpurC IFS Fuku *sdn. Fhd./ Moore, ilbert. 1!<>. 0ocial ange. -ew EerseyC 6rentice =all -orhashimah Mohd Jassin. 1!!:. 9slami5ation or Malayunisation3 A 0tu,y on te role o1 9slamic La in te economic ,e.elopment o1 Malaysia &*:* ; &**"2 P2D2 tesis2 0cool o1 La#
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6arkinson, Frian, 7. *1!<#/. '-on$economic factors in the economic retardation of the rural Malays( Mo,ern Asia 0tu,ies, vol. 1, pt. 1, Eanuary 6ieterse, E, -. *!/ De.elopment /eory2 Sage 6ublishers td, ondon. aylor, &rancis *1/. +ra,uating 1rom te mi,,le.Malaysia0s 5evelopment )hallenges. @outledge 6ublisher, -J. Senu 2bdul @ahman *1!#/. Re.olusi Mental . 7uala umpurC tusan Melayu. Shaharuddin Maaruf. *1!88/. ';conomic )oncentration and Malay 6easant Society( in &reedman M. 0ocial =rganisation. ondonC &rank )ass Spybey. . *1!!1/ 0ocial cange# Depen,ency > De.elopment2 Flackwell 6ublishers, )ambridge. Syed =ussein 2latas. 1!#. Mo,ernisation an, 0ocial ange in 0outeast Asia. SidneyC 2ngus and @obertson, 1!##. /e Myt o1 te La5y Nati.e. ondonC &rank )ass an =ashim. 1!8>. Race Relations in Malaysia. 7uala umpurC =einemann ;ducational Fooks. @etrieved fromG httpCPPwww.nationsonline.orgPoneworldPmalaysia.htm. +ne orld -ation. @etrieved fromG httpCPPpmr.penerangan.gov.myPindeB.phpPekonomiP#8$rancangan$malaysia$ ke$1$?rancangan$kemakmuran$ekonomi$dan$keadilan$sosial?.html. @M7$1 @ancangan 7emakmuran ;konomi dan 7eadilan Sosial. @etrieved fromG httpCPPpmr.penerangan.gov.myPindeB.phpPekonomiP1>""$rancangan$malaysia$ kelapan$.html. @M7$8. @etrieved fromG httpCPPww1.utusan.com.myPutusanPinfo.aspO yQ19dtQ:>9pubQtusanRMalaysia9secQ erkini9pgQbtR1.htm.
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@etrieved fromG httpCPPpmr.penerangan.gov.myPindeB.phpPpenafianP1>":$rancangan$malaysia$ kesembilan.html. @M7$!
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