From natural economy to capitalism : the state and economic transformation in Perak, Malaysia c.1800-2000

Abdullah, Azrai bin

Abstract

The thesis provides the first description and analysis of long-term economic change and development in the Peninsular Malaysian State of Perak from about 1800 to 2000. Although a considerable number of studies have been undertaken on the colonial economy of Perak focusing on tin and rubber production, given the vital importance of these commodities and of Perak's position in the British imperial enterprise, very little research has been done in relating the state's pre-colonial status and its colonial development to post-independence transformations.

The thesis coordinates and re-evaluates the material on colonial period concentrating particularly on the available statistical data and the relations between tin, rubber and rice. It then links colonial developments with contemporary change by examining the three key economic elements of land, labour and capital, and utilises a considerable amount of government economic data on the recent period. It also considers the relations between the policies and practices of the colonial and post-colonial state and processes of economic development. It argues that the role of the state, though different and changing, has been vitally important in promoting and underpinning economic transformations from British intervention in 1874 until the present. The major change can be characterised as the transition from a primarily 'natural' economy to a 'state capitalist' one.

Citation

Abdullah, A. B. From natural economy to capitalism : the state and economic transformation in Perak, Malaysia c.1800-2000. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4216781

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 23, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: South East Asian studies
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4216781
• Additional Information: Department of South East Asian Studies, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2007