A Short History of Malaysia –

1) A Short History of Malaysia – Virginia Matheson Hooker
Allen & Unwin | 2003 | PDF

The origins of Malaysia’s aboriginal peoples, the years of Western domination in the country, and the forceful political stance of its current leader are all outlined in this lively and informative account of Malaysia’s history and politics. A concise and accessible look at this constantly changing country, this book is perfect for travelers, students, teachers, and businesspeople. Discussed are the major trends in its contemporary political life and the challenges the country faces in the 21st century as Malaysia serves as a model for rapid modernization. The lives of individuals from various time periods are examined to create a complete picture of Malaysia. Also included are maps and illustrations.

2) An Economic History of Malaysia, c. 1800–1990: The Transition to Modern Economic Growth – John Drabble
Palgrave Macmillan | 2000 | PDF

An Economic History of Malaysia, c.1800-1990 , provides the first general history of the Malaysian economy over the past two centuries, including a survey of the pre-colonial era. A unique feature is that it integrates the historical experiences of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak as a case study in the onset of modern economic growth. Particular attention is paid to explaining Malaysia’s signal success in achieving a relatively smooth shift away from the primary commodity export economy of the colonial period to near-NIC status by 1990.