This volume serves a dual function. First, it documents the nation's history from the eve of the Japanese invasion during World War II to the present day. Second, it analyses the political, institutional and social elements that mark the modern nation of Malaysia.
The first two of the volume's seven sections are primarily historical. They cover the quest for nationhood, and the political formulae that have enabled a united nation to be created from a population marked by racial and religious diversity. They describe the political transformation of the states that now form Malaysia: from the Malayan Union and crown colonies, through the Federation of Malaya, to Independence and the formation of Malaysia. Turbulent periods such as the Japanese Occupation and the Emergency are discussed in detail. Each topic is brought to life with archival photographs and contemporary documents.
The next section of the volume examines the Malaysian system of government: the constitutional monarchy, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, and includes articles on each of the nation's Prime Ministers. The fourth section examines the institutions of state and national security, while the fifth section the nation's democratic political process. The sixth section focuses on social development including the education system, non-governmental organizations and the media. The volume concludes with a section on foreign affairs, and illustrates the rise in Malaysia's international standing over the years.