Understanding a ``development miracle'': Poverty reduction and human development in Malaysia since the 1970s

Asadullah, M. Niaz and Mansor, Norma and Savoia, Antonio (2021) Understanding a ``development miracle'': Poverty reduction and human development in Malaysia since the 1970s. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 22 (4). pp. 551-576. ISSN 1945-2829, DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2021.1975664.

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Abstract

This paper provides a systematic assessment of the alleged exceptionality of Malaysia's development progress and its likely explanations, in comparative perspective. Using cross-country regressions and aggregate indices of education, health, poverty and gender equality outcomes, we produce evidence based on conditional correlations, offering three findings. First, the results support the hypothesis that Malaysia's human development progress has been exceptional compared with that of countries with a similar level of economic development, primarily for the period 1970-1990. Next, we show that such progress is associated with a combination of income-mediated and support-led mechanisms, including Malaysia's early emphasis on education and health inputs and infrastructure development. Finally, we look at long-term roots of its progress, arguing that early advantage in state capacity may be at the origin of Malaysia's successful implementation of poverty reduction and growth-enhancing policies.

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: Malaysia; State capacity; Institutions; Poverty; Human development; Economic growth; Redistribution
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
Divisions: Faculty of Business and Economics
Depositing User: Ms Zaharah Ramly
Date Deposited: 02 Jun 2022 02:43
Last Modified: 02 Jun 2022 02:43
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/27226

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