A History of Malaysia : Third Edition

“For many years the authoritative resource for students and the general reader, this third edition brings the Malaysia narrative right up to the present, and reviews the entire history of this extraordinary country in the light of recent research. The Andayas show that historical knowledge is absolutely essential to understand the dynamics of Malaysia today.” ―Anthony Milner, Australian National University, Australia

“The history of Malaysia was a fine example of objective scholarship about the country's multifaceted development when it was first published over 30 years ago. The new edition brings that tangled story up to the present, confirming how truly remarkable the Andayas' achievement has been.” ―Wang Gungwu, National University of Singapore, Singapore

This brand new edition of the leading history of Malaysia brings the story of this fascinating country up to date, incorporating the latest scholarship on every period of Malaysian history, including recent research into pre-modern times. It also examines developments since the previous edition published fifteen years ago, such as the growing influence of the internet and social media in the political sphere. Fresh analysis of Islam's historical role in the Malay world and how it links with the growing Islamization of Malaysia today makes this a timely study.

'A History of Malaysia' thus provides a historical framework that helps explain the roots of the issues dominating Malaysian life today, and the difficulties of creating a multicultural state where resources are equitably shared and the rights of all citizens are acknowledged.

Barbara Watson Andaya is Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawai'i, USA, and is a former President of the American Association for Asian Studies.

Leonard Y. Andaya is Professor of Southeast Asian History at the University of Hawai'i, USA.