Malaysia : changing occupational patterns, the growth of the worker class and its implications for social relations

Abstract

This paper traces the rapidly changing occupational patterns in the country during the past 10 years and focusses particularly on the growth of the worker class. Occupational and sectoral employment data for the period 1970-80 and projections until 1985 are used to show the rapid growth of the worker class and also the entry of large numbers of Malays which is likely to affect ethnic relations and class relations. An attempt is made to distinguish between different levels of worker consciousness which is emerging from this process and to identify competing or co-existing forms of consciousness that do not serve the interests of workers as a permanent class. Finally the question of how the class interests of other occupational groups converge or diverge with those of the worker class is raised.