Growth and distribution in the eighties the Malaysian case

Abstract

The long term development path of the nation, involving growth and distribution, had in fact been charted under the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the Outline Perspective Plan, 1971-90. The NEP, which has national unity as its overriding objective, basically seeks to achieve the following: - a real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 8% per annum; - eradication of poverty through increases in productivity, income and employment and the provision of basic amenities; - reduction of existing inequalities in the distribution of income between communities and regions; - full employment of the labour force; - sectoral and occupational employment patterns that reflect the racial composition of the country; and - Bumiputera owning and managing at least 30% of the total commercial and industrial activities of the country in all categories and scales of operation by 1990. Before proceeding directly into the subject matter, it would be helpful to consider growth, distribution and their relationship as well as the development made in these areas during the seventies.