Public policy development in Malaysian: the case of the national biotechnology policy

Abstract

Malaysia, blessed with extremely rich biodiversity is in the state to explore new high technology to utilize the advantage that it process and at the same time rejuvenate its agriculture sector. Therefore, biotechnology has been identified as an appropriate vehicle that can deliver economic gains through research and development, creation of entrepreneurial opportunities for industrial growth, improvement of food security, health and environmental sustainability. However, despite the efforts and substantial financial resources allocated to creat a national biotechnology hub Biio Vally in 2003 the result has been more than frustration and disappointing. Thus, the government launched a new strategy in the form of national Biotechnology policy in April 2005.aiming to revive an improve tha Malaysian Biotechnology sector. This study attempts to examine the formulation of National Biotechnology Policy and its impact to Malaysian economy. Traingulation approach is employed as a tool for examining the process of policy development and policy change. Furthermore, this study wil recommend a model of policy development and set of new guidelines for policy makers which will serve as a useful, heuristic and prescriptive guide to policy making and policy implementation in Malaysia. This study also suggests further avenues for future research on policy development.