South Korea¿s interest in the Malaysian socio-economic development. The history of the ¿Look-To-The-East Idea¿

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2016 in the subject History - Asia, National University of Malaysia, course: History, language: English, abstract: The main issue of this study is to unravel the existence of the Look-To-The-East idea in Malaysia which focuses on South Korea before it was made as the central policy, as molded by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. In terms of the methodology used, the initial phase of this research entails identifying and collecting primary and secondary sources from the libraries, archives and reports from various government¿s organizations. Realizing the importance of South Koreäs investment to the Malaysian economy, the Look-To-The-East idea still remained during Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn era. The continuity of the Eastern-oriented thinking by these three Prime Ministers figures had witnessed South Korea became as inspiration in Malaysia trade relations when Dr. Mahathir Mohamad took over the country¿s leadership. The development of the Malaysian economy currently inherited from three previous levels, starting from the growth and rapid development level of natural resources industries from the mid-19th century until the year 1914, followed by a volatility or instability period of natural resources industries between the First and Second World War and last but not least the level of consolidation and rationalization of natural resources industries together with a diversified economy after 1945. Although Malaysia is a former British colony, the importance of Japan¿s economy has contributed to the change of the foreign policy from the Pro-West Policy during the colonial and post-colonial era to the Look-to-The-East Policy during the administration of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.