Attitudes and Perceptions in Australia-Malaysia Relation: A Contemporary Profile. 2001. ISBN 967-942-539-8. RM35.00. Rita Camilleri When the British colonial mantle was lifted from Malaysia, the newly independent country was expected to move in accordance with the British model. As a neighbour and loyal British colony, Australia also wanted a strong British presence in the region. During the 1980s and 1990s Australian governments actively pursued a policy of engagement with Asia. However, this was also the priod when Malaysia under Mahathir would move away from its British connections and forge closer links with other Asian nations. Contrary to those earlier British expectations, Mahathir’s Malaysia was intent on assuming a leadership role, often critical of Western policies and priorities. How was Australia to adapt to this new self-assertiveness? What would the implications be for its policy of engagement? How would East meet West in this part of the world, and in this rapidly changing set of economic, political and strategic circumstances?
RITA CAMILLERI currently teaches English to newly arrived migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds. She has combined almost four decades of teaching with study (BA, E. Ed, MA) as well as involvement with a wide range of educational and advocacy organisations concerned with such issues as indigenous rights, nuclear disarmament and multicultural dialogue.
Published by:
Penerbit UKM
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600, Bangi, Selangor,
Malaysia.
Fax no: 03-89254575
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