Welcome to Musical Malaysia
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MALAYSIAN MUSIC IN CONTEXT:
Geographical Location
Social and Political Background: People | History | Economics
Trends and Developments in Music

The past 3 decades has seen the Malaysian economy undergo significant structural transformation from a mainly primary commodity producer to an increasingly diversified economy with an expanding industrial base (The Economics Department 1994). This broadening domestic base as a result of diversification and industrialisation has created a resilient economy capable of withstanding the destabilising effects of cyclical economic fluctuations commonly found in industrialised nations.

A Diversified Economy

The Gross National Product (GNP) rose at an average of 8.9% per annum between 1988-1992 (The Economics Department 1994). This rapid economic growth in an environment of relative price stability (the average rate of inflation between 1957-1992 was only 3.2%) resulted in an increase in private consumer spending by 11.2% per annum between 1988-1992 as well as in private investment which rose by 22.3% during the same period. In line with this, all households, irrespective of ethnic origin, stratum or income group, registered an average monthly gross household income growth rate of 9.5% per annum between 1990-1995 (Prime Minister’s Department 1996).

Economic Growth Rate Chart

This improvement in general living standards and quality of life has resulted in greater levels of racial integration and harmony than ever before, which in turn promotes peace, stability and further economic prosperity. The Malaysian government recognises that rapid economic growth must be accompanied by social, cultural and psychological progress for a truly improved quality of life (Prime Minister’s Department 1996). Where in the past, encouragement of the arts and more specifically of music has been sporadic at best, recent developments have shown that the government is indeed serious in its campaign to promote serious music among the general public. Concrete steps which have been taken include the introduction of music into the New Integrated Secondary School Curriculum (Pusat Perkembangan Kurikulum 1994) by the Ministry of Education in 1995, as well as the setting up the National Arts Academy, National Symphony Orchestra and National Choir by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism in 1993. The government has also in recent years approved the setting up of several new degree programs in music at the various local universities. Many corporate based orchestras as well as private colleges which offer a variety of music certificates, diplomas and twinning degrees have also recently sprouted up under the auspices of the present conducive environment.

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