‘Look East Policy’ after 35 years from social sciences perspectives

What is it about?

Malaysia had looked to Japan to search for a sustainable and efficient development model under the Look East Policy (LEP) initiative launched in 1982 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. At the time, this ideal formula, intended for the betterment of the Malaysian economy, was designed to incorporate the Japanese attitude to work, their moral values, progressive norms, and work ethics. Since then, more than 15,000 Malaysians expatriated to Japan due to this very purpose, and bilateral relations between them have blossomed. In this paper, the LEP is revisited, and Japan-Malaysia relations will be analysed to understand the change and continuity aspects of this policy in the past 35 years. Furthermore, this paper will also seek to forecast the challenges Japanese and Malaysian institutions may face in establishing cooperation under the second phase of this policy after 35 years of success.

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Why is it important?

The Look East Policy (LEP) has become a household name in Malaysia for more than three decades, following the emergence of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1982. The policy was planned to improve the Malaysian economy within the South Asian corridor by incorporating the Japanese attitude to work, moral values, norms, and work ethics. The researchers believe that 35 years after the implementation, it is worthwhile exploring the successes, challenges and, importantly, examining the prospects for the policy’s second wave. The Malaysian and Japanese economies have improved through the policy. Also, work and attitudinal values have improved through the exchange scholarships and training schemes. Therefore, the researchers recommend shifting attention towards technology transfer and human capital development to further strengthen the bond between the two countries during the second wave.

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