Public finances in Malaya and Singapore

Abstract

This book presents the first organised and comprehensive study of public finances in Malaya and Singapore. It not only brings together statistical and descriptive material which at present is available only from a large number of sources but also subjects this material to much critical analysis. In addition, far-reaching but constructive recommendations are made concerning government policies in this area for the two countries. In view of the expansion of the role of the government sector in the development of both Malaya and Singapore, a detailed analysis of public finances is opportune, and the suggestions for change should provoke discussion. The book deserves close study by students of economics and by government officials in Malaysia and Singapore. Students and government officials in other developing countries may well benefit by comparing the structure and performance of fiscal measures in their countries with the experience of Malaya and Singapore. The book will also be valuable to those readers interested in public finance generally, and in Asian affairs.