Modelling new public management in an Asian context : public sector reform in Malaysia

This article combines the key elements of new public management theories with theories of privatisation and total quality management. The key elements identified in this review are used to establish a general model of new public management. Based on western theorising, the model is acknowledged as having a cultural bias. As a corrective, the article reviews the empirical experience of Malaysian public sector reform between 1980 and 2000, with the findings being used to identifying country-specific characteristics as a means of refining the model in a way that reflects that experience. The discussion concludes by setting out a revised model of new public management which takes account of its application in a Malaysian context. The contention is that the process of enquiry leading to this contingent model of new public management might be adapted along similar lines for the purposes of analysing the application of public sector reform in other developing countries.

The new public management in Malaysian public enterprise

The thesis explored New Public Management (NPM) reforms of three Malaysian public enterprises. The finding indicated they differed - privatisation influenced by cronysim; 'quality projects' partially implemented; workforce unchanged. Instead efficiency improvements found were not attributed to NPS. This evidence questions the employability of NPM in a developing economy.

The great challenge for ports: the time has come to consider a new port governance

This FAL Bulletin analyses changes in port governance since the start of the last round of reforms and the new circumstances of the port system. They point to the need to develop a new governance for Latin American and Caribbean ports that can meet the requirements of the twenty-first century.