History of Look-To-The-East Idea: South Korea Interests in the Socio-Economic Development of Malaysia

The present economic development of Malaysia is inherited from the previous three levels, beginning with the rapid growth and rapid development of the natural resources industry from the mid-19th century until 1914, followed by a period of volatility or instability of the natural resources industry between the First and Second World War and finally The level of unification and rationalization of the natural resources industry along with economic diversification after 1945. Although Malaysia was a former British colony, South Korea’s economic interests had contributed to the change of foreign policy from the Pro-West Policy during colonial and post-colonial times to the East View Policy During the administration of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Hence the principal problem in this study is to unravel the existence of the Look-To-The-East in Malaysia which focuses on South Korea before it becomes the main policy formed by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. In terms of methodology used, the initial stage of the research is to identify and collect primary and secondary sources from libraries, archives and reports from various government organizations. Recognizing the importance of South Korea to the Malaysian economy, the Look-To-The-East Idea is still maintained during the Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn era. The continuity of the Look-To-The-East Idea which was continued by the three Prime Minister figures saw South Korea emerging as an inspiration in Malaysia’s trade relations when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad took over the leadership of the country.