One of the main problems faced by teachers and students who have a scholarly interest in Southeast Asia is the lack of general, user-friendly texts in the social sciences. The absence of an introduction to the sociology of Southeast Asia is especially unfortunate. This volume attempts to meet these needs. This is, then, the first sole-authored introductory sociology text on Southeast Asia that focuses on change and development in the region, provides an overview of the important sociological and political economy writings, and considers the key concepts and themes in the field since 1945. Some multiauthored works do exist but these either are outdated or focus on specialized topics. Aimed primarily at undergraduates up to the final year, it will also be a useful reference work for post-graduates and researchers who lack such a general work.

Syed Hussein Alatas and Critical Social Theory: Decolonizing the Captive Mind offers a variety of historical, religious, and philosophical perspectives into the significance of Syed Hussein Alatas’ life and thought today.

‘The basis of our historical imagination is the intellectual’s (or historian’s) critical thinking and their solidarity with the people, with their destiny and predicament, with the consistent aim of emancipating and liberating the subjugated, the oppressed, and the marginalised.’ History conditions the way that society discusses its problems. Treating history as a form of ‘imagination’, Azhar Ibrahim invites readers to probe the colonialist and nationalist tampering, suppression, and distortion of narratives on the Malays. In this thought-provoking book, the author encourages contemporary historians to move beyond the practice of Orientalist scholars: collecting data and describing facts. Instead, he promotes an alternative reading of history, one that departs from mainstream versions. Reflecting a strong understanding of classical Malay texts, the author also touches on broad themes such as psychological feudalism, orientalism, and the contestation of nationalist and colonialist perspectives on the community. Azhar’s book is a welcomed contribution and a must-read for those interested in alternative discourses in Malay Studies.

Examines the role, relevance and challenges, as well as the political and strategic dimensions of Islam in contemporary Southeast Asia.

"Sebagai seorang ilmuan, Dr. Azhar Ibrahim menghayati isu-isu dalam Pengajian Melayu sebagai rangkaian yang kait mengait, memahami satu bidang memerlukan pengolahan bidang yang lain dalam wacana yang semakin meluas; sejarah menjurus ke tema kebebasan; orientalisme menilai kembali kesulitan dalam feudalisme; humanisme memperluaskan lagi makna dalam teks Melayu; multikulturalisme menyentuh pembinaan identiti; kekaburan akademik menyekat kefahaman masyarakat; neo-liberalisme menentukan arah pengajian seni dan sastera; idealisme diimbangi oleh perancangan dalam wacana pengajian yang baru. Dr. Azhar Ibarhim menyeru orang-orang muda supaya mengenali sejarah dan mengekalkan adab dan adat Melayu. Tema berpasangan ini yang dikupas begitu mendalam menaikkan lagi darjat Pengajian Melayu sebagai satu bidang ilmu yang sah dan berguna." Prof Dr Zakaria Ali Malaysia "Kelangkaan inteligensia Melayu Singapura yang peduli akan jatuh bangunnya bangsa Melayu Singapura, khususnya terhadap budaya yang menjurus mengenai seni sasteranya, menurut saya mula tumbuh kembali apabila kita mahu mengenal sosok peribadi Dr Azhar Ibrahim. Kegiatannya yang memunculkan pertemuan-pertemuan seperti CITA, KULIAH BUSTAN menjadi kenyataannya. Begitu pula dengan terbitnya buku Menyanggah Belenggu Keracunan Fikiran ini, mudah-mudahan akan lahir satu sosok ahli fikir yang berani mendobrak cara berfikir yang lazim membelenggu bangsa kita, insya-Allah." Suratman Markasan Sasterawan, Singapura