Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador DALI Mahmud Hashim chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-2700 FAX : [1] (202) 483-7661 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission : Ambassador John R. MALOTT embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur or American Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152 telephone: [60] (3) 248-9011 FAX : [60] (3) 242-2207
Flag description: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US
Economy
Economy - overview: The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and public management, has posted a remarkable record of 9% average annual growth in 1988-96. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and a marked rise in real wages. In 1996 manufactured goods exports expanded less rapidly than in previous years because of the global slump in electronics; nonetheless, foreign investors continue to commit large sums in the economy. The government is aware of the inflationary potential of this rapid development and is closely monitoring fiscal and monetary policies.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $214.7 billion (1996 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 8.2% (1996 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,750 (1996 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14% industry: 45% services: 41% (1995 est.)
Inflation rate - consumer price index: 3.5% (1996)