Syed Hussein Alatas

Syed Hussein Alatas was a prominent Malaysian sociologist and intellectual, best known for his seminal work on the concept of 'bebalisme' in his book 'Intellectuals in Developing Societies' (1977). He founded the Department of Malay Studies at the National University of Singapore and contributed significantly to the study of sociology, particularly in understanding the dynamics of power, corruption, and intellectual responsibility in developing societies. His theories remain influential in discussions about the role of intellectuals and the impact of political culture on governance.