Development of a country is a significant marker
of the successful planning and implementation
of policies by the government. It also shows the
government’s ability to manage the country’s
resource and wealth efficiently and effectively. The
study on development has shown that the underlying
perspectives that dominate the discussions on
economics also determine the meaning and
indicators for development. This article discusses
the two central actors in development by looking
at the relationship between state and NGOs in a
Muslim majority society i.e. Malaysia. It looks at
the pattern of the relationship through the political
space allowed for NGOs to operate. An analysis on
this suggests that political orientation of the NGOs
and importance of state political survival shape the pattern of state-NGO relationship especially during
the era of the government under Barisan Nasional
(BN). This article argues that despite the legalistic
and restrictive structure imposed on NGOs to
mobilise, they are still considered the best partners
for the government in meeting the goals of state
development agenda.