In Reluctant Capital: Essays on Kuala Lumpur, researcher and director Badrul Hisham Ismail tells the story of the capital’s growth using critical urban theory, explaining how it came to be what it is today via state developmentalism, neoliberal reform, and ethnic governance.

The first book to be published under the Soft Copies imprint of architectural publisher Suburbia Projects, Reluctant Capital traces Kuala Lumpur through abandoned masterplans, contested megaprojects, and visions of progress to the realities marginalised communities.

Reluctant Capital is available at Suburbia Projects and major bookstores.

Reluctant Capital: Essays on Kuala Lumpur

Badrul Hisham Ismail
2026
Soft Copies

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