This paper presents a discussion of the Malaysian television phenomenon and associated implications for the country's politics, governance, and social development. As a background to the problems of television's adjustments and adaptations in Malaysia, difficulties and complexities of television in the west and other developing countries are examined. The extent to which Television Malaysia, as a national mass media organization, has been able to play a role in nation building in the post-colonial period is then studied in two parts: how the choice of a model of nation building determines the character of the organization; and how the character of the organization influences the output of the organization. In addition, Television Malaysia is discussed: (1) from the standpoint of a government organization under political control; (2) in terms of its behavior as a mass medium denied the opportunities for the free flow of ideas that lead to change and government maturity; and (3) in light of how restrictive and manipulative programming led to adverse consequences which rendered the atmosphere unconducive for democracy to grow and mature. (33 end notes, 27 references) (CGD)