The May 13 tragedy is a true reminder of the Malay proverb kalah jadi abu, menang jadi arang (the loser turns to ashes, the winner to charcoal) because racial conflict will not do any good to any race in the country, except tarnishing the image of the country in the eyes of the world.
– Professor Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia research fellow
In the annals of Malaysia’s history, there exists a chapter drenched in pain, fear, and shattered harmony. A chapter etched into the nation’s collective memory known as May 13, 1969.
Fifty-four years ago, on May 13, was a day when overcharged emotions and hatred tore through the heart of a nation, leaving scars that still resonate today.
I was only 7 years old and also being in Sarawak at the time of the May 13 tragedy, obviously having no recollection or exposure to the incident. Still, I heard and read about it as I was growing up.
It was Malaysia’s darkest hour and a sad reminder of our nation’s fragility and ongoing quest for reconciliation and unity.
The outcome and impact of that tragic day are still felt by us all in many ways and forms today, forever changing the course of Malaysia’s trajectory.
I will give our young generation readers an abridged version of the surrounding background, causes, events, and consequences.
Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957. Its multi-ethnic composition comprised three significant communities: Malays, Chinese, and Indians.
It was an era when the Alliance Party, led by Umno, dominated politics.
The 1969 general election witnessed increasing political polarisation and ethnic tensions. The opposition parties, particularly DAP and Gerakan, gained significant support from the Chinese community.
The ruling Alliance Party faced allegations of electoral fraud, sparking discontent among opposition supporters.
Added to this rising political tension were underlying economic disparities between ethnic groups leading to resentment.
The election results also indicated a loss of support for the Alliance Party. Concerns about a potential change in government heightened political instability and added to the anxieties.
Protests and demonstrations erupted in Kuala Lumpur following the election results. The situation quickly escalated into violent clashes between Malay and Chinese communities.
Rioting and violence engulfed the city, leading to loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property.
Mobs targeted individuals based on ethnic backgrounds, resulting in widespread fear and insecurity.
The government declared a state of emergency, deploying military forces to restore order. Curfews were imposed, and media outlets were censored to control the dissemination of information.
The consequences of the May 13 riots resulted in an estimated death toll ranging from hundreds to thousands, with thousands more injured. Numerous properties, businesses, and homes were damaged or destroyed.
The incident led to the suspension of parliamentary democracy and establishment of the National Operations Council (NOC) to govern the country.
The government implemented policies promoting affirmative action to address economic disparities and uplift the Malay community.
The incident deepened ethnic divisions and heightened sensitivities between communities. It influenced public discourse, fostering a more cautious approach to discussing sensitive racial issues.
Its aftermath has shaped government policies (some perceived as discriminatory) and approaches to ethnic relations, emphasising the need for national unity and social harmony in Malaysia.
Over the years, there have been ongoing attempts by some politicians and political parties to stir up racial and religious issues.
Fortunately, in one way or another, the relevant authorities and overall collective emotional intelligence of the various communities and some politicians have managed to mitigate and contain these destabilising activities.
The most recent attempts to racially and religiously polarise the nation seem to be led by the two-time former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
His attempt to rally various Malay-based organisations under one agenda can be interpreted as his attempt to stay relevant in politics. His willingness to fan the flames of politics of race and religion is indeed sad.
It is also perceived as an attempt by Tun M to remove the current prime minister due to his own personal animosity toward him.
Let’s hope people surrounding him wake him up to the unsoundness and harmful approach taken by him. It is still possible for him to regain his mantle as an elder statesman.
On the other hand, we in Sarawak are fortunate not to have faced any May 13-type upheavals. The efforts of most of our leaders and communities in Sarawak leaders to foster good relations and understanding have prevented destabilising forces from having a toehold here.
Recently, at the Unity Government National Convention, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, praised the Sarawak GPS government under our Premier’s leadership and acknowledged Sarawak’s performance as “extraordinary”.
One of the platforms required for such “extraordinary” performance is political stability and kudos to Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg and his team for maintaining and sustaining such an environment.
One of the best ways forward for any nation is to focus on economic prosperity for all and leaving no one behind. With economic prosperity, fewer people would become susceptible or be swayed by the politics of hatred.
May 13, 1969, stands as a chilling testament to the perilous consequences of opportunists manipulating the flames of discontent.
It serves as a stark warning that a nation’s fabric can unravel with a single spark, descending into a maelstrom of violence and savagery.
In Sarawak, we are progressing well on numerous socio-economic fronts. Let’s support its government towards the goal of developed status by 2030.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
