POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT: GROUP PROJECT

13 May 1969 Tragedy, The Official History and New Untold History

PREPARED BY:
KHAIRIL ANWAR BIN MUHAJIR
FATIN NURFILZATI BT. MAHMUD
NURAINA AKMAL BT. MISMAN

14799
14327
15039

DATE: 16/12/14
LECTURER: DATO PROF. DR. AHMAD MURAD MERICAN

CHAPTER 1: OFFICIAL STORY BASED ON MAGERAN REPORT

1.1 Chronological Descriptions Leading to the 13th May Tragedy
The mistrust between the Malays and Chinese was long seeded even before this
tragedy occured. In 1957, the UMNO leaders have decided to not take part in the Pulau
Pinang 100 years celebration parade due to political justifications. On the other hand,
rumours were spread that the absence of Malay participants is due to a raid that has been
arranged which targeted the participants on that day, causing the total of 50 people to flee
from their positions and armed themselves with axes, daggers and woodsticks from the
parade cars. The presence of policemen to site caused further chaos when the threatened
Chinese group started to attack nearby Malay residents, which continued until the arrival of
the Officer in Charge of Police District (OCPD), causing the total of 4 deaths and 48
casualties.
Along the campaigning period for the 1968 General Election, several candidates have
utilized racial sentiments in their speeches and manifesto at public gatherings to gain the
peoples votes and support. Decree 153 of the Constituion is exploited to expose the Malays
towards the power of other races in obtaining the ruling power of their country. Apart from
that, the Malays status quo has been put into question as the original settlers of Malaysia.
Speeches and written texts in non-Malay scriptures were recomposed to disseminate racial
outrage without the Malays noticing, expressing scepticism towards the Malays favoured
position in government services by excluding the non-Malays in the system.The numbers as
shown above have proven the accusations wrong, whereby a large amount of positions have
been filled by non-Malays in various departments of the government.

Positions according to Race, as of 1st November 1968

(source: MAGERAN,2008)
Department

Total

Malays

Non-Malays

Government Officers

3,398

1,142 (32.26%)

2,252 (63.74%)

Admistrative Services

1,221

706 (57.8%)

515 (42.2%)

Professional Services

1,998

385 (19.2%)

1,613 (80.8%)

173

51 (29.9%)

122 (70.1%)

Police

38.76%

61.24%

Military

64.5%

35.5%

(excluding Education)
Education Officers

On 11th and 12th May 1969, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Gerakan
conducted a victory parade without permit along the busy roads of Kuala Lumpur, while
yelling and chanting to intimidate the Malays and threatening to overtake the country. These
statements were recorded by eye witnesses such as police officers, MARA institute workers
and students, and residents that were passed by the parade group. This uncontrollable act of
joy done by the valiant group of Chinese due to winning few extra seats from the election
was deemed an insult to the Malays.
As reported by Selangor Minister, Dato Harun bin Haji Idris, a request by UMNO to
conduct a victory parade was granted which took place on the evening of 13th May 1969, as a
means of retaliation against the previous insult. The participants gathered at the Ministers
house in Kampung Bharu by 7 pm while waiting for others to arrive. The news of an attack
by the Chinese towards the Malays from Setapak who were heading to Kampung Bharu
raised an uproar to the Malays who were driven with rage since the occurence of recent
events. The group of Malays at Setapak was attacked by Indians and Chinese with steel pipes,
knives and daggers. Shops and houses nearby were hurriedly closed and locked, whereby
more Chinese supporters poured into Setapak from nearby areas such as Jalan Tuanku Abdul
Rahman, Jalan Gombak. The riot continued to spread to Kampung Bharu, Jalan Campbell,
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kampung Pandan, Cheras and
Kampung Kerinci.

Much destruction inflicted during the fight. Vehicles were burnt, shops robbed and
burnt, bottles and glasses were hurled to one another. The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) and
Riot Prevention Team tactically used tear gas to split the large crowd into smaller units and
contain their movements. The Malay protesters were immobilised at Kampung Bharu and
Jalan Chow Kit, whereas Chinese protesters at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Raja
Laut. Several subsequent attacks were charged towards the Malays, including at a cinema in
Jalan Sultan, Kampung Bharu area and Police Station in Salak Selatan, which called upon the
action of the Armed Forces to control the situation.
A total of 30 joint actions were carried out by the Police and Armed Forces to hunt
down the mobsters, crooks and criminals from their hiding places. Meanwhile, about 300
Chinese family were relocated out of the sensitive areas into the Merdeka Stadium and Tiong
Nam Settlement to avoid further misdemeanors. This tragedy has resulted into the declaration
of Emergency in Malaysia. During this period, curfew hours were enforced in order to
prevent further bloodshed, especially in hot areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Pulau
Pinang. Several foreign newspapers have portrayed a different version of the story, by
highlighting the mindset that the minority Chinese were oppressed in Malaysia, hence
believed to be the cause of the following Malay and Chinese riot in Singapore. However, the
diplomatic actions of Malaysian leaders have secured the international relations with several
countries against any trivial judgments.
1.2 Factor of 13 May 1969 Tragedy
13th May 1969, was truly a black mark for Malaysians due to the tragic incident that
occurred which was highlighted as one of the most severe racial riot that ever happened in
national history. According to Wikipedia (n.d.), an official history is a work of history which
is sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by its subject. The term is most commonly used for
histories which are produced at a governments behest. Based on the published report by
MAGERAN (2008), a detailed description of the incident have been put forth, along with the
measures deemed important by the Malaysian government in order to keep our multiracial
harmony at bay.

The establishment of British government in Malaysian land has resulted in the

abundance of immigrant settlements, which mainly migrated from China and India in order to
work as trade labours, coal and tin miners, and estate labours. On the other hand, Malays who
are the original dwellers were put into isolation from developing areas to focus on farming
and vegetation sector in rural settlements, or kampong. It is said that one of the obvious
trends observed during this period is the cultural and socio-economical separation that
occurred between the major inhabitants which are the Malays, Chinese, and Indians
(MAGERAN, 2008). While the Malays reserved to their legacy of customs and traditions,
there were no visible efforts from the British authorities to unite the different races into
learning and assimilating the customs of the Malay, origins hence nullifying the importance
of tolerance and harmony as the basic components in a nations establishment.
During the World War period, the Malays began to realize that the presence of new
settlers into their homeland, especially the Chinese who are also accountable towards the
British economic advantages, somehow has resulted into the deprivation of their political
authority. Furthermore, the power of Malays rulers was being compromised little by little in
order to suit the requirements of British administration. After the war ended, the Malays
vision towards political concern soon emerged to dispute against the Malayan Union
establishment, as a consequence of the Asian nationalism spirit around them, namely in
Indonesia and India. The Malaysian Communist Party (MCP) is also deemed as one of the
forces that managed to retaliate after the Emergency Period, planning out subtle tactics aimed
to undermine the country by seeking out opportunities to create offense and
misunderstandings in terms of economical and racial issues.
During the decline of Malaysian currency in 1967, the communist agents of Mao
Zedong started to disperse condemning rumours into the society regarding the issue which
lead to several upheavals and tension between the Malays and Chinese. The execution order
of thirteen citizens, two of them Malays and eleven Chinese, has provided the Mao agents
powerful motives to further instill dismay and hate among the Chinese, which were
extinguished after the Prime Ministers plea to the Sultan of Johor was accepted. The thirteen
citizens were then reevaluated to a life sentence in prison. In the year 1969, an UMNO
activist was murdered in Penang prior to the General Election, which has caused the UMNO
leaders to result in total undisclosed regarding the incident to prevent further covert actions to
be taken by Mao agents.

CHAPTER 2: UNOFFICIAL HISTORY (3 SOURCES)

2.1 Chronological May 13 (Declassified Documents about Malaysia Riot 1969)
The chronology of 13 May tragedy was started after Alliance were failed to maintain
their position in many chairs during the General Election in year 1969 although they still win
the majority in the parliament. They were defeated by Parti Gerakan in Penang. In Kelantan,
Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party won. Meanwhile in Perak and Selangor, Alliance almost lost to
the opposition. Due to that, Alliance didnt get the majority (two over three) position in the
parliament, which the majority allow them to amend The Constitution at their own will.
Percentage of voting has decline from 58% to 49%. At the same time, three ministers an two
parliaments secretary were also lost in the election. Alliance have to face quite big number of
opposition in the parliament.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Gerakan were very happy because of the victory
and celebrated their victory during 11 and 12 May. The capital was full of the convoi of their
vehicle with their flags. Tunku Abdul Rahman was so frustated knowing that the grassroots
have the desire to have opposition in the country. 13 May, many Malay youth were gathered
in front of the Chief Minister of Selangor, Dato Haron. It was said that, the gathering was
planned by UMNO youth to revenge. Many vehicles and Chiness stalls were destroyed .
The Indians and Chinese stalls owner form a group of people for defense District
Safety Team and equipped themselves with anythings they could find parang, pole, steel
and bottle. When the Malays was surrender, the citizens take the opportunity to revenge. The
vehicles and stalls which were believed own by Malay were destroyed. They were few trials
to destroy the UMNO buidings. A bus driver who was accused to hit two Chinese bicycle
rider was also attacked by the citizens. Few foreign reporters saw the Malay Royal Regiment
were shooting at the Chinese stalls without any reasons.
2.1.1 Reasons of 13 May 1969
British High Commission was not seriously accepted the reasons provided by Tunku
Abdul Rahman who blame the communist for the tragedy. They observed that Tunku was not
ready to blame his own people (Malay) due to the political reasons and also will not blame
the Chinese for the tragedy because it will cause racism. Few Tunkus clique cannot evade
from blaming the Chinese whether directly or indirectly. The statement they made, claimed
that the chaos were because of few bad elements and triad. Triad referred to Chinese which

that, not all the Chinese are bad. The author included the speech by the representative of the
British High Commission.
One of the reason of 13 May to be happened that stated by the author is the
postponement of the Sarawak Election. The decision to postpone was made without refer
anyone in Sarawak and cannot be justified by the safety issue in the country. Sarawak Police
said that the decision has made the situation became worst. All the leader of the political
party in Sarawak had meeting and promised to take care of the peace of the state. It is not the
Chinese Opposition, but the Alliance Malay Leader the one who threaten to bring the
revolution to Sarawak. The Malay is only less than the quarter of the Sarawak population.
The Iban and Chinese has formed the big majority to against the government which full of the
Malays. Few party really hope that the election can produced new interweave between Kuala
Lumpur and the Chinese community in this country who all the time not satisfied and feel
marginalized. However, the tragedy destroy the hope and worst case is Kuala Lumpur might
not interested to start the relationship.
Other hidden reason is the planning by Tun Abdul Razak as claimed by CIA. He
planned to amend the constitution in order to formalise the Malay domination, marginalised
the Chinese and to put aside Tunkus power. Razak believe that, any attempt to adapt with the
Chinese will reduced the power of Malay they had. He believe if the Malay lost the power,
the Chinese who are more dynamic will take over. To avoid this things to be happened,
Razak plan to formalise the Malay government. Van Huizen said that Tunkus stand is very
important. Tunkus power may be put aside eventhough not yet the time. After four days of
the tragedy, MAGERAN (Majlis Gerakan Negara) was formed. MAGERAN was led by
Razak and other members of the organizations are Tun Ismail, Tan Siew Sin, Tun
Sambanthan, Tunku Osman, Chief of Police, Abdul Kadir Shamsuddin, Ghazali Shafie and
Hamzah Abu Samah. Formation of MAGERAN was a type of coup d'etat, which Razak has
full of power. He controlled the government administration and the army lead the new civil
government for the first time. Tunku had lost his power during that time. Some view has
analysed that the government formed during the emergency was planned for a long time. The
condition between the relation of Razak and Tunku was not clear. Publicly, Razak answered
direct to Tunku, but during their private discussion, he admits that he is one who has the
authority to the country. This was the starting process of Tunkus resignation from being the
Prime Minister.

Bangkok gives a view that, this tragedy was resultant of the discrimination principle
applied in the community. During the emergency, the government at that time blamed the
Chinese for the incident. 90% of the people who injured and died were the Chinese which
give the sign that the Malay was not just aggressive, but obviously their actions were done as
ordered. Few reports by the international media shown that the happiness of the minority
Chinese and Indians after the election has produced something yet it should be not that big
until triggered a mass murder.
British has justified that the discrimination was done the Malay safety team, not the
government during that time. They were very sensitive to The Arrogance and Stubborn of
Malay, Chinese Sentiment and British who are dangerous. Although British had left the
country, they still wanted to protect their interest. They leave the country after the indepent
with passing the power to the Malays. The request of Malaysias Government from British
and Australia for a weapon, ammunition and communication equipment was ignored because
British afraid of the risk of revenge will happen as they still have their team who assigned in
Malaysia.
2.1.2 Effects of 13 May 1969
After the tragedy, the government at that time (MAGERAN) seems doesnt have any
interest in making any relationship with the opposition. There is no chance for the opposition
to have any publicity. Some forecast expected that, when the condition are stable, the
government will take the action to restrain the opposition especially DAP which have many
Chinese members. The government also might be taking some action to PMIP that are too
extremist. They believe that, after they get support from the Malays, it is also not too late to
gain support from the Chinese. When they feel the Chinese support is enough, they confident
they can still continue rule the country. Government at that time try to co-opt one of the
opposition to have more stable government. Gerakan at that time give their support to
Alliance. Razak met Lim Chong Eu from Gerakan and try to form new type of combined
government.
The countrys ideology was born during the emergency which was declared after the
chaos. It was never presented in the parliament and also argued about the details. Not many
people know. In July 1969, Jabatan Perpaduan Negara is formed, it set the basic rule
things that allowed and not allowed to be raised after year 1969. The political systems after
1969 also changed. Razak have gained his support during be the assistance of Tunku. He

went all over the country, went to many villages and involved in many project. Razak is a
pro-Malay leader. After replacing Tunku, he decided the role for himself to win the heart of
the community and he succeeded. During that time, Tun Ismail who was the Deputy Prime
Minister, who was known as a liberal, take the role to calm the Bumiputra. He showed his
support to Razak as how Razak shown to Tunku. Another leader at that time was Ghazali
Shafie. He was the supporter of Razak and Tun Ismail and never has intention to replace
them although they are sick or resigned. Three components in Alliance are actually not
united. Each of them still compete each other to gain support from each races.
2.2 Propagandis Zaman (Chapter 14 Puaka 13 Mei)
The scenario during that time is everyone is talking about their worried about politics
in that time. The Malays especially the UMNOs supporter imagine that they will receive the
same fate like Singapores Malay, who lost their rights in politics. A part of non-Malays also
do not expect the result of the election, become worried with the reaction of the Malay. The
chaos was happened in front of Dato Harun Idriss house. The insurgency caused curfew for
the places. The police and army were insufficient to monitor all places. Kampung Baru is the
hotspot, the army that equipped with the weapon were guarding the area and it is adequate the
people there do not go out, and no people enter the area. In few days, all people can go out
from their house, but not from their border. Many youths were pacing everywhere in the
name of taking care of the house and the area. All the people are not ready with the curfew.
The groceries store does not have enough goods to be sold. When the curfew rules are loosed
after few hours, everyone was going to the store. They even buying the foods from other area
and doesnt care if they get the goods illegally. Many families lost their family members and
no statistic of dead had been released. The graveyard in Taman Ibu Kota was existed after the
event.
2.2.1 Reason of 13 May 1969
Tun Abdul Razak stated that the reason of the tragedy is because of the imbalance
economic and social status between all the races.
2.2.2 Effect of May 13 1969 Tragedy
The New Economic Policy was launched to solve the imbalance economic and social
status. The community will be divided so that the community is not known through its
economic condition. The economic policy is also the way to eradicate poverty regardless any

race. After the election, Tunku still not manage to have the oath taking for being the Prime
Minister again. Tunku won the chair in Kuala Kedah parliament and he was not yet come
back to Kuala Lumpur. When the riots happen, and before it spread to other area of the
country, Tun Abdul Razak have taken the fast action by forming MAGERAN or National
Operational Council (NOC) with him being the director. It was unknown the whether the
decision to form MAGERAN and the appointment of the director made by Prime Minister or
not. All the statements made shown that Prime Minister know nothing about it. The director
of MAGERAN declared emergency, ordered 24 hours curfew and suspend the Parliament
which the members not yet have the oath taking. MAGERAN have the full authority in the
country, which surpass the power of the Prime Minister and the temporary government who
conduct the general election. Tunku still the Prime Minister but he has no power. Tun Abdul
Razak still the Deputy Prime Minister in Tunkus cabinet with but the administration of the
country is in the hand of MAGERAN with the director have full authority.
Tunku understand that there is a people dont want him to continue as the Prime
Minister, however he dont want to take the step to resign. He wont resign with condition of
suspended parliament and democracy and politic are freeze, because he gain power through
the process of free democracy and politics, so he will just step down when the democracy and
politics is functioning. A year after 13 Mei, in the mid-year of 1970, the Parliament is
restored. The candidates who won the election in GE 1969 need to do their oath taking.
Tunku made the announcement through the television that he will resign and name Tun
Abdul Razak as his successor. In his speech, he hope that all the people will give full support
to Razak and reject the assumption that Razak is the leader of one race, but the leader of all
races.
CHAPTER 3: SOURCE OF THE HISTORY
3.1 Source Description
In this research, there are two histories representing from two different parties which
are government and anti-government. The official history in this research basically was taken
by a report entitled Tragedy of 13 May was written by government organization
MAGERAN, Majlis Gerakan Negara, meanwhile the untold history yet quite famous within
the opposition and non-alliance group to government are taken from 3 different sources. The
resources are Propagandi Zaman, 13 May Declassified Documents about Malaysia Chaos

1969 and a speech taken in from online website entitled Dalam Sebenar Peristiwa 13 Mei
1969 by Dato Tamrin Ghaffar Baba.
Tragedy of 13 May consists of two parts which are the background of the history and
the tragedy. In the background of the history, it includes the analysis of Malaysian society
before war, British post-war policy, MPAJA violence, Insurgency in 1948 and Communist
Attempt which are expressed as the leading factors of the tragedy. In Part 2 Tragedy, it
described the chronology of the event starting from the key factor of tragedy which is the
insecurity and skeptical of the society towards each other until the reaction of people during
the tragedy. Propagandi Zaman from Malay translated to English as Propaganda Era was
written by Subky Abdul Latif in January 2013. This book described the life experience of the
author towards the event happened in Malaysia starting from Malaysian Formation in 16
September 1963 until the era of government by the fourth Malaysia Prime Minister. In this
research, some of the data details are taken from Chapter 14 entitled 13 May Nightmare,
describing the event from the author experiences. He also concluded some of the causes for
the tragedy.
13 May Declassified Documents about Malaysia Chaos 1969 was written by Dr Kua
Kia Soong. The book explained the author disagreement upon the mainstream history of May
13, 1969 which is based on the official government history released and described the untold
history which quite an eye opening to Malaysian. The author also somehow includes the
evaluation of foreign government on that time upon the tragedy and explained the Malays
ruling government during the tragedy.
3.2 Validity of Usage Source Reference
The selection of resources for the research is based on the credibility of the resource
to be representative of the contradictory party as mentioned here the government and the
opposition. The report from MAGERAN is the analysis made by government organization as
well as the official statement of Malaysia government upon the tragedy. Another reason of
taking this report into the research is the role of MAGERAN plays in riot as the temporary
government in order to stabilize the country during that time. It is clearly that MAGERAN
has the authority in speaking and describing on the behalf of Malaysia Government.
The author, Subky Abdul Latif is a prominent writer and reporter in Malaysia. He had
written title article for Utusan Melayu, famous mainstream news and the founder of Suara

Rakyat, Suara Merdeka and Harian Watan which already being disbanded which only left
Harakah until today become the representative for Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS). His has
vast connection with influential political figure of government since he was a writer for so
called government paper and had a linked with opposition since one of his relatives was a
leader in opposition and appointed as Commissioner of Wilayah Persekutuan of PAS. Thus,
choosing his experience in describing the history for Riot May 13 is precisely based on his
credibility in Malaysia Politic as well the neutrality of the book content toward the subject
being discussed in this research.
As a former Member of Parliament of Petaling Jaya from Democratic Action Party
(DAP), making the book 13 May Declassified Documents about Malaysia Chaos 1969
written by Dr. Kua Kia Soong relevant as the untold history which contrary to the official
history of 13 May 1969. However, his written is biased to the opposition yet which cannot be
rejected due to the relevancy of the argument provided. This opinion of history perspective
will balance the official history of 13 May 1969.
CHAPTER 4 HISTORY PERCEPTION
4.1 Official Report of MAGERAN
This report was prepared by the National Operations Council (MAGERAN), which
was established after the announcement of the Malaysian Emergency thus waived the
authority of the Alliance Party in the country. MAGERAN consists of multiracial prominent
politicians, non-political leaders of the society, experts in various fields, Chief of Police,
Commander of the Armed Forces and the Supreme Judge. The council is held temporarily
responsible to rule the country while investigating and taking charge of the execution of those
responsible towards the 13th May tragedy. As the governing body after the incident, it is
important that MAGERAN provides a thorough report regarding the incident so that
Malaysian citizens will be reminded of their history. Apart from that, the stand from
MAGERAN is neutral and based on factual and validated sources.
The history written based on the government perspective during the riot. Basically the
history written is mainly focusing the imbalance of the racial social and economy condition
as well focusing the celebration of the opposition party triggering the riot. Although
MAGERAN can be consider as neutral party, however, we cannot denied their function as
temporary ruling government which consists of the previous ruling government. The report

released need to satisfy and calm the public. The celebration of opposition due to the
achievement of general election which quite provocative and racial imbalance somehow at
that time is the fact of the current condition of Malaysia society making it as relevant to be
claimed as the cause of the tragedy.
4.2 Untold History
Meanwhile in the book entitled, The Classified Documents Riot May 13 1969, the
author proposing the history which very contrary and quite eye opening and somehow
denying the government claim of the opposition party winning celebration as well the racial
disruption of racial balance. Most of the content only questioned the truth of the fact that is
presented by the government for the tragedy. From the content, we could see that he
concluded that, the main reason of 13 May 1969 is the process of coup detat from Tunku
which was done by his assistance, Tun Abdul Razak. It mainly focuses on government action
conspiracy on removing the key leader of their party, Tunku Abdul Rahman and involving
the mass murder of Chinese. However, he didnt provide any point in this book which that
use to back-up or bias to his party, DAP which not denying any facts proposed by the
government upon the tragedy. In order to validate his point of view, he referred the report
done by Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER).
The background of the author somehow showed that the history proposed centralised
on perspective of opposition, as the author was a leader from the opposition party and had
been detained in prison under the Internal Security Act (ISA) during Operasi Lalang.
However, some of his point might be accepted since there is conflict during the ruling of
Tunku Abdul Rahman and dissatisfaction of Malay which being raised by Tun Dr. Mahathir
Mohamed. He critique the way of government during Tunku Abdul Rahman in his book,
Malay Dilemma due to the failure of balancing Malay and Non-Malay priorities.
Surprisingly, Subky Hj. Latif describing the history which somehow sound alike the report by
MAGERAN and accepted that the cause where being officially announce by Tun Abdul
Razak government. As a journalist from Utusan Melayu, a newspaper which has good link
with the government, his perspective on the tragedy is aligned with the report of MAGERAN
although afterward during Tun Dr. Mahathir, he become actively involved with opposition
party component, PAS and even founded representative newspaper for PAS. As we go deeper
into his life history, he didnt have any disagreement with the pervious leader before Tun Dr.
Mahathir Mohamed and even has good relationship with them as being told in his life

experience in other chapter of Propagandi Zaman. Thus, it shows the writing is not based
on the grudge upon the government during that time and can be consider as sincere life
experience history upon the tragedy.
CHAPTER 5 MEDIUM OF DISTRIBUTION
5.1 Official History
The official voice of the Malaysian government is sought to be heard through
published papers and statements, but not widely expressed throughout the media due to
sensitivity of the issue. Basically, the majority of the society back then after the tragedy
accepted the history as the fact and become the national history. As the generation move to
another generation, the likelihood of the history being told to mass become lesser and lesser
as the history itself become the sensitive issue since involving races. Currently, the history is
only being accepted by the old generation and government supporters which somehow being
labelled as the government history perspective rather than national history.
5.2 Untold History
Broadcasting has long established itself as an important spatial extension of this
nations historicity. In this day and age, the field of broadcasting is undoubtedly very
advanced and vibrant in tandem with technological advancements. The advent of new media
with practical and ideological changes of traditional media has impacted social change and
subsequently transformed the world communication unification landscape. The dawn of new
media and communication technologies have brought about a profound transformation in the
way people communicate and share knowledge and information. These new technologies
offer vast new opportunities for public participation and engagement and have the potential to
expand media use even further.
Both of the history were written and distributed after Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed
resignation, since the government after is quite lenient to the idea and information distributed
to masses, new idea and provocative to the mainstream which provided by the government is
widely distributed through various way of new media medium such as internet. As the new
generation which thirsty for the information from the past and since the history is being
classified as sensitive material to crowd which causing it being discussed openly. This two
factors, develop the interest of society to accept the new history and information provided by
new media and new centralism of the information. The history proposed by Dr. Kua Kia

Soong is accepted by society majority is the supporter of opposition. Meanwhile, the

naturalist in political mindset is distributed between two of these histories according to their
principle.
CONCLUSION
The history of Riot May 13, 1969 currently is divided into two categories which are
the conservative view and new provocative perspective. The mainstream history is being
taught in school however only brief detail is being allowed. Meanwhile, the new history is
being delivered through book selling. Both of the history somehow become two national
history which only be accepted by the certain faction of society. As the arising new
contradicting history, it might creating a new silent tension due to the effect of the
mainstream history, which is National Economy Policy (NEP), Social Contract agreement
and the special privileges of Bumiputra. Thus, it is a hope that current government starting to
develop a strategy eliminating the possible tension due to the argumentation of previous
history which hugely structured the current condition of society.