The May 13 Tragedy : A Report

Author (s) : Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein, Tun Haji,

Publisher National Operations Council
Publication Year 1969
Copyright Year 1969
Page 110
Language English

Category: Tag:

Description

May 13, 1969 will go down in our history as a day of national tragedy. On that day the very foundation of this Nation was shaken by racial disturbances whose violence far surpassed any we had known. It was only the firm and prompt action of the Government, together with the loyal support of the Armed Forces and the Police, which quickly brought the situation under control. Had it not been for the immediate preventive measures, there is no doubt that the whole country would have been plunged into a holocaust.

This Report lays out the facts on the disturbances which broke out on May 13. It outlines the historical background of the mood of the people on that day it relates the day of tragedy and the role played by the Armed Forces and the Police in quelling the disturbances and returning the country under the firm control of the Government and, finally, it points to the direction that the Nation should take.

This Report has been prepared with the full realisation that important matters must no longer be swept under the carpet and that the facts of May 13 should be made known to the public. Furthermore, it has been written with the conviction that the objective of national unity must be confronted squarely, and the alternatives before us decided upon sincerely and courageously. The course of our Nation so charted must be pursued with the united efforts of all loyal Malaysians resolutely, with courage and confidence.