Please agree to our privacy policy to enable news listening. (Central News Agency reporter Huang Ziqiang, Kuala Lumpur, 10th) On the 57th anniversary of the May 13 racial conflict in Malaysia, a number of civil society groups held a public memorial ceremony at the Sungai Buloh 513 Cemetery, calling on the government to declassify relevant files, restore the historical truth, and prevent society from falling into racial and religious confrontation again. Groups including the Friends of the Historical and Cultural Assets Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the Civil Rights Committee of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Wah Tong, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Committee of the Lim Lien Jock Foundation, Malaya University New Youth, the Tongxin Citizens Association and the Kuala Lumpur Wing Chun Association will organize a “series of commemorative activities for the 57th anniversary of the May 13 Incident” starting yesterday. In addition to the public memorial service, the organizer also held a symposium today called “From Looking Back to Understanding: Intergenerational Dialogue on the May 13 Incident.” On May 13, 1969, a serious racial conflict broke out in Kuala Lumpur between Malays and Chinese, resulting in many casualties and is regarded as one of the darkest events in Malaysian history. Relevant files have not been fully disclosed so far, and the “513 Incident” has long been a highly sensitive issue in Malaysian society. Tang Ah Chai, chairman of the Association of Friends of Historical and Cultural Assets in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, said that the “513 Incident” is not only a bloody and painful history, but also a social wound that has not been completely healed so far. Many lives were lost in the tragedy, and many families are still suffering silent pain. He pointed out that the “513 Incident” was not a problem for the Chinese, Malays or any single group, but a common history for all Malaysians and a responsibility that all people must face together. Chen Yacai believes that the government should fully declassify the files related to the “513 Incident” and establish a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to draw on South Africa’s experience and allow survivors, family members and historical archives to dialogue with each other to restore the full picture of history. He also called for the abolition of discriminatory policies, an end to using the ideology of supremacy of a single ethnic group as an intimidating political narrative, and the reshaping of national identity with “unity in difference” so that multiculturalism can become a bridge of understanding, reconciliation and co-prosperity. State Assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat said that the country should gradually promote the disclosure and declassification of relevant information, return to historical facts, and allow society to have more room to understand the truth. Only a society based on truth, transparency and understanding can truly move toward reconciliation and progress. Tajuddin, a scholar at the meeting, called on society to reject polarizing remarks based on ethnicity and religion. If the overall interests of the country and the reality of pluralistic society are ignored, it may lead to social division. Zhang Ji’an, the director of the movie “May Snow” based on the “513 Incident”, also recited a memorial poem at the scene to commemorate the victims of the incident. In an interview with a reporter from Central News Agency today, he said that filming “Snow in May” is not just about looking back at history, but also hoping that through the film, society can remember history and remind the next generation to cherish the hard-won peace. Zhang Ji’an pointed out that although “May Snow” was cut by 27 cuts before being released, it at least took the first step, allowing a film based on the “513 Incident” to appear on the big screen for the first time, and also rekindled social discussions on the “513 Incident” and the history of mass graves. He believes that film is an important medium to promote social reflection and transformation. Representatives of various religions also participated in the public memorial ceremony. Participants bowed their heads in silence and laid flowers to pay tribute to the tombstone. The atmosphere was solemn and solemn. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150510 Support Central News Agency’s choice to stand with the facts. Every donation you make is a small amount of support to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency’s “First-hand News” APP to get the latest news in real time. The text, pictures and audio and video of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
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On the 57th anniversary of the May 13 incident in Malaysia, civil society organizations call for declassification and restoration of the truth | International | Central News Agency CNA
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