Pakatan wants May 13 truth unearthed
Pakatan Rakyat leaders have called for a truth and reconciliation commission over the May 13 riots in 1969 in conjunction with the commemoration of the bloodshed's 39th anniversary today.
At a press conference at the Parliament lobby today, top Pakatan leaders said the commission was important to uncover the facts behind the May 13 incident, which is still shrouded in a veil of secrecy.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said May 13 should be treated as a chapter in the history which will make the people appreciate the value of democracy and justice.
"(We however hope) the May 13 will not continue to haunt us or the Malaysian politics, or to be manipulated by any irresponsible party," the Penang chief minister and Bagan MP told reporters.
PKR president and Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) added that the rakyat should "go beyond the memory of May 13".
"We have proven there (can be) a smooth transition (of power after the March 8 polls) in four states and that's why we don't want to be haunted by the memory," she said, referring to the frequent argument that any landslide opposition's victory may lead to the repeat of the May 13 riots.
The May 13 riots, which took 196 lives according to official figure, have been a frequent source of public debate in view of the absence of a full disclosure on the incident.
The official version has portrayed the riots as being triggered by ‘provocation' by supporters of the Chinese-dominated opposition while celebrating their electoral victory in that year. This has been rebutted by the opposition parties.
However, last year, an academician has argued that the riots were actually an attempt at a coup d'etat within a faction in Umno to oust then premier Tunku Abdul Rahman. The writer based his finding on various sets of confidential documents which were newly declassified.
Meanwhile, BN backbenchers, when approached for their comments, brushed off the need for a truth and reconciliation commission on May 13.
Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) said there was no need for the commission as it would imply that justice was not done over the incident.
"The establishment of such a commission would give an implication that there's no justice in this country," Tajuddin told Malaysiakini at the Parliament lobby, adding that the politicians should be looking forward to building the country together.
"Why are we looking backwards if we want to build a united nation? What's the purpose of digging up old issues? Whatever is good for the country and the people, then we should do it (as of) now," he added.
Mukhriz Mahathir (BN-Jerlun) said there was no attempt to hide the facts behind the May 13 incident. He said the tragedy should be seen as a "blessing".
He was referring to New Economic Policy, an affirmative action policy which favoured the bumiputera, that was introduced as a result of the May 13 incident.
"So the good that came out from such tragedy has been something that we have enjoyed even until now," argued Mukhriz.
