INTRODUCTION

THE DARK YEAR

Peace and political stability is crucial to Malaysia's development. In the highly competitive world market, cheap labour alone was not enough to attract foreign investor.

In order to live harmoniously with each other who have different background, we must have understanding and sensitivity towards each other's needs.

Bearing this in mind, and coupled with the government's effort to diminish the identification of ethnic groups with different economic status, all differences became transparent and irrelevant.

Case Studies:

State of Emergency
The 13th May Incident

State of Emergency

In 12 July 1948, the whole of Persekutuan Tanah Melayu was declared the state of emergency because of communism. During that dangerous time, people who lived in squatters were relocated, setting up of forbidden zones meant anybody seen there can be shoot on sight, curfew and all kinds of rule was set up to protect the people. In short, the people lived in fear.

After 4380 days of relentless resistance from local resident, police and army, more and more communists surrender. Finally the state of emergency was lifted on 31 July 1960.

As a result of this state of emergency, more people realized the importance of peace and harmony and that only united we stand.

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The 13th May Incident

On 13th May 1969, there was a racial riot in Kuala Lumpur. Even before that, Sino-Malay quarrels in Bukit Mertajam on 1968 and the Hartal Riots in Penang on 1968 has indicated that certain elements were missing and much effort is needed to inculcate national integration among the people.

The analysis behind this incident was perhaps best described in Dato Seri Dr Mahathir's book - "The Malay Dilemma",first published in the year 1970. It was emphasized over many times how important "constructive protection" is to the native people so that they are assisted constructively to be on par with other ethnic group.

As a result, all kinds of policies and programs was set up to help the natives. Thanks to the foresighted policies implemented by the government, today the natives are on par if not better than other ethnic groups. More over, the eradication of the poor among Malaysians was the sure win policy for the nation.

This incident has teach the government and all Malaysians an important lesson - that sharing will be part of the "Formula" to ensure national stability.

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