Learning From May 13 For Lasting National Reconciliation


 


From Aizat Shamsuddin
The May 13 tragedy in 1969 remains etched in Malaysian history as one of this nation’s darkest moments.
Widespread riots – primarily in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and other towns in Peninsular Malaysia – inflicted deep wounds on the generation that experienced it, contributing to the inter-ethnic distrust of today.
Official records report that 143 Chinese, 25 Malays, 13 Indians, and 15 others were killed in the riots, with over 400 injured. Unofficial accounts suggest a higher number of Chinese fatalities.
Exploiting the tragedy
An alarming trend of escalated far-right extremism exploiting the May 13 tragedy has been observed by the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.MY) on social media, particularly on TikTok, From this observation, three key findings have emerged.
First, political events such as the 15th general election in November 2022 served as triggers for the escalation of online hate and extremism.
The transfer of power between political coalitions, along with the involvement of influential supporters from religious figures, celebrities, and the public, intensifies the politicisation of race and religion.
This is particularly evident during the vote counting period, where much of the content coopted the May 13 tragedy to warn against the resurgence of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, particularly the Chinese-dominated DAP, to federal power, portraying it as a threat to the Malay’s special position.
Second, there was a notable use of combative language and symbols in describing these narratives.
Captions such as “hunting mode” and “looking for halal” depict a readiness to hunt non-Muslims, often accompanied by images of brandished daggers, arrows, bows, and/or eerie and jihad-invoking songs.
While the language used may be indirect or conveyed through innuendos, it is clear that in this intense context it constitutes a call for violence targeting ethnic and religious minorities in the country.
Many of these content have been taken down by TikTok after public pressure, and police had warned against any further production or resharing of such content.
Third, the majority of those disseminating these dangerous narratives were youths, as evident from their account profiles.
This underscores how more young people are being exposed to and engaged in political content following the passage of Undi18. Far-right political actors exploit these young individuals to create such content, often coordinating efforts and even paying content creators.
Despite the liberal nature of this legal passage, there remains a glaring insufficiency in political education. It is imperative to cultivate political maturity among the youth and prevent their exploitation by fear-mongering and financial incentives.
Overall, these trends underscore two risks: such dangerous content could resurface during other tense periods, and it is not confined to the virtual space.
This means that the radicalising effects can spill over into the real world as online platforms increasingly serve as avenues for radicalisation.
This may result in the translation of hate into acts of discrimination, coercion, and even violence. These trends must be prevented from escalating into violent extremism.
How to nip it in the bud
If they are serious about promoting social harmony and security, the Madani government should consider two recommendations to drive the nation towards national reconciliation:
First, there needs to be a widespread awareness campaign regarding the lessons learned from the May 13 incident.
Many individuals, particularly young people who lack firsthand experience of the events, are unaware of the significant political, social, and economic upheavals caused by the riots that occurred during that period.
With a state of emergency declared, police were deployed to de-escalate the riots, enforce curfews, and businesses were forced to close. Hundreds of Malaysians lost their lives, and widespread property damage ensued.
Some information, particularly regarding the true extent of casualties and the identities of perpetrators, remain undisclosed to the public or are classified under the Official Secrets Act due to its sensitivity, which could exacerbate tensions.
However, the government should consider declassifying certain information for educational purposes, allowing researchers and the media to ethically document, report, and conduct educational programmes about it.
It is crucial to openly acknowledge and explain tragic events in history rather than conceal them to construct a nation-building narrative.
Otherwise, malignant actors, such as extremists and terrorists, will continue to exploit this information gap by promoting false victimhood to radicalise their supporters for political gain.
For instance, Germany has a comprehensive nationwide education programme that delves into the lessons learned from the Holocaust during the Nazi era.
Similarly, Singapore has observed Racial Harmony Day annually since 1997 educating about the lessons learned from the communal riots of 1964.
Malaysia could introduce similar educational initiatives at both community and institutional levels. These should include testimonies from diverse ethnic survivors and recognise the contributions of armed forces and police veterans, such as those with the National Patriots Association.
Making them pay
Second, perpetrators of extremism must face accountability for their actions. This requires enforcing content restrictions proportionately, especially for materials inciting hate and violence.
While some content may not overtly advocate violence, human analysis remains crucial for interpretation within specific contexts. Enforcement units at social media companies and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission must rely and strengthen both human and AI-powered moderation methods.
Individuals propagating explicit hate speech and incitement to violence should face stricter levels of accountability, including legal penalties.
However, Initiate.MY advocates for restorative justice measures, such as public apologies, mediation, and dialogues with affected parties, to instil a sustainable sense of remorse within perpetrators and foster closure within affected communities.
This approach is essential for achieving lasting national reconciliation. - FMT
Aizat Shamsuddin is an FMT reader, a security analyst and founder of the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.MY).
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2024/05/learning-from-may-13-for-lasting.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
Cops Looking For Woman 2 Children Missing From Pj Shelter Home

Cops Looking For Woman 2 Children Missing From Pj Shelter Home

papar berkaitan - pada 14/5/2024 - jumlah : 166 hits
Petaling Jaya police chief Shahrulnizam Jaafar said the three left the home to go to a nearby mosque for prayers on Friday but did not return KUALA LUMPUR Police are looking for a 25 year old woman and her two children who went missing from...
Bersatu Constitution Doesn T Bar Me From Campaigning For Govt Says Rep

Bersatu Constitution Doesn T Bar Me From Campaigning For Govt Says Rep

papar berkaitan - pada 15/5/2024 - jumlah : 155 hits
Selat Klang assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari has dismissed claims that the party has sufficient grounds to terminate his membership SHAH ALAM Bersatu s Abdul Rashid Asari has rubbished claims that he should have his membership terminated for ...
Umno Veep Calls For National Cooperation Beyond Politics

Umno Veep Calls For National Cooperation Beyond Politics

papar berkaitan - pada 13/5/2024 - jumlah : 129 hits
Voters are wiser they will not accept politicians who use sentiments A person s race is not important but their contribution to the people is what matters Politicians should be giving the Madani government their full cooperation to govern i...
Sarawak Spouse Visa Not Valid For Widowed Divorced Men From Peninsula

Sarawak Spouse Visa Not Valid For Widowed Divorced Men From Peninsula

papar berkaitan - pada 14/5/2024 - jumlah : 225 hits
Minister in the Sarawak premier s department John Sikie Tayai says the current state government policy does not allow men from the peninsula to remain on a long term spouse visit pass if they are divorced or if the wife dies PETALING JAYA M...
The Standard For Optimal Health Whole Food Nutrition From Standard Process

The Standard For Optimal Health Whole Food Nutrition From Standard Process

papar berkaitan - pada 7/5/2024 - jumlah : 240 hits
Imagine a healthy world in which your body isn t only treated for signs but is given the essential elements to flourish This is the concept behind whole food nutrition Dr Dylan Miller a leader in advocating for this approach to optimal heal...
Spiritual Leader Indians May Vote For Bersatu Candidate Because Of Pas

Spiritual Leader Indians May Vote For Bersatu Candidate Because Of Pas

papar berkaitan - pada 10/5/2024 - jumlah : 311 hits
Governments come and governments go more frequently in the past six years in Malaysia But there is one lingering complaint Indians are marginalised However PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin believes Indian Malaysians are becoming more confi...
Invest In Family Fun Above Ground Pools For Lasting Memories

Invest In Family Fun Above Ground Pools For Lasting Memories

papar berkaitan - pada 15/5/2024 - jumlah : 182 hits
Summer is approaching and the thought that you can cool off in a sparkling cool pool is getting ever more appealing This guide is designed for you if you want to get an above ground swimming area for your loved ones This guide will cover ev...
Govt Mulls Free Influenza Jabs For Elderly From 2025

Govt Mulls Free Influenza Jabs For Elderly From 2025

papar berkaitan - pada 14/5/2024 - jumlah : 182 hits
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the influenza jabs would fall under the ministry s National Immunisation Programme PUTRAJAYA The health ministry is considering providing free vaccinations against influenza to those aged 65 and above fr...
Ex Bersatu Man Santhara May Campaign For Pn Tomorrow

Ex Bersatu Man Santhara May Campaign For Pn Tomorrow

papar berkaitan - pada 4/5/2024 - jumlah : 191 hits
Former PKR and Bersatu politician Edmund Santhara Kumar has kept a low profile since withdrawing from politics last year PETALING JAYA Former PKR and Bersatu politician Edmund Santhara Kumar is set to appear at Kuala Kubu Baharu tomorrow to...
Sah Kes Najib Razak Cacat

Rahsia Kawal Gula Dalam Darah Supaya Tak Melompat Lompat Lagi

Tremendous Nadi Collaboration

Kebaikan Rawatan Rendaman Kaki Bersama Garam Bukit Dan Ais Batu

Salam Dalam Salat Jenazah Sekali Atau Dua Kali

10 Praktik Keberlanjutan Yang Wajib Diterapkan Di Tahun 2025

Takwim Cuti Persekolahan Tahun 2025 2026

Melawat Ke Sand Dunes Di Tottori Jepun


echo '';
5 Insiden Jalan Sesak Yang Berlaku Lebih 24 Jam Durasinya

Senarai Lagu Tugasan Konsert Minggu 6 Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11

Keputusan Markah Peserta Konsert Minggu 5 Gegar Vaganza 2024 Musim 11

10 Filem Drama Seram Melayu Berhantu Terbaru 2024 2025 Mesti Tonton

One In A Million 2024 Senarai Peserta Juri Format Pemarkahan Hadiah Dan Segala Info Saksikan Live Di TV3 Malaysia Dan Tonton Calpis Soda OIAM


The Skill Hexagon The Power Of Multifaceted Abilities

Skill Up Steam Curator

Dua Sahabat Makan Ikan Mentah Minum Air Laut Sepanjang Hanyut

Godox Perkenalkan Lampu Led Knowled Ms60r Bi Yang Sangat Fleksibel

Adi Putra Alami Jangkitan Kuman Di Paru Paru Kini Dalam Keadaan Baik

Jangan Risau Gadis M Sia Bimbang Bf Terlalu Akrab Dengan Sepupu Perempuannya