Remember, remember, the 13th of May, 1969. The day when our country faced its most violent racial clash ever, and many Malaysian lives were lost. When a non-governmental organisation wanted to hold a rally on the 41st anniversary of this day, there was outcry from all sides and it was eventually called off. We speak to the young, who are shocked at the thought of this rally, and want an end to all the ill-feelings of the past. They are saying: Forget... and most importantly, forgive.

By: Pauline Wong and Foong Li Mei

Nobody wins in a war, not even the victors.

Regardless of who struck the first blow or clashed the first blade, or whose name is written in the winning corner, war and unrest devastates land and people alike - and in a country with a 53-year history of peace, Malaysia has but one dark mark to her years of harmony: May 13, 1969.

Over one hundred Malaysians died in the events following the 1969 General Elections. On both sides of the fence - opposition and governing party - in their celebratory marches around town, there was much hurling of insults, jeering, indiscriminate and purposeful slogan chanting, aimed at belittling and inciting anger. This worked to provoke and stoke the building tensions beneath. Simmering feelings were brought to a boil. It tore at the seams of harmony in an already uncertain political situation, erupting in the now infamous riot.

But today - 41 years forward - do we need to relive these moments? As we strive for 1Malaysia; towards a developed nation in 2020; and prepare ourselves for a challenging borderless future, do we need to go backwards... to senseless bludgeoning and bloodbaths? No matter the political or racial reasons behind that bloody stain in our history, that was a dark hour that should never be incited again.

So, when a Malay-language daily recently reported that Malay rights group, Gerakan Kebangkitan Rakyat (GERTAK) would be holding a rally on May 13, 2010, to ignite the spirits of the Malay community to stir them to action, unity and hard work, it naturally caused a massive outcry.

Called 'Melayu Bangkit' (Malays Arise), the rally coincided with the anniversary of the deadly racial clash of 1969 and many parties -government and non-government alike - condemned the rally, and it was called off following a directive from our Prime Minister himself.

Representatives from GERTAK explained, amidst the criticism, that it was merely to unite the Malays and forge them closer, and that the date was merely a coincidence.

Nevertheless, many were shocked at what was called 'an insensitive move' to 'commemorate' a dark stain in our history, and the youth are coming out strong against the almost-rally.

They - who comprise all the races of Malaysia, Malay, Chinese, Indians and others - are saying enough is enough. Time to concentrate on being truly 1Malaysia, and to condemn any action that will prevent that goal!

Say No to War, Yes to Peace!

N. Akmal, 22.

"I am shocked that such a gathering was even planned in the first place. I feel that the very idea that such a gathering was supposed to be held in the first place is preposterous, especially when one considers the lame excuse the organisers came out with to justify holding such an event. The rally is wrong, no doubt about it. Better examples could have been chosen if the organisers indeed truly wanted to inspire unity among the Malays. If they truly wish to address the problems facing the Malays today, I feel a different strategy is needed to effectively bring a constructive change."

"Furthermore, holding that rally to remind the people of that unpleasant event reflects a high degree of social insensitivity, especially when the fallout from May 13, such as the bumiputra quota, is still a point of contention for many within the country, Malays and non-Malays alike. Thankfully the rally had been called off, or at worst, delayed to another date in the future."

"Of late, Malaysia has gone through several turbulent times dealing with sensitive issues involving race and religion.The reason I say this is because all my life, I have grown up and interacted with people of diverse backgrounds. An event similar to May 13 would destroy the diversity enjoyed by many Malaysians."

"But had the gathering been carried out as planned, racial tensions might hit a new high in Malaysia, causing untold problems."

"I am positive that we can all rise to be a stronger nation, no matter the race politics or the attempts by insensitive parties to start making problems."

Balamurugan Radakrishnan, 24.

 "I have only known the effects of May 13 through stories from the older members of my family, but even then I felt the fear that they did. And because of that, the onus is on us, the younger generation, to learn from it and never repeat the same mistake."

 "Is their intention to stir trouble? Unite all races? Unite one race? I'm not sure. I condemn the insensitivity of those who planned this rally, because no matter the purpose, they must be aware of the date and the memories associated with the date."

"But this does not mean we cannot let go of the past. It is the way we need to do it - with the involvement and support of all races, all religions, and yes, 1Malaysia. Many of us have learned to put our past behind us and learnt to move towards the future, but there are still some who just can't see the future path, and want to relive the past. We want to move on and see May 13 as a lesson we've learnt from our forefathers, and not as a dark cloud."

Illiana Azhar*, 23.

"I don't want to see the bloodshed happen again, but I am open to an idea of a commemorative rally to truly put the purpose of unity to fruition. I think they have to specify what they (GERTAK) mean to commemorate. If it is to commemorate a racial spat, then the rally is wrong. But if it's to truly remind us of the turmoil so we may appreciate peace, then by all means, I say 'yes'."

Yee J.E., 23

"Commemoration is more than holding a rally on a specific date, and that certainly isn't what GERTAK intended. Considering the theme, reason and organisers, 'commemoration' doesn't seem like it's in the agenda. It, therefore, sounds dangerous and sinister. Commemoration, respect, and a solemn tribute is a recognition of a dark past in which we all can learn from, and if that was the purpose of the rally (asking us to learn unity from history) that should be encouraged. But not otherwise."

"May 13 was a time where we learnt the fragility of society, and how easy it is to fall into times of darkness. It is a mistake we have to learn from. A rally like the one that was planned wouldn't help things, maybe even end up making things worse."

Bernard Cheah, 26

"It's never wise to 'commemorate' something so terrible! I mean, who would want to remember such dark times? May 13 is, to me, a day in 1969 when people born on the same soil could not see one another eye-to-eye, despite calling each other Malaysian. And above all that, rallies are supposed to symbolise something and not pick a fight for, literally!"

Kumudhini Cha Chu, 24

"What is the purpose of this rally? We are now working to put recent racial spats behind us. Why make things difficult? I frankly think it is ridiculous and uncouth. If the rally really had taken place, the world would view us as hooligans."

"I am angered that there would be those who would seek to potentially (no matter how little) upset our peace and understanding. It would have been better if they had organised a rally for 'May 13, 1Malaysia' - whereby all races share their experiences of May 13 and the younger generation contributes ideas on how to achieve unity for the future."

Joel Neoh, 27.

"Why live in the past when there is so much to gain from embracing the future? This sounds to me like it was organised by those who would seek attention for the wrong reasons."

Buvenesvary Gunasekaran, 24.

"The rally, had it happened, is a waste of time, totally unnecessary and with the purpose not to create unity, but something much less noble. Can anyone really come to any other conclusion except that it was meant to ruffle everyone's feathers? If their intentions were noble they would have definitely been aware of how sensitive that date is, and hold it on some other date. Do they not realise what kind of impact it would have had on our country?"

Navinderan Mageswaran, 22.

"A rally is never a peaceful way to commemorate any event and definitely not May 13. I think it is totally insensitive to even have any form of rally that focuses on one ethnic group. What is really the main motive here? Malaysia had pulled away from this terrible past strongly, again and again, but yet, a certain group of people incite hate among each other and create chaos. It is plain wrong, plain stupid and plain to see that it is inappropriate. We do not need this insidious behaviour." 

Youth for Peace

In conclusion, the consensus of all these young people is simple: No more insensitive 'commemorative' rallies, no more trouble-makers looking to stir unwanted hatred, and above all, no more repeats of what happened on May 13. It is time we all looked to each other and faced the past head-on so we may learn to value the peace we have.

It is time for 1Malaysia.