Power Shift

On June 24, Parliament was suspended and the National Operations Council was established with Abdul Razak Hussein in charge. Power had shifted from PM Tunku Abdul Rahman to Razak.

In 1971, Parliament reconvened, with Razak as prime minister. Some scholars argue this showed the riots were part of a coup d'etat.

Razak believed unity could only be achieved with fair distribution of wealth. The bumiputera (Malays and indigenous groups) were the majority but owned just 2.4 percent of equity.

This led to the National Economic Policy in 1971, using affirmative action to grow bumiputera ownership. The ethos of that policy remains to this day.

The riots not only changed policies but left prolonged trauma on many who witnessed, survived and lost loved ones in the riots.

Malaysia is not alone in dealing with historical trauma. South Africa held truth and reconciliation hearings to move towards forgiveness post-Apartheid, while Germany took the punitive route to seek justice against Nazi criminality.

Malaysia can learn from how others nations overcame trauma, experts say, but must find a way that suits the country's unique circumstances. Half a century on, Malaysia must find a way to heal and move forward.

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