Khairy tells Edge: retract provocative article on May 13

(Malaysian Digest) – Edge Financial Daily has been urged to retract its article related on the May 13 tragedy, in which it was claimed that the incident was triggered by Umno’s plans to topple the late Prime Minister Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra.

Umno Youth has condemned the accusations and described the article as “an act of provocation.”

The party’s youth wing chief, chief Khairy Jamaluddin said, the article, which was based on accusations and sentiment, was intentionally aired as a means to provoke a reaction towards the Malay party.

He said the bloody tragedy was a ‘black mark’ on the country’s history, and needs to serve as a lesson not only to Umno but also all Malaysians.

“In history, it is already written what happened in this tragedy; everyone also knows who was responsible for it.

“The act of blaming Umno is unacceptable. Not only does it not make sense, it also far off the mark from the truth,” he told Utusan Malaysia.

He was commenting on an article published in the Edge Financial Daily, written by Mohsin Abdullah on Dec 17, which stated that the May 13, 1969 tragedy was planned by Umno to topple the leadership of Prime Minister Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra.

Khairy explained, anyone who wished to publish an article on sensitive issues such as the May 13 tragedy should instead refer to historical facts first, and not form a partisan conclusion.

He said, any assessment or accusation of such nature should be examined first with full responsibility to avoid confusing the public. Khairy said, historical facts clearly showed that the tragedy was triggered after a provocation-riddled parade by Opposition supporters, following a huge win in that year’s general election.

“Umno strongly condemns the accusations and see it as an act of provocation. We urge that the article be retracted as soon as possible.”