Something wicked this way comes

No man can reveal to you nothing but that which already lies half-asleep in the dawning of your knowledge – Kahlil Gibran

Malaysiakini’s article on May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969, the book that may change the lives of the Malaysian reading public – and Malaysians – forever.

Liz Wong’s reports on the subsequent call from officials and senators of our ruling party to ban the book. And a media statement from our ex-DPM Anwar Ibrahim to Malaysiakini.

Beh Li Yi’s chronological account of what actually happened.

Liz Wong’s guide on how to buy the book.

My American friends – May 13th 1969 is the darkest day in Malaysian history. It is akin to your 1992 Rodney King uprising – only worse.

According to this new book, 137 were killed, 342 injured, 109 vehicles burned, and 118 buildings were destroyed.

The official record is that 196 were killed.

This was the day that changed the course of our country’s history, and the day that would forever be used to remind the rest of us where we stood.

Where we stand.

“Ingat May 13? Mesti ingat. Jangan lupa May 13,” I remember my Standard Six history teacher drilling into us.

“Remember May 13? Must remember. Never forget May 13.”

Were those gentle reminders for academic purposes?

Or were they threats?

As I sit here in the ripening darkness, going through word after word about the findings of this book, I cannot help but be torn. I am both angry and relieved. Sad yet jubilant. Excited yet afraid.

I want to be fair. I want to believe that this may just be another lopsided account. That the documents and telegrams and letters may just be English government officials sending opinions and assumptions and not facts.

But what if they are true?

What if they are NOT assumptions and half-truths, but the real deal?

And the awfulness of it is that this is all strangely familiar. That this may be the truth that has been lying half asleep in the dawning of our knowledge.

How will it affect us?

What will become of it?

What will become of us?

ps. But this is a good thing. This book, it is a GREAT thing for our nation. It is progress. It is a bitter progress, a truth pill, but it is good for us, nonetheless. I need to get a copy soon.