On my book shelf: May 13

I picked up a few copies of the May 13 book by Dr. Kua Kia Soong on Tuesday from Gerak Budaya after hearing about it here and here.



Excerpt of the synopsis:

This is the first credible account of the May 13, 1969 racial riots in Malaysia using documents recently declassified at the Public Records Office, London after the lapse of the 30-year secrecy rule. These documents provide the only available confidential observations and memoranda by British and other foreign embassy operatives based on their intelligence and contacts with local officials and politicians. They include dispatches by correspondents which were then banned in Malaysia. The local media were suspended at the time and local documents remain classified under the Official Secrets Act.

Interesting read, as it paints a different picture of the events that occurred back in 1969 and the years to come.

I've got a few extra copies with me. If you're looking for a quick read which may influence your viewpoints on Malaysia, I'd suggest this one. emailme at praveenrajan dot com.

Related links:

• Wikipedia: About the May 13 incident
• The Star: Another look at incident on May 13
• Screenshots: Surviving 38 years of the May 13 bloodshed
• Elizabeth Wong: Book Launch and Public Forum: "May 13"