Tale of three women: 13 May 1969

2015-08-21 1

Video first uploaded on July 1st, 2011.

The racial clash of 13th May 1969 continues to be known as dark time in our nation's past.
But confusion and mystery continues to surround the events that transpired on that day.

Three women of different backgrounds go down memory lane and share the thoughts,concerns and emotions they experienced on that unforgettable day.

Mrs Kanthamani Ramasamy was in Alor Setar, Kedah when the riots happened. Her two sons were studying in Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. As a full-time mother of ten children, her experience is based on the information she heard from her husband and children.

Mrs Lily Chinniah is a former teacher and actress who appeared in movies such as Esok Masih Ada directed by Jin Shamsuddin. She was seven months pregnant and living in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur with her three children when the racial clash occurred.

Dr Rohana Ariffin was the acting president of Parti Rakyat Malaysia at the time this video was made. She was a student in Universiti Malaya back in 1969. She moved from her room in Petaling Jaya to live in Kampung Baru with her family prior to the riots for fear of her own safety.

These three grandmothers also share their views on whether Malaysia has achieved greater unity.