1969

The 1969 Malaysian general election was a turning point that exposed ethnic tensions, leading to the loss of the ruling coalition's supermajority and triggering the 13 May race riots, which prompted a national emergency and reshaped Malaysian politics through new affirmative action policies.

The 13 May Incident, also known as the May 13 riots, was a period of ethnic violence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, primarily between Malay and Chinese communities, triggered by the 1969 general election results.

The declaration of a state of emergency in Malaysia on 15–16 May 1969, in response to the 13 May race riots in Kuala Lumpur, suspended parliament and civil liberties, leading to the establishment of the National Operations Council and long-term shifts in ethnic policies and political power structures.

The National Operations Council (NOC), known as Majlis Gerakan Negara (MAGERAN), was established on 15 May 1969 following the 13 May racial riots in Kuala Lumpur, suspending parliamentary democracy and centralizing power under Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak to restore order and address ethnic socioeconomic divides in Malaysia.

The formation of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) in 1969 unified the nation's radio and television services into a single public broadcasting entity, headquartered at Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur, enhancing nation-building efforts in the multi-ethnic federation.

The launch of RTM2 on 17 November 1969 represented a significant expansion of Malaysia's television broadcasting, introducing a second channel dedicated to entertainment and national unity shortly after the merger forming Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

On 26 December 1969, Muhammad Kilau bin Rasu, known as Mat Kilau, a legendary Pahang warrior presumed dead since the late 19th century, publicly revealed his true identity in Malaysia, confirming his survival after the Pahang Uprising and sparking a national sensation that affirmed Malay historical narratives.