1976
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.6 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 940.4 |
| Population (millions) | 11.8 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | 80 cents |
| Teh Tarik Price | 38 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 32% |
New Economic Policy Era
After racial riots in 1969, the government launched the NEP to reduce poverty and economic disparity, especially among Malays and indigenous folks.
Cold War
After WWII, the world splits into blocs—capitalist West led by U.S., communist East led by USSR. People everywhere feel the pressure: fear of nuclear annihilation, propaganda, ideological influence in media and education, proxy wars in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Death of Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein
Abdul Razak bin Hussein, Malaysia's second Prime Minister known as the 'Bapa Pembangunan' (Father of Development), died of leukemia on 14 January 1976 in London at the age of 53, marking the end of a pivotal era in the nation's post-independence progress and prompting a smooth transition to Hussein Onn.
Hussein Onn becomes Prime Minister of Malaysia
Following the sudden death of Prime Minister Abdul Razak Hussein on 14 January 1976, Hussein Onn was swiftly appointed and sworn in as Malaysia's third Prime Minister on 15 January 1976, ensuring continuity in the nation's post-independence reforms amid ethnic reconciliation and economic restructuring efforts.
Installation of Sultan Yahya Petra as Yang di-Pertuan Agong
The installation of Sultan Yahya Petra as the sixth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 28 February 1976 highlighted Malaysia's unique elective monarchy, emphasizing national unity and constitutional stability during a period of political transition.
Mahathir Mohamad Appointed Deputy Prime Minister
On 5 March 1976, Mahathir Mohamad was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia by Prime Minister Hussein Onn, following the death of Abdul Razak Hussein.
1976 Sabah State Election
The 1976 Sabah state election was a landmark event that ended the United Sabah National Organisation's (USNO) dominance, with the Sabah People's United Front (BERJAYA) securing victory and aligning Sabah more closely with federal Malaysia, though it was overshadowed by the tragic Double Six Crash shortly after.
Gubir shootdown
The Gubir shootdown on 26 April 1976 was the first instance in which Malayan National Liberation Army guerrillas successfully downed a Malaysian military helicopter during the Second Malayan Emergency, killing all 11 personnel on board and highlighting the escalating tactics of the communist insurgency.
1976 Sabah Air GAF Nomad Crash
On 6 June 1976, a Sabah Air GAF Nomad aircraft crashed into the South China Sea near Kota Kinabalu, killing all 11 on board, including Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and four state ministers.
Withdrawal of Malaysian Police Field Force from Betong, Thailand
On 16 July 1976, amid Thailand's political instability, Malaysian Police Field Force units were withdrawn from Betong, Thailand, following a border closure that disrupted joint counterinsurgency operations against the Malayan Communist Party.
Incorporation of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange
The incorporation of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on December 14, 1976, formalized Malaysia's independent stock trading operations, separating from Singapore and supporting economic diversification under the New Economic Policy.
