1989
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.71 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 2282 |
| Population (millions) | 17.3 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM0.50 |
| Teh Tarik Price | RM0.30 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 49.3% |
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.
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
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.
Opening of the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium
The Sultan Iskandar Planetarium in Kuching, Sarawak, was officially opened on 19 January 1989 by Sultan Iskandar, marking the establishment of Malaysia's first planetarium and advancing science education in East Malaysia.
Launch of the Proton Saga Knight
The launch of the Proton Saga Knight on 8 March 1989 at the Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam, Selangor, introduced Malaysia's first performance-oriented vehicle, a sporty variant of the Proton Saga, symbolizing the nation's progress in the automotive industry under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's vision.
Installation of Sultan Azlan Shah as the Ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong
The installation of Sultan Azlan Shah as the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 9 March 1989 marked the completion of the first full rotation of Malaysia's elective monarchy since independence, highlighting his unique background as a former Lord President of the Federal Court and his role in upholding constitutional principles.
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Mahathir Mohamad's International Engagements in 1989
In 1989, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad overcame a personal health crisis and engaged in key diplomatic activities, including a recuperative trip to the United Kingdom and hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting Malaysia's rising global influence amid economic reforms.
1989 Southeast Asian Games
The 15th edition of the Southeast Asian Games, hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from August 20 to 31, 1989, featured 25 sports and athletes from nine nations, highlighting regional cooperation and Malaysia's strongest performance in the event's history.
1989 Taufiqiah Al-Khairiah Madrasa Fire
On September 22, 1989, a devastating fire at the Taufiqiah Al-Khairiah madrasa in Guar Chempedak, Kedah, Malaysia, claimed the lives of 27 female students when a candle ignited a wooden dormitory during a power outage, exposing safety deficiencies in rural educational institutions and prompting national fire safety reforms.
1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
The 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was a landmark event that highlighted global divisions over apartheid in South Africa and advanced environmental commitments through the Langkawi Declaration, solidifying Malaysia's role in international diplomacy.
Hat Yai Peace Agreement 1989
The Hat Yai Peace Agreement, signed on December 2, 1989, in southern Thailand, marked the end of over four decades of communist insurgency in Malaysia, leading to the disbandment of the Malayan Communist Party's armed wing and promoting national stability and economic growth.
