Sino-Malay Race Riots Begin

Date: May 13, 1969 • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1969–1971.

Sino-Malay race riots began in Kuala Lumpur, leaving at least 190 people dead, with the government declaring a state of emergency and suspending the Parliament of Malaysia until 1971.

The 13 May incident was a period of violent ethnic conflict that erupted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 13 May 1969, following that year's general election. The clashes primarily involved the Malay and Chinese communities and were caused by political and ethnic tensions after opposition parties such as the Democratic Action Party and Parti Gerakan Rakyat made substantial electoral gains in the election, challenging the dominance of the ruling Alliance Party.