Another way to celebrate May 13

The ill-numbered day is coming, this month.

Do you think we should make mention of it?

Or should we just bury it?

Another thing, that Azhar guy in Penang. Why do we always have this kind of people?

Were you talking about May 13?

If not for that Azhar, many could have forgotten the date!

What did he say?

Indeed, it is a dangerous thing to quote some people. Still remember Ahmad Ismail?

As a matter of fact, there is no need for us to quote or reproduce what these people have said.

Those are nothing but junks.

But, it happened in Penang, again. It looks like some people are still unable to come to terms with reality.

They are not aware of the fact that the pride and power are no longer in their hands but have taken back by the people as a verdict for what they have said and done.

All they have now is that mouth that repeatedly yells 513, 513...

Watched Beetlejuice, a black comedy by Tim Burton?

But how can a comedy be horrifying?

Sometimes, spooks are made horrifying because of people's own imagination.

For instance, this Beetlejuice is wrecking havoc all over the place and tensing up nerves.

In the end, people hit back at it, tearing it apart, leaving only a mouth that still keeps yelling.

Only one final kick should restore the peace for everyone.

Please don't misunderstand me. I didn't say things will be all right if we keep these people's mouth shut.

All I want to say is that the right of interpreting May 13 must not be dominated or manipulated by these people.

Once the right falls in their hands, they will keep exploiting May 13, and create terror.

These people are banking on the public's fears and ignorance towards May 1 to achieve their goal of controlling the public.

If we fall victim to their spell, we will then be manipulated out of our own control.

However, we can choose to stay sobre, and reject their spell, or even kick it far away.

We can have a more precise understanding of May 13, and establish our own right of interpretation.

To understand May 13, we need a more transparent environment and more open bosom.

This day will somehow arrive, and we are in no rush for it.

Whatever it is, we can always accept the arrival of May 13 with a totally different attitude.

For example, we can hold a peace concert where signers from different ethnic groups are invited to perform for the public, or a candlelight vigil that not only remembers the tarnished history but also look forward to a sparkling future.

Bury the horror and bid goodbye to hatred.

This should be the way we remember May 13.

(TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)

Singapore too had its own share of racial riots in 1964. Instead of having politicians going around reminding its populace of the date in a most distasteful way, the government decided to call it "Racial Harmony Day" where everyone gets together to celebrate the nation as one. Click here for article.