The ghost of May 13 will not disappear just because Malaysians shy away from talking about it. Every nation has to deal with its past, no matter how painful, and only a reasoned approach upholding the truth and seeking reconciliation can expunge the nation of its sense of foreboding and repressed anger.

Many Malaysians may share many similar views with a Chinese like Bob Teoh of MySinchew and a Malay like Farish Noor in their recent writings on this subject as the 40th anniversary of this tragic day comes and passes into history once more.