The recent Umno-contrived controversy on how Malaya attained independence on Aug 31, 1957, purportedly responded to a statement by DAP international secretary and NGO bureau chief Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew.

It is not the purpose of this writer to become embroiled in partisan polemics between active and serving politicians seeking or preserving positions on either side of the political divide.

Rather, this article is intended to serve as an invitation to all Malaysians and friends of Malaysia to intellectually, honestly, rationally and critically examine the historical process or processes that had led to the 'independence' of Peninsular Malaysia.

This is in the largest interest of national reconciliation as set by the commitment to the 1989 Peace Accords between the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and the government of Malaysia.