Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hussein Onn becomes Malaysia's third prime minister following the death of Abdul Razak. His peri-
od of office is marked by efforts to foster unity between Malaysia's disparate communities.
1981
Dr Mahathir Mohamad becomes prime minister and introduces policies of 'Buy British Last' and
'Look East', in which the country strives to emulate Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
1987
The police launch Operation Lalang (Operation Weeding), arresting 106 activists and opposition
leaders under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
1995
Mahathir announces the construction of a new administrative capital, Putrajaya, as part of a Multi-
media Super Corridor stretching from KL to the new international airport at Sepang.
1998
After six years of planning and construction, the Petronas Towers officially open. The twin towers
hold the title of tallest building in the world until 2004.
2003
Having announced his resignation the previous year, Dr Mahathir steps down as prime minister in
favour of Abdullah Badawi. He remains very outspoken on national policies.
2004
A month after the election in which BN takes 199 of 219 seats in the lower house of parliament, An-
war Ibrahim sees his sodomy conviction overturned and is released from prison.
2007
As the country celebrates 50 years since independence it is also shaken by two anti-government ral-
lies in November in which tens of thousands of protestors take to the streets of KL.
2008
In the March election BN retains power but suffers defeats to the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat
(PR); in August, Anwar Ibrahim becomes PR leader following his re-election to parliament.
2009
