1970-1974
Sultan Abdul Halim Mua'dzam Shah of Kedah was elected the fifth King. Abdul Razak Hussein became Prime Minister and Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman his deputy. The interim government introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) to restructure society and eradicate poverty, the Rukunegara and National Culture Policy as the bases for national unity. Several new projects were completed including Central Bank Building, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and a National Confederation of Writers Associations (Gapena) was instituted. The first Malaysian commercial ship 'Bunga Raya' was launched. Other establishments included the Urban Development Authority (UDA), National Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) and the Centre for Youth Development to train Malay youths in competencies. Abdul Razak was the first Malaysian Premier to visit the Communist Block, Russia and China, and met with Chairman Mao Tze Tung to discuss common bilateral issues. The MSA (Malaysia-Singapore Airline) was separated into the Malaysian Airline System (MAS) and Singapore International Airline (SIA). Kuala Lumpur was declared a city. Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was incorporated. To focus on development and reduce inter-party frictions, Abdul Razak formed the 'Barisan Nasional' (National Front) through a coalition with several opposition parties. Economic slowdown forced agriculture to be re-emphasised among the population.The general election of 1974 brought victory to the Barisan Nasional (BN) with the DAP and PRM losing heavily. Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory.
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