1985-1989
The first national car, Proton Saga, was launched, followed by the Iswara. New project include the Penang Bridge, the Agricultural Park in Bukit Cherakah and the farmer's market made its debut. Musa Hitam tendered his resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Ghafar Baba was appointed in his place. The Malaysian government took over the British High Commissioner's residency - the Carcosa Seri Negara. A leadership struggle in UMNO ended with victory for the Dr. Mahathir Mohamad-Ghafar Baba team over the Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah-Musa Hitam team, but UMNO was declared illegal in an ensuing high court case brought forth by the dissidents. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad re-registered UMNO as UMNO (Baru) whilst the dissidents formed 'Semangat 46'. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad offered ministerial posts to Tengku Razaleigh and Musa Hitam to bury the hatchet, but both refused. 'Operation Lalang' launched against those who openly raised sensitive issues of Malay indigenuity and the national language. The Ministry of Federal Territory was abolished and the new ministers appointed were Mohamad Rahmat for the Ministry of Information and Sabaruddin Chik for the Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism. The government renewed confidennce brought in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kuala Lumpur and the unconditional surrender of the remnant of the Malayan Communist Party terrorists. Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak succeeded as the ninth Ruler.
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