GEORGE TOWN – Melaka historians are working on bringing back to the state historical items linked to the legendary 15th century warrior Hang Tuah from overseas, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh revealed.
The documents and artefacts associated with the heroic figure are said to have been found in Japan and the Vatican City. Research indicates that the heroic figure’s existence was also recorded in six other countries, Rauf said.
Upon returning and preserving the documents, they can be displayed in the state’s museums and give an added historical perspective to Tuah.
“We also hope it can clear any misgivings about his existence from parties who may have been irresponsible in giving (inaccurate) accounts of the warrior,” said Rauf.
He said this during a ceremony to receive a RM25-million grant from Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to conserve and preserve Melaka’s status as a Unesco World Heritage Site, which it jointly holds with George Town.
Tiong also handed over RM25 million to Penang caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow for a similar purpose.
According to historical narratives, Hang Tuah lived during the golden period of the Melaka sultanate, which ended with the Portuguese invasion in 1511.
Regarded as an illustrious warrior figure in Malay literature, he is believed to have been an admiral, a diplomat and a silat master, as well as a highly principled person.
He is said to have become the sultan’s constant aide, accompanying the monarch on official visits to foreign countries.
The most profound tale was when he was forced to kill his best friend Hang Jebat, who had run amok and attacked the Melaka palace after he was misled into believing that Tuah was put to death by the royal court.
According to the story, Tuah confronted Jebat and after a gruelling fight, he stabbed him to death because the latter had violently turned against the sultan.
Meanwhile, Rauf also received RM5 million from the ministry to promote the state in its “Visit Melaka Year 2024” tourism campaign.
Rauf also spoke on the need to help Penang and Melaka conserve and protect their Unesco World Heritage Site status, cautioning that if either one falters, the other would also risk its status, which has now become an important milestone in attracting tourists to both states.
Meanwhile, Chow said that the allocation would be perfect to help the state in its rehabilitation of old heritage buildings, as it is costly to maintain them.
He also spoke about attracting the young to learn the dying craftsmanship in George Town, as it is part of the outstanding universal values of the heritage site. – The Vibes, July 30, 2023
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