The ‘Hikayat Hang Tuah: Ampun Tuanku Titah Dijunjung’ theatre’s final curtain dropped to a thunderous applause from the audience on July 1.
The musical theatre, held at Panggung Bangsawan Melaka, was part of efforts by the state government to honour the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah.
The son of Dang Merdu Wati and Hang@Tun Mahmud, born around 1431 in Sungai Duyong, has often been regarded as a myth despite being written at great length in several famous historical records.
His roles included serving as Laksamana or Admiral during the reigns of four Melaka Sultans: Sultan Muzafar Shah (1446-1456), Sultan Mansur Shah (1456-1477), Sultan Alauddin Ri'ayat Shah (1477-1488), and Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511).
APPOINTMENT OF RESEARCH EXPERTS
To reinforce the history of this legend, Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, has appointed 10 researchers and historians from various local universities to complete research to affirm Hang Tuah's existence through new sources collected from 22 countries in 20 world languages.
This follows several members of the research group identifying new sources yet to be explored and discovering many treasures and artefacts still preserved in countries like Japan, India, Portugal, Turkey, China, Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Ab Rauf said that misconceptions, including claims that Hang Tuah's history is a myth, must be corrected.
He is determined to bring back documents and artefacts related to the renowned warrior to Melaka and display them to the public.
Among the substantial evidence being collected and documented is the Keris Lok 9 and the official records of the 'Rekidai Hoan' from the Ryukyu Kingdom at the Okinawa Archaeology Centre in Japan, containing 19 letters from the Ryukyu Kingdom to the Melaka government and 11 letters from the Melaka government around the year 1480, some of which mentioned Admiral Hang Tuah.
DISPELLING MYTHS
Chief Researcher of the Hang Tuah Study and Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Islam Melaka (UNIMEL) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Taib Dora, said the Malay community in the Nusantara region generally accepts Hang Tuah's existence, unlike a few who regard him a myth. Therefore, a comprehensive study and collection of evidence from international scholars is necessary.
"The so-called new sources are materials or findings not fully analysed by previous researchers, such as the manuscript of Hikayat Hang Tuah that remains unexamined, burial sites, weapons, and kris. We need to gather, study, and document all these materials using the best methods to correct facts and reject the myth," he said.
Taking examples from three main narratives: Hikayat Hang Tuah, Sulalatus Salatin, and Tuhfat al-Nafis, Mohd Taib said that they all agree on Hang Tuah's origin, family lineage, positions, voyages, and burial details.
"From these findings, we agree that Hang Tuah's existence is clear and can be proven through studies in the mentioned locations. Moreover, his role as an Admiral and diplomat brought him to various countries like India, China, and Majapahit, with records indicating that Hang Tuah was fluent in at least 10 languages," he said, adding that everyone should celebrate the diverse studies with specific objectives and facts.
Mohd Taib also noted that Hang Tuah was not just a warrior but also a religious figure, diplomat, loyal friend, and patriot.
"These new sources are essential, not to change Hang Tuah's history but to strengthen it with evidence and materials that address disputed points," he added.
ADAPTING THE STORY
Sharing the challenges of finding new evidence on Hang Tuah, Mohd Taib cited unpredictable weather, uncertain locations, and the physical and mental resilience of researchers.
"We operated within limited timeframes, and researchers were assigned by country and expertise, familiar with local sources. The challenge was aligning the research with the objectives set by the state government," he said.
However, the research team was fortunate to receive excellent cooperation from various parties, including Malaysian embassies abroad and related agencies.
"For example, we also received assistance from the Leiden University Library, the British Library, the Royal Asiatic Society, and the National Archives of Turkey," he said, noting that Indonesia, India, and Japan also cooperated in finding evidence of Hang Tuah's existence.
Mohd Taib emphasised that the research and discussions presented at the recent International Symposium on Hang Tuah Research 2024 should be creatively adapted using current technology platforms such as comics, social media, documentaries, films, and theatre.
"We must acknowledge that today's generation does not read physical books much, so we need to present the latest findings on Hang Tuah creatively for a greater impact on society.
“Programmes like Jejak Hang Tuah can start from where Hang Tuah was born and trace his steps from Melaka to Bintan, Indonesia, highlighting Hang Tuah not just as a Malaysian but a world figure," he said.
Translated by Salbiah Said
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