MALACCA, May 25 — The absence of DNA test and archaeological research on Hang Tuah is said to have no impact on the historical fact of the legendary warrior’s existence.
Malaysian Institute for Historical and Patriotism Studies (Iksep) chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Jamil Mukmim said this was because research on the world-renowned Malay warrior had already been conducted by historians and literary experts since 60 years ago and they agreed by consensus that Hang Tuah indeed existed.
“There are strong evidence on the existence of Hang Tuah and which cannot be disputed...so DNA testing, as suggested, is unnecessary and a waste of time,” he said in a statement to Bernama today.
Prior to this, historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim opined that a DNA test needed be carried out to prove that Hang Tuah really existed or his existence was just folklore.
Hang Tuah has been narrated as having lived during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah in 15th century Malacca. He was regarded as the most powerful of all the laksamana or admirals, and one of Malay history’s greatest silat masters.
His four warrior friends were Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz had on May 19, said that archaeological evidence on the existence of Hang Tuah had not been found, but most local scholars agreed on his tomb being located in Tanjung Keling, Malacca, and on the famous Taming Sari keris or Malay dagger (won by Hang Tuah in a duel) being part of the regalia of the Perak sultan.
In a recent Bernama special report on Hang Tuah, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said that Hang Tuah was not a mythical figure and asked those who refuted the legendary warrior’s existence to provide proof.
Mohd Jamil echoed Idris’ statement and proposed that the National Heritage Department undertake a comprehensive and extensive archaeological research on the history of the Malacca Malay Sultanate from the 13th to the 16th century. — Bernama
