Don: Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, and Hang Li Po are myths

When it was proven that Hang Tuah is actually a Chinese and 
not a Malay warrior and hero, it is not surprising at all that the 
BN government will go all out to claim he never even existed in 
history at all - 1Christians

Prof Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim said there is no written record of the existence of Malay warriors Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat.

He also said there is no written record of princess Hang Li Po, reputed to be the fifth wife of Malacca Sultan Mansor Shah.

The historian even suggested that history textbooks should be rewritten.

Khoo was quoted in The Star as saying that they are merely myths and legends and not historical facts.

"It had somehow made it into our historical textbooks," said Khoo, who is also part of the special committee appointed to analyse the history curriculum in textbooks.

"The main agenda for the committee is to instil a sense of patriotism (among students).

"My personal stand is that myths and legends should not be included in the curriculum.

"However, if they do choose to include them (myths), it should be clearly indicated that these stories are not factual," he said when contacted by the daily yesterday.

When contacted, Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam’s press secretary Daud Awang said the chief minister does not want to respond to the statements made by Prof Khoo.

“We respect his academic views and the CM does not want to comment on this issue at the moment. We are more interested in developing the state,” he said.

Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat and Hang Li Po are the cornerstone of Malacca’s history where their tales have made its way into history books.

Two of the main roads in Malacca town are named after Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat.

There is also a well in Bukit China known as Hang Li Po’s well which is frequented by tourists.

 Books must be compiled

Meanwhile, books about famous historical figures from the era of the Malacca sultanate must be compiled as useful reference for younger generation, said the chief minister.

According to Bernama, Mohd Ali said the Institute for History and Patriotism Research of Malacca (IKSEP) had been asked to do the compilation and organise a relevant seminar or discussion on the books.

"Many books about the history of the Malacca sultanate, including about its founder Parameswara and other famous figures such as Tun Perak, Hang Li Po, admiral Cheng Ho and Awang the warrior, must be compiled as they reflect the true meaning of racial harmony and unity during the era."

He was quoted as saying his to reporters after opening the seminar entitled 'Malacca: 750 years across time' organised by IKSEP at Seri Negeri today.

The chief minister said the racial harmony and unity nurtured during the era was one of the lessons that could be learnt from the history books, which had been written in various languages, including Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese.

"For me, through these books, we will be able to find strengths to boost the spirit of unity and patriotism among the younger generation today," he said.