Archive for the 'History' Category


• Hang Tuah - Taming Sari
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Finally history has been brought upon once again. My first article for this blog was upon the origins of Hang Tuah. Well, it wasn’t for that purpose to enquire what are his origins and where he comes from. It’s more to like why the heck that the education sector is taking the study on Hang Tuah out from the Malaysian history text books? Anyway that’s another story. To read more of my this article, refer HERE.

Since we’re talking about Hang Tuah, why not create a sequel to it. What was Hang Tuah (Hang Tiew/Too Ah)’s favourite and legendary weapon? It was a ‘keris’ (kris as pronounced in the English spelling), a miniature sword which it’s edges not straight but crooked. Those are the days when fighting and war was more into hand skills and techniques.

Comparing to our now way of fighting which are espionage, bombs & more bombs…boring…

Anyway back to topic, the kris for Hang Tuah (for simplicity purpose I’ll use Hang Tuah as Hang Tuah) was like what made him invincible through out his adventures. Well, his kris wasn’t just any ordinary kris, even had a name for it. The legendary “Taming Sari“.

Few facts and legends of Taming Sari

1. Taming Sari, classified as keris kuasa or bawar, is made of an alloy of 20 metal composites, some said to come from bolts holding Mecca’s Holy Kaabah gates.

2. It was said that Taming Sari could do Hang Tuah’s fighting for him - if Hang Tuah were menaced or in any way endangered, the keris would leap out of its sheath all by itself, fly through the air and attack the assailant, moving in the air whichever way the assailant dodged or turned, until it hit its mark.

3. The whole of the sampir and batang are covered in gold leaf, making it a keris gabus or keris terapang.

Funny though, during my primary school years which was in the 90s, the legendary Taming Sari was said to be thrown by Hang Tuah into the river and was never been found again. I was like shocked when I decided to research on Hang Tuah once again to find out whatever about him and maybe his special kris. It appears that somehow history have to be changed and it seems that the kris was recovered by Tun Mamat for the safekeeping for the sultan.

One of the legends and specialty of the Taming Sari was that it has it’s own natural powers. Like a flying dagger you see in movies. It can auto block, auto counter. Legend?? Fact or fiction?? Go figure..

The Famous Taming Sari


Popularity: 4%

March 8th, 2007


• Hang Tuah’s Origin
28 Comments

Most Malaysians have watch the depiction of Hang Tuah in Puteri Gunung Ledang with M. Nasir depicting the legend.

Some interesting facts have been brought to open my mind in the recent study of Hang Tuah. After few articles read and the history of Malaysia being brought into text books for history lessons, many articles are studied, be it on the web or in books.

The Mausoleum of Hang Tuah.

In recent years while I was still schooling, Hang Tuah was taught in Sejarah(History) books potraying the slogan of “Takkan Melayu Hilang di Dunia Ini”. Well, this got me to searching the net. Why? Well, the name Hang Tuah basically arouses me. Imagine if we go back to history, I am sure we heard of Princess Hang Li Poh who came all the way from China to Malacca. Now notice the name HANG. Hmm… bear any significance.

Another thing is after the year 1999, there seems to be no more Hang Tuah history in the history text books. Wonder why that happens? Weird, he’s supposed to be in the history but why is he taken out? Isn’t he a Malaysian? Now what brought upon this exclusion.

Funny thing I had a thought is is Hang Tuah really spelt as Hang Tuah or ex: Hang Too Ah, or any other alike sound.

One post regarding Hang Tuah can be viewed HERE. It explains many facts. One point they did touch was the DNA extracted out from the “Hangs” were found to be Chinese (Maybe someone could tell me if it’s true). Interesting yeah?? Well facts they were, but will we ever wonder why are taken out from school history text books

Here’s my point that I want to emphasize.

1. Why is the study of Hang Tuah taken out from history text books?
2. Why is the original post in the link posted taken out? (to protect….)
3. What is the significance of Hang Tuah in Malaysia’s history?
4. Why the usage of “Takkan Melayu hilang di Dunia ini?” (How can the Malays dissapear from this world?) and is it taken out of context with their own suitable interpretation.
5. Even if Hang Tuah’s a different race altogether, what significance does it do to our history text books?

Certain Links regarding the study of Hang Tuah and certain facts and figures
a. The Malacca travel guide
b. Reason Why in Sejarah of Malaysia Since Year 1999…

Even after many premonitions, there seems to be the mystery of Hang Tuah/Hang Too Ah’s origins. But let’s say if he’s really the race that most people claimed he is, why the sudden exclusion from History Books. Even till now, my mind wonders. How about yours?

Popularity: 7%

February 26th, 2006