A Thought-provoking Literature

We were being exposed to the "Hang Tuah" and "Hang Jebat" story during this week's lecture and undoubtedly, most of us knew nothing about it. Personally, I've heard these names for times when I was in my secondary school but without knowing the tale behind it. Dr Carmen has briefly told us the story in class and I found it interesting. Hence, I've done some research on it and decided to include this literature in this week's entry.

THE TUAH LEGEND

Hang Tuah was a legendary Melakan hero and also the leader of a closely-knit band of Melaka's finest warriors - Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu and Hang Jebat.  Unfortunately, he was falsely accused of adultery (通奸) with one of his sultan's maids by his jealous rivals. Upon hearing the accusation, the sultan unthinkingly ordered Hang Tuah to be put to death. However, he was secretly saved by a bendahara. His closest companion, Hang Jebat was aware that he was being unjustly punished. To show support and deep loyalty for his friend, he revolted against the sultan. 
The sultan later came to realize that Hang Tuah was innocent, and immediately regretted sentencing Hang Tuah to death. The bendahara then told the sultan that Hang Tuah was still alive, and that only Hang Tuah could overcome Hang Jebat's rebellion. Hang Tuah was given amnesty and despatched to kill the traitor. Hang Jebat's joy at seeing his dearest friend  brought to life turned to despair when Hang Tuah lunges at him with a keris, declaring his loyalty to the Sultan and hatred to traitors. 

minor THOUGHTS 

Dear Hang Tuah,
How can you treated your best friend like this? You were showing your loyalty to the Sultan but at the same time, did you realize that Jebat was also showing a deep loyalty to you? He fought for you but end up you killed him? OMG :((((  You should know how to think rationally rather than following the Sultan's order blindly. Remember how did the Sultan sentence you to death without an investigation of your alleged offense? How come you were still loyal to him? Did you know the quote "A friend in need is a friend indeed"? I bet you didn't know.

                                                                                                                     From ME

I realize that the duel between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat can be a hot debate to whom that have came across the story. "Who is right?". Hang Tuah, because he is a symbol of absolute loyalty to his ruler and killed a traitor, even though he was his best friend. Or Hang Jebat who symbolizes truth and justice, and was willing to die fighting against injustice and in defence of his friend? 

Everyone has different perspectives, of course. That's why it is thought-provoking.

Perhaps I still couldn't see this in a bigger picture. All I can see is Hang Tuah's betrayal to Hang Jebat and I know that betrayal breaks a friendship and end a relationship. This is the most unacceptable thing to me. Therefore, I personally think that Hang Tuah is wrong from this perspective.

You may disagree with me and say that Hang Tuah was just being loyal to his ruler and there is nothing wrong with it. Traitors should be killed and this is what a hero should do. (But are you sure? I doubted it.)

MESSAGES 

The story revolves around these two messages as mentioned by Dr Carmen:

1) Be loyal to the Agung.
2) Do not blindly follow the authority.

In the Tuah Legend, Hang Tuah was presented as the ultimate champion of Malay loyalty, chivalry and obedience to tradition. The traits of heroism --- Tuah had it all. However, he had took loyalty to the point of blind servility. His loyalty to the Sultan evidently superseded any rational and ethical considerations and this is pretty scary.

It's not a big deal to be loyal but only to certain extent. Do not go beyond the line. Obeying the authority blindly is obviously not the right thing to do. Look before you leap; see before you go. Make sure you've think twice before you do something so that you would not regret in the future.

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