Malay warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat can possibly be “historical figures”, however, there is not much corroborative evidence to establish that as a fact, said historian Zainal Kling.

Hang Tuah, who is perceived to be one of the greatest admirals to have served the 15th century Malacca sultanate, was discounted as mere myth by renowned historian Professor Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim earlier this week.

                    

Khoo also noted that there are no written records of princess Hang Li Po, reputed to be the fifth wife of Malacca Sultan Mansor Shah.

zainal kling “Based on semi-historical facts, Hang Tuah could have been a historical figure but there aren’t much corroborative facts to support the claim. So, Hang Tuah can very well be a legend but not a myth,” Zainal (left) told Malaysiakini.

Zainal explained that under the process of historiography, historians would critically examine various documents and archives, handwritten or otherwise.

“Historians also have to check whether there are any conflicts. In this instance, where there are no written documents, historians will try to compile oral traditions.

"However, these are scrutinised very critically and only verified after extensive comparisons are made with other sources.

Malay Annals compiled 600 years ago

“In modern history, oral traditions are taken into consideration but we are critical about them and we have to undertake a comparative study,” he added.

In the case of Hang Tuah, Zainal said the only document that entails the feats of the former is the Sejarah Melayu , also known as the Malay Annals , which is believed to have been compiled some 600 years ago.

However, this only documented proof is regarded as semi-historical, given its inclusion of other tales and fables.

Zainal also noted that British and Dutch colonisers, as well as the dated records of Chinese travellers from the Ming Dynasty, did not mention Hang Tuah in their books.

Asked about Khoo’s assertion that they are mere myths, Zainal said that the well-known historian “is very critical of documented evidence” while some others are “not so critical”.

“But there are people who claim to be descendants of Hang Tuah, especially in Johor and Malacca... you cannot tell them that their great grandfather did not exist, they would say that we don’t appreciate their contributions (to the state),” said Zainal.