The wielding of a keris (traditional Malay dagger) is not offensive and does not connote violence said Md Alwi Haji Che Ahmad (BN-Ketereh) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Directing a supplementary question to Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Wong Kam Hoong (BN-Bayan Baru), Md Alwi asked if the ministry would teach non-Malays that the keris is pivotal part of Malay culture.

Umno Youth head Hishammuddin Hussein had brandished the keris and kissed it during last week's party assembly, a gesture that non-Malays have deemed as offensive.

"The Chinese don't understand the Malay culture, just as the Malays don't understand the Chinese culture," claimed Md Alwi.

"The keris is a sign of justice and honour of the (Malay) race. When the king is crowned, he has two keris , one long and short. The king too removes the keris , kisses it and places it back in its sheath."

Wong's response was that the ministry has plans to hold more cultural events to enable Malaysians to better understand each other's culture.

Approached in the Parliament lobby for elaboration, Md Alwi said it was not right that the keris is always seen as a symbol of conflict.

He pointed at portraits of past kings on the wall, pointing out that each carries a keris.

"It's a symbol of power in the Malay culture. It's also a sign of fairness. Do you know the use of keris in self-defence is very graceful?"

"When Malays get married, the groom wears a keris ... that doesn't mean he wants to kill his wife."

He then provided examples of symbolism that Malays may find disagreeable.

"We see the dragon as a demon and the carrying of kavadi ( photo ) as self-torture. But it is the culture (of Chinese and Indians) - we understand that the dragon is a symbol of power and carrying a kavadi symbolises self-purification."

Md Alwi also said the keris on the Umno flag does not mean the party is out to "kill" anyone.

He then took a dig at the logo of opposition party DAP: "Look at its logo, the rocket. It's a symbol of terrorism. They should call themselves Destructive Action Party!"