KUALA LUMPUR: Those questioning the existence of Hang Tuah should not to be too dependent on a single source as reference, says vice chancellor of Kolej Universiti Islam Melaka (KUIM), Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Hashim.
In fact, Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals) is the most accurate source to prove the existence of the warrior (Hang Tuah) who once held the post of admiral.
The prominent historian said Hang Tuah’s significance in history was evident as 14 of 28 chapters or about 44 per cent of Sejarah Melayu’s content mentioned Hang Tuah.
“Debate on the existence of Hang Tuah does not arise anymore as we have adequate resources and proof that Hang Tuah existed.
“If we deny the existence of Hang Tuah, then we are also denying the history of the Malays,” he said when interviewed in the programme “Dalam Radar” produced by Bernama Radio24 on Thursday.
Dr Yusoff was commenting on a statement by Prof Khoo Kay Kim who claimed that historical resources obtained from the Ming Dynasty was the most complete and accurate.
According to records, the name of the first and second ruler of Melaka and the reigning periods were mentioned.
In the interview with a radio station recently, Prof Khoo sparked an uproar when claiming that Hang Tuah and Princess Hang Li Po never existed. — Bernama