Hang Tuah of Malacca

Hang Tuah represents the ultimate victor of Malay loyalty, courtesy and obedience to tradition. Hang Tuah symbolizes the prominence of Malacca and projects the bravery of the Malays.

He was Laksamana because whenever he was jesting with youths of his own age, he would roll up his sleeves and defiantly declare that only Laksamana was his match. Hang Tuah was officially conferred with the title of Laksamana during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah (1459-1477).

He is the subject of the Sultan of Malacca. He was a warrior of the powerful fifteenth-century Malay Malacca Sultanate, just before it fell to the Portuguese in 1511.

Because of the jealousy and conflicts among officials at the Malaccan court, Hang Tuah is accused of treason for alleged adultery with one of the Sultan’s dayang.

The Sultan orders his immediate death, but the Bendahara, aware of his innocence, secretly smuggles Tuah out of Malacca.

During his absence, Tuah’s friend Hang Jebat takes outrages liberties with Sultan’s person and possession, including his concubines, forcing the ruler out of his palace. He says he is taking revenge on the sultan for the murder of Tuah.
Hang Tuah of Malacca