MALACCA: The Duyong Malay History and Heritage Association (Pesawad) invites the public especially the young generation to dress up in traditional Malay attire during the National Day celebration.
Its chairman Khalid Hussin (pix) said the Father of Independence, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj had donned the attire of the traditional Malays during the proclamation of the country’s independence on Aug 31, 1957 at the Selangor Club Padang in Kuala Lumpur.
“I hope the younger generation will not feel shy or awkward to wear the Malay attire as it symbolises not only the identity of the Malays but also Malaysians of various races and religions,“ he told Bernama when met at Kampung Duyong near here.
Khalid said young people should be proud of the Malay attire which includes ‘’tanjak’’ or head gear, ‘’baju layang’’ or inner attire, ‘’sampin’’ and ‘’keris’’.
“If it’s not us, then who will revive and preserve this legacy?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Pesawad member Hashim Sudin, 72, from Bukit Baru said he started to wear the traditional attire about 10 years ago at his daughter’s wedding.
“At that time, the villagers were surprised to see me, my wife, children and grandchildren wearing traditional Malay attire at the wedding ... I did so to revive the practice that has long been forgotten by most people,“ he said.
The army pensioner said it was a good effort which exposed the younger generation to Malay history, culture and arts.
“We do not want the next generation to only see traditional Malay attire at museums or art galleries,“ he said.
Another member, Zainuddin Mohd, 70, from Alor Gajah said he was proud to wear the attire to keep alive the spirit of independence and nationalism. — Bernama
