Ungku Aziz on 'Minda Melayu'

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What happened in the past centuries that made the Malays a less acknowledged ethnic group in the world?

ecently I had the privilege of listening to Royal Professor Ungku Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid (Pak Ungku) talking about the literature creativity and intelligence of the Malay mind (Minda Melayu). Such intelligence and creativity, although arts in nature, originated from a reality of skilled traders of international quality some 800 years ago. It is truly a refreshing feeling to know that we (Malays) were once masters of the sea and land in this archipelago (South-East Asia).

What happened in the past centuries that made the Malays a less acknowledged ethnic group in the world? Of course I wouldn't want to agree 100% on that statement/question for the Malays have indeed proven themselves to be worthy of international acknowledgement. The Malays, in the context of what Pak Ungku was referring to are the Bumiputeras which consist of Malays, Orang Asli, natives of Sabah and Sarawak and other Bumiputeras whom I think best if reference is made to the constitutional definition of it.

800 years ago Malays possess 3 prominent strengths that gave them the status they enjoyed: Berdikari, Perkasa and Muallim.

So what did happen 800 years ago? 800 years ago the Malays were masters of the archipelago. They were traders, merchants and poets. The Malay language was the Lingua Franca of the region for which foreign traders from China, India, Middle East and even Europe had to learn in order to coupe with the bussiness needs of that era, akin to what English Language is nowadays. You must agree that that is an International quality worthy of acknowledgement. 800 years ago Malays possess 3 prominent strengths that gave them the status they enjoyed: Berdikari (Independence), Perkasa (Might) and Muallim (Trading skills).

Why were they independent? Well, they established the first effective governments of the region. We are talking about the likes of Srivijaya, Majapahit, Langkasuka, Mataram and of course the most elegant of all, Melaka.

Why were they mighty? Well, this region was known to have the most atrocious pirates around. They (the pirates) came from all sides of the world who travelled in the same directions with the traders towards the 'Spice' islands (Note that spices were as valuable as petroleum or gold those days as it was the first scientific chemical for preservation of food). Naturally, the Malays had to be strong to defend their entrepot for the sake of their economic significance in the eyes of traders.

Why were they skillful traders? As mentioned earlier, they were the custodian of spices. The produce and trade spices and they did it quite intelligently. The fact that they managed to protect this bussiness advantage over many centuries suggest that they must have been smart traders. For the record, they only lost the custodianship of spices because they were not equipped with cannons like the Portuguese, Dutch or English.

.....they (Malays) lost to Portuguese (1511), Dutch (1640) and English (1824) who robbed the Malays of their independence, might and skills.

I repeat, they (Malays) lost to Portuguese (1511), Dutch (1640) and English (1824) who robbed the Malays of their independence, might and skills. The Malay archipelago was conquered, the Malay hospitality to traders were destroyed and the Malays international status was replaced by the Europeans. The Malays were systematically deprived from being involved in trading and were encouraged to appreciate life in the Kampungs (villages) where not much efforts were needed to get food such as vegetation, fish, fowl, etc. This was when the Chinese took over the role of traders.

500 years later realisation came to materialise. In 1957, via political methods, the Malays once again ignited their aspirations to uphold independence, might and skills which was significantly supported by Affirmative Actions. Specific targets and achievement instead of general considerations were made clear to the public. After 500 years of deprivation, surely this action has to be serious! Indeed it was and still is. Hence the establishment of quotas, scholarships, land reserves and many other controversial matters that earned political mileage intertwined with racial sentiments.

I believe Pak Ungku's thoughts are not just food for excellence to the Malays. It has to..., must...., be taken as learning points by all Malaysians. Only then the new generation can understand why certain matters that appear unfair prima facie, are actually the means to undo the unfairness itself... unfairness created, nurtured and left behind by the colonial masters who robbed the Malays of their independence, might and skills.

Pak Ungku ended his talk by saying ".... it has now become necessary for the Malays to be 'kurang ajar' (shrewd) like how the Chinese are 'kiasu' (opportunist, for lack of better words) in order to be successful..." (Note: For non-Malay readers, please do not take offence of the word 'kurang ajar'. It is just a symbolic word to give strength to the need for Malays to be on par with the rest in all aspects possible for the sake of level playing field).

There are many thoughts Pak Ungku has shared with fellow Malaysians particularly on Malays. These thoughts ought to be taken as a motivational driver to boost the Malays' aspirations for a better future. These thoughts are captured in his published books Renaissance Man and Pantun dan Kebijaksanaan Akal Budi Melayu.

".... it has now become necessary for the Malays to be 'kurang ajar' like how the Chinese are 'kiasu' in order to be successful..." quotation by Ungku Aziz

* kopihangtuah



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