Both sides of my family are from a port city state on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. The state, Malacca or in Malay, Melaka, is relatively famous in world history. It is adjacent to the Straits of Malacca and was a major artery of trade for many – including Indian, Chinese, Arabs, and others. 

It was also colonized respectively by the Portuguese, Dutch, and finally the British. When you walk around the city – or really, the town, you can see the remnants of each culture. The Portuguese left behind a stone fort named A Famosa. It still has cannons mounted outside. I used a photo of the fort as my LinkedIn profile picture to signify my role as a protector and to honor my heritage. The Dutch left behind a beautiful red church, I think it is named Stadthuys. It is iconic and probably the landmark most associated with Malacca. The British influence is all over – from architecture, food, and perhaps their most enduring legacy, their systems and laws. 

Legend has it that the state was founded by a prince that was next to a river when his hunting dogs cornered a mousedeer, a small animal and wanted to presumably kill it. The mousedeer or kancil in Malay then does something surprising. It lures the dogs to the edge of the river and kicks them in. Impressed by the mousedeer’s courage and intelligence, the prince considers this event to be a good omen and establishes his kingdom there, the beginnings of Malacca. To this day, the mousedeer is the state animal and is representative of the reputed intelligence of the state’s inhabitants.  

Malacca is also known for producing the most famous of Malaysian hero-warriors, Hang Tuah. Along with his four childhood friends, also warriors, they serve and protect the kingdom.  Hang Tuah’s legend, unfortunately, also includes one of the most heartbreaking and thorniest ethical scenarios in our history. Hang Tuah, who is something like the chief protector of the kingdom, gets framed for something or otter out of jealousy. He is then exiled or something similar. Outraged, his best friend, Hang Jehat goes crazy and kills a bunch of people in response to the injustice. 

Eventually, Hang Tuah is cleared of wrongdoing and is reinstated to his rightful position. The ruler then orders him to kill his friend. Reluctantly, Hang Tuah pays a visit to Hang Jebat, who is overjoyed to see his best friend. Until he realizes what is actually happening – that Hang Tuah isn’t there as a friend but an agent of the state to carry out the order to kill him. A bitter, lengthy fight ensues between these formidable warriors-best friends. Hang Tuah prevails but is grief stricken for having to kill his closest friend. 

I used to teach the scenario above to my ethics students. The question posed is what should Hang Tuah have done? Obeyed his ruler or stood by his friend. It isn’t simple. The dilemma here involves competing interests, both integral to Malay culture – loyalty to the state or loyalty to family and friends. I ask myself what would j have done? I’m not sure.  It depends on the day but I think I actually would lean towards loyalty to family and friends. Although I was in government for a significant portion of my professional life to date, I saw much corruption and abuse of power.  

Although I was born in the capital of Kuala Lumpur and raised in another state, I feel a strong connection to Malacca. The mousedeer complements the tiger, the national animal of Malaysia or harimau in Malay. It is a fierce, proud, and powerful animal. 

I like to say the following phrase – Harimau Malaya, Kancil Melaka, to remind myself of the best of my culture.