Silat symbolises Malay fear but outdated now, Pak Samad says

(Malay Mail Online) – National laureate Datuk A Samad Said described today the art of silat as an impractical and archaic combat form that represents the race’s fear, just a day after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak officiated the national silat meet in the federal capital and praised the traditional Malay martial art form.

Popularly known by the moniker Pak Samad, the poet said that silat was a legitimate form of self-defence in the old days, but was now treasured for its heritage value.

“Silat is a symbolism of the Malay fear and no longer represents combat or self defence anymore,” he said today after launching a book titled “Young & Malay” at Gerakbudaya here.

“It is now a national treasure, that can only be used for demonstration purposes,” the DAP member added.

He pointed out that the duelling style of silat was outdated because “nowadays we seldom fight one on one”.

“Even if we do, I think there won’t be enough time to take out a keris,” he said, referring to the curved blade used in silat.

“For me, symbolically, it just expresses the Malay fear,” he added.

Thousands of red shirted people were bussed into the federal capital on Malaysia Day for the pro-Malay rally organised by the national silat federation Pesaka, which was officially called “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” or the United People’s Assembly, but stirred unease among ethnic minorities.

The protest was marred by sporadic outbreaks of racism, with one demonstrator recorded calling a reporter “Crazy Chinese pig”, among other insults.

Last night, Najib was the guest of honour at Pesaka’s function at Dataran Merdeka. In his speech, he agreed with the motive of the “red shirt” rally which was to preserve the Malay dignity.

Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, an Umno leader and spokesman for the #Merah169 rally, downplayed the insult on Thursday, saying the Chinese should feel no slight in the remark since they consume pork.

The rally, said to be in support of Najib’s leadership, was to counter last month’s mammoth two-day Bersih 4 gathering calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

The ruling Malay party has insisted that it does not endorse the event, which has also been alternately called “Himpunan Maruah Melayu”, but did not prohibit its members from participating in the demonstration organised by martial arts group Pesaka.