Senior citizen pwns a robber with silat

JERTIH: A senior citizen had to use his silat skills for 20 minutes before successfully chasing off bandits armed with machetes who broke into his house in the incident in Kampung Gong Nangka, Apal,here, yesterday.

In the incident at 11 pm, Abdul Ghani Jusoh, 65, was asleep with his 68-year-old wife when he was awakened by the sound of falling objects in the kitchen. He left his bedroom to investigate.

According to him, he at first thought the sound was caused by his pet cats chasing mice when he surprised a man armed with a knife in his kitchen.

"The man was holding a knife and tried to grab me and but we struggled for 20 minutes which resulted in several injuries to my chest and right shoulder.

"Although I am old but I'm still able to use my experience in silat, a martial art I was very active in during my teenage years," he said when met at police headquarters Loka (IPD) Loka in Kampung Raja, here, yesterday.

According to him, the man ran away while he was himself rushed to Hospital Besut by Loka residents before referred to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kubang Kerian. He was released home around 10 am yesterday.

Abdul Ghani, who was wounded in the chest and shoulders as a result of the struggle received 10 stitches.

"My wife is paralysed and we never thought thieves would break into our house because we do not have valuables," he said.

Meanwhile, the Loka police chief, Superintendent Kamaruddin Zakaria said police acted swiftly after being informed of the incident. They managed to detain the suspect with the help of residents and the Kampung Bukit Kenak Security Unit here at 8 am today.

"He was found in the bushes in Kampung Bukit Kenak, about two miles from the scene, along with two parang believed taken from the house broke into the victim in the house," he said.

By MOHAMMAD ISHAK
Translated from http://www.hmetro.com.my/myMetro/articles/Bersilat20minithalaupenyamun/Article

Rosmah Learning Silat Beneficial To Women

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- While women may be synonymous with being gentle, they could also show firmness by learning the martial art of silat, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said today.

The prime minister's wife said silat was beneficial in developing an active mind and body, apart from fostering inner confidence in women.

She said, although women were able to take care of themselves, there were people who took advantage of their trusting and caring nature.

"While silat can prepare one to be ready for unexpected threats in life, its beautiful moves help a woman achieve physical strength, without compromising her decency and grace," added Rosmah.

She said this when launching the Women's Silat Lincah Movement at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here.

Rosmah noted that learning the silat could be more difficult for women than men as it demanded more physically.

"However, it teaches us to get up, even when we are down. It also teaches us to be patient as anything we learn needs patience and perseverance to achieve perfection," she said.

At the ceremony, Rosmah was honoured with the first Selendang Tun Fatimah Award from the Malaysian Silat Lincah Association, as a symbol of upholding today's women.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=621873

CM: The Young Should Emulate Hang Tuah

MELAKA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Youths should emulate the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah, who had a superior character and was loyal to king and country, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

He said that Hang Tuah was indomitable in defending the Melaka Sultanate from external attacks.

"His leadership qualities were pronounced because his knowledge covered religion and the art of silat," Mohd Ali said when opening the Hang Tuah Festival at the Malay Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum at Bandar Hilir here last night.

Also present were Information, Communications and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz and Melaka State Assembly Speaker Datuk Othman Muhamad.

Mohd Ali said Hang Tuah used his mastery of several languages to help boost relations between Melaka and other states and territories.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=615513

PM wants silat to be part of country’s transformation

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants silat (malay martial arts) exponents to participate in the country’s transformation prog­ramme.

The Prime Minister, who regarded the group as the country’s third line of defence after the armed forces and the police, said he wanted silat members to help transform the country.

“We want knowledge, technology and the economic strength, but we must never leave behind our heritage.

“I believe that if our country is attacked, out silat exponents will rise and defend it,” the Prime Minister said in his speech during the 50th anniversary celebration of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia at PWTC last night.

Najib said he believed Malay­sians of all races would team up to fight against the country’s enemies.

“We are not here to wage a war, but to show unity and love for one another,” he added.

Najib added that the Government did not teach young silat members to be disloyal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Government or the country.

“We should teach noble values and nurture these members to have inner strength and be­­- come warriors who can bring the country to the next level,” Najib added.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/7/nation/9049607&sec=nation

Kelantan Top 7th National Youth Silat Championship

MELAKA, June 7 (Bernama) - Kelantan emerged as the overall champions at the 7th National Youth Silat Championship which ended Tuesday after collecting four gold, a silver and two bronze medals.

The gold medals were won by Mohd Nasron Hasan, Nik Mohd Nor Amirul Zaidy Nordin, Kasmaidaidayu Kamaruddin and Nurul Ain Dyianah Rosli.

Kelantan's coach Mohd Faidhi Md Noor said the big win was unexpected as they were only aiming for two gold medals.

Kedah were the runners-up with four gold medals, a silver and a bronze, while Perak won the third place with three gold medals, four silver and four bronze.

Sixteen contingents with 256 participants took part in the championship held at the MBAM Basketball Stadium in Bukit Serindit, here, from Saturday.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam who is also the Malaysian Silat Federation president, officiated at the closing ceremony.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=592236

Pendita Eddie M Nalapraya Launches Biography

As the former Vice Jakarta Governor between 1984-1987, Pendita Eddie M Nalapraya is unforgettable as he is also a Betawian figure who preserved the Betawi martial art, Pencak Silat. Now, Pendita Eddie’s autobiography can be enjoyed by people after he launched a book entitled Jendral Tanpa Angkatan-Memoar at DKI Jakarta’s city hall, Sunday.

The launch of the book contains traces of Pendita Eddie`s journey, starting from his Betawi childhood to adulthood until his appointment as the Vice Governor of DKI Jakarta. In the book, he also related his successful involvement and contribution to the SEA Games 1987 in Jakarta.

His interest in Pencak silat was shown as he promoted this pure traditional Indonesian art to international events, such as Asean Beach Games in Bali, the Asean Martial Arts in Thailand, and Asean Games in Vietnam.

He stated that the book is dedicated to all Indonesian people to feed their fighting spirit, motivation, and inspiration. Despite being in his 80’s, he cannot stay relaxed. On the contrary, he keeps actively creating valuable things. Now, his major business is oyster mushroom farmering in the Puncak area of West Java. His business also provides financial opportunities to the people in that area.

The 268 page book is written by 3 famous writers, such as Ramadhan KH, Iskadir Chotob, and Fers Yuarsa. Next, Eddie also will release a book entitled Pencak Silat Tak Lapuk Ditelan Zaman-Sebuah Catatan Pengabdian.

Jakarta Governor, Fauzi Bowo who also came in the launching of the book said that the figure of Eddie was a really good example and inspired many people.

Silat masters receive doctorates in martial arts

Datuk Sri Wan Abdul Wahid presenting the Hall of Fame award to Eddie M. Nalapraya, former president of PERSILAT.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 MAY 2011 – A group of Malaysian martial arts masters here today made history by organising the first Martial Arts Convention & Convocation, where the knowledge and continuous efforts of martial arts grandmasters were recognised with the conferment of a doctorate.

The grand celebration held at the Toh Puan Norashikin Hall, Darul Puteri Complex in Cheras here was organised by the Malaysian Martial Arts Grand Masters’ Association (MAGMA) and the MAGMA Martial Arts Academy, Asia Pacific Open University and was attended by martial arts practitioners to pay homage to the sacrifices of their teachers in spreading their knowledge to the masses.

The event was officiated by Minister In The Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan. He commended MAGMA’s efforts to raise the status of martial arts in Malaysia to a more academic station.

“This convocation proves that the martial arts, especially silat is now recognised and will continue to be preserved. I hope that all MAGMA members will continue to safeguard and build upon the knowledge and discipline of their respective schools in unison by organising such events on an annual basis. May Malaysia be recognised as the best destination for all martial arts practitioners worldwide,” he said in his offication speech.

A total of 20 doctorate graduates in the martial arts and 4 doctorate graduates in complementary medicine accepted their scrolls witnessed by students and members of their schools. Additionally, there were 14 masters’ graduates, 6 bachelor graduates and 9 diploma graduates, all in the martial arts.

Among the doctorate graduates were: mahaguru Raja Aziz Raja Ali, founder of Silat Kegayungan Acheh Helang Putih, grandmaster Tan Ghee Lip, founder of Free-Style Martial Arts Self-Defence, mahaguru Dahlan Karim, founder of Silat Setiabakti, sensei Ramlan Ahmed from Aikido Shudokan, sifu Alex Loh Oon Teik from Goh Chor Kung Fu, mahaguru Mohammed Hashim Mohammed Salleh, founder of Silat Lian Padukan, and master Shuhaizy Saad, founder of Stealth Taekwondo.

To qualify for the MAGMA educational programs, candidates need to be involved in a martial art school for a certain period and attend MAGMA organised courses in addition to preparing a thesis paper on their research into the martial arts. Only the highest ranking and experinces teachers in a school are allowed to apply for the doctorate program.

Among the exciting events of the day included the theses presentations by the doctorate graduates in the form of practical demonstrations and explanations about their martial art schools.

Besides that, the audience was also surprised by the conferral of the highest appreciation award to Eddie M. Nalapraya, former President of the International Silat Federation (PERSILAT), for his efforts in helping promote silat around the world.

According to MAGMA President, Datuk Haji Baharom bin Haji Kamari, who is also a doctorate graduate, “MAGMA was founded to raise the status of martial arts masters to a higher station. This approach is the most effective and is the best vehicle to propel MAGMA to greater heights in making that happen,” he said. He also launched the MAGMA Martial Arts Academy which will soon be the primary motivator in producing new graduates in the martial arts.

Dr Zam@Ab Razak Zamri, Chief Executive Officer of the MAGMA Martial Arts Academy, Asia Pacific Open University reminded graduates that as martial arts practitioners, they have a heavy responsibility in educating the future generation of Malaysia.

“Commit yourselves to honesty, trust and sincerity in carrying out the responsibilities that have been entrusted to all of you,” he advised.

The theses produced by the graduates will be archived to enable and enhance local documentation into the martial arts. This first batch of graduates will tour the country within the next year to conduct courses and train the next group of candidates under the banner of the academy.

About MAGMA
MAGMA or the Malaysian Martial Arts Grand Masters’ Association is an associative body of martial arts instructors from all over Malaysia. MAGMA has a membership spanning 45 martial styles with a membership totaling 500,000 people. Under the banner of the MAGMA Martial Arts Academy, Asia Pacific Open University, MAGMA has launched Diploma, Bachelor’s, Masters’ and Doctorate programs in martial arts, encompassing self-defence, culture, arts, sports, self-development, medicine and many more.

World's Biggest Silat Court To Be Build In Melaka - Pesaka

TAWAU, May 16 -- Melaka are expected to build the biggest silat 'court' in the world soon according Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

Mohd Ali who is also the Melaka Chief Minister said the venue, to be named 'Gerbang Persilatan Melayu Sedunia' would be build at the Hang Tuah Village at a cost of RM37 million.

He added that once completed in about 24 months, the court will have a capacity of 5,000 seats.

"This will certainly be a big boost to the sport of silat and Pesaka is eager to show how committed we are towards enhancing the status of silat," he told reporters after opening the Nusantara Silat Festival and International Invitation 2011 here Monday.

The Festival that started today will feature 250 silat exponents representing 18 teams, including from Singapore.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=586762

Tawau To Host Nusantara Silat Festival In May

TAWAU, April 14 (Bernama) -- Tawau will create martial arts history of sorts after being chosen to host the International Invitational Nusantara Silat Festival 2011.

Festival director Zaid Abd Hamid said the event, to be held from May 15 to 19, was expected to attract about 700 silat exponents not only from South-East Asia but also from European countries such as Germany and Poland.

"The silat festival comprises two categories, Silat Olahraga (combat) and Silat seni (artistic). The Festival is organised by the Tawau Community College, with help from the Tawau Municipal Council and Sabah government," he told Bernama here Thursday.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman is expected to officiate the event that would be held in Borneo for the first time, while the closing is expected to be done by National Silat Federation (PESAKA) president Datuk Seri Muhd Ali Rustam.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=579222&cat=sbe

RM1.19 Million Allocated For Martial Arts Development

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports has allocated RM1.19 million to revive and expand martial arts, including silat and taekwondo.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Razali Ibrahim said each parliamentary constituency would be allocated RM10,000 for self-defence instructors' allowances.

"The allocation could help popularise martial arts and increase the number of athletes taking up self-defence as sports," he said when met here Monday.

He was commenting on Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru Zahrain Mohamed Hashim's question on measures taken by the government to develop and promote silat at the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Razali said silat was recognised by the government as the official martial arts under the National Heritage Act 2005, made a compulsory event in the Malaysian Games since 1998 and accorded as one the 19 core sports approved for development by a Cabinet committee.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=574347

Silat Motivation Programme

A Self-Excellence Motivation Programme: Self-Defence Silat Suffian, aims to motivate young the generation in increasing their self-confidence to become more positive in facing challenges. The programme was held this afternoon at the Youth Centre in the capital.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Abdul Malik noted that the programme is hoped to act as incentive to local youths to possess strong spirit and determination pertaining to race, religion and nation building.

A motivational talk was delivered by the Founder of the self-defence, SSBD, Awang Morlahnie bin Mornie. He also staged a martial-art demonstration. Well-known as Maul Mornie, the founder has toured several places and countries in efforts to introduce such martial art and Brunei Darussalam as well as to promote the arts culture of Bruneians self-defence. The programme was organised by the Youth and Sports Department.

Sourced from http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=18993

Crash kills silat masters

ALOR SETAR: Five silat masters were killed and four musicians injured after the van that they were travelling in skidded and crashed into a tree at Jalan Titi Haji Idris, about 15km from here.

The group, who were members of the Persatuan Persilatan dan Pergendangan Silat Kedah, was returning home to Pendang after performing silat at a wedding in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, on Sunday, when the accident occurred at about 3.30am yesterday.

Three silat masters died on the spot while two others died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.



Mangled wreck: Pendang District Police Public Order and Traffic Chief Insp Abdul Ghani Kamis inspecting the wreckage of the van yesterday.

The five are Jumaat @ Saad Mat Akir, 62, Juhari Darus, 65, Ahmad Ismail, 65, Sudin Deris, 65 and Ishak Awang Kechik @ Hanafiah, 78.
The four injured musicians are Che Ishak Hussin, 54, Arifin Mahazon, 56, and Mohd Idris Senafi, 20 and Ahmad’s son Roshidi, 24, who was driving the van.

According to Mohd Idris, the group left Sungai Buloh on Sunday evening and had stopped in Tapah at about 11.30pm.

“I fell asleep when we resumed the journey and woke up at the hospital bed this morning,” he said.

Association president Haris Fazilah Ismail said 14 people including the five silat masters, exponents and musicians attended the wedding.

“Five of them went by car while the others were in a van,” he said.

Unbearable loss: A relative of Ishak Awang reacting after learning that he was among those killed in the accident yesterday morning.

He said Roshidi lost control of the van after trying to avoid an animal.

Pendang acting OCPD Asst Supt L. Pubadi said police had recorded Roshidi’s statement, adding the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.

Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/22/nation/8316692&sec=nation

Sad story of Vietnam’s pencak silat

VietNamNet Bridge – The national pencak silat team is about to group up to prepare for the Southeast Asian Games and other international competitions but athletes don’t want to join the team.

Hong Ngoan, who has won many medals at regional and world competitions, has said goodbye to pencak silat though she is still one of the best athletes, with good health and superior technique.

Huynh Thi Thu Hong and Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy - SEA Games current champions – will not enter the national team because they are getting married. Other champions like Nguyen Viet Anh and Nguyen Thanh Quyen have refused to join the team for studies.

Last year, when the national pencak silat team convened to prepare for the world championship, two senior coaches Xuan Hai and The Lam refused to join the team. However, Vietnam didn’t lack good coaches so the team still had their coaches and won the championship.

Both coaches and athletes don’t want to play for the national team because of the following reasons.

Firstly, the investment policy for pencak silat has changed. Previously, when Vietnam aimed at the SEA Games, pencak silat was a key sport and pencak silat athletes were always welcomed home as heroes after regional and international competitions.

At the SEA Games 1999, Vietnamese pencak silat athletes won seven gold medals, accounting for more than 40 percent of the gold medals of the Vietnamese sports delegation.

At SEA Games 2001, pencak silat gold medals helped Vietnam to rank the fourth in the medal tally. Pencak silat athletes also won up to 11 gold medals at SEA Games 2003.

In that golden time, pencak silat athletes were always honored by the media and nominated as the country’s 10 best athletes of the year.

In recent years, though they won the world championship and gold medals at SEA Games, pencak silat athletes were not named in selections of the best athletes of the year.

Pencak silat is on the wane because Vietnam now focuses investment in sports for the Asian Games and the Olympics, not the SEA Games.

This year, the funding for pencak silat is equivalent to nearly one third of that for track-and-field while the number of medals won by pencak silat is high. Vietnam has registered only several international pencak silat tournaments this year.

Pencak silat athletes have to practice very hard and always face injuries but their income is low. Though they play well, they are not highly appreciated. As a result, athletes don’t want to play for the national team.

Vietnam still aims to enter the top three of the SEA Games from now to 2020 but if it doesn’t invest properly in pencak silat, it may fail to achieve that goal.

Malaysians Urged To Take Up Silat For Self-Defence

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Silat Cekak Hanafi Association (PSSCHM) hopes more Malaysians will take part in the 'Pandai Silat' campaign to learn how to protect themselves and their families.

PSSCHM communications and publicity chief Mohd Rais Abu Noh said the campaign, launched last year, had attracted 5,000 members nationwide and hoped more would join.

"We will continue our efforts to educate the public on how important it is to learn silat to keep ourselves safe from incidents such as snatch theft, threats and robbery," he told Bernama Saturday.

Mohd Rais added that this type of silat was free from elements of black magic, so parents need not worry about sending their children to learn this method of self-defence.

Sourced from http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newssport.php?id=568685

Action must complement vision and ideas, youths told

Warriors: Ahmad (left) with silat master Mustapa Kamal Shariff during the launch ceremony.

Youths must be more pro-active and move fast nowadays in order not to be left behind, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

He said the youths, being the generation who would shape the country’s future must not only have vision or ideas but also action.

“Without concrete actions, whatever you plan will not materialise,” he said when launching the 1Borneo Gayong Martial Arts Programme at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday.

“The future of the country depends on the youths who carry the responsibility to ensure the success of the nation,” he added.

He also urged the youths to be knowledgeable and disciplined which they could acquire from practising martial arts.

Written by CALVIN YEO
Photo by ZULAZAHAR SHEBLEE
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/17/sarawak/7637822&sec=sarawak

Indonesian fan attack Vietnamese sports official

An Indonesian fan suddenly drop-kicked the chief of the Vietnamese Pencak Silat delegation at a game between a Vietnamese and Indonesian pencak Silat player on December 16.

Nguyen Ngoc Anh, chief of the Vietnamese delegation to the World Pencak Silat Championship in Jakarta, didn’t agree with the referee’s decision to record a point for the host player because he broke the rules. Ngoc Anh stood near the playground and he ran to the referee to protest the referee’s decision.

Suddenly, an Indonesian fan appeared and a drop-kicked the Vietnamese official. When the fan felt down. A Vietnamese Pencak Silat coach rushed into to defend Ngoc Anh.

Some members of the Indonesian delegation and some audience members joined the battle, creating a scene of chaos at the game. Referees and security guards intervened to stabilize the situation.

After the incident, Ngoc Anh said that that the organizing board and the Indonesian Pencak Silat Federation offered an apology to the Vietnamese delegation.

The tournament closed on December 19 and Vietnam took the first place. The team defended its championship title with eight gold medals, especially one gold gained from the seni event, which is the strength of host Indonesia .

The WPSC, opened on Dec. 12, drew the participation of 425 athletes from 32 countries worldwide.

Sourced from http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/sports/2950/indonesian-fans-attack-vietnamese-sports-official.html

Silat associations must contribute towards human capital development - Muhyiddin

KEPALA BATAS (Nov 20, 2010): Malay silat associations in the country must play a role in contributing towards human capital development for the next generation, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said they should also make efforts attract the younger generation to the martial art at the school level, higher education institutions and community centres, including mosques.

"At the same time, we must remember that the younger generation of today are the inheritors of our religion, race and country in future," he said when officiating a gathering organised by the Malaysian Seni Silat Lincah Association here today.

At the function, Penang Yang Dipertua Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, who is also the association's first 'Ulul Amri', conferred the same title, the association's fourth, to Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin said silat training modules had proven to be able to mould individuals of strong character, which could positively impact others in society, Malays and non-Malays alike.

"The government from early on has been supportive of silat movements, and in relation to this, through the Youth and Sports Ministry, Information Communication and Culture Ministry and Islamic religious departments has been cooperating with silat associations so that the martial art gains recognition and is in line with Islam, which is the official religion of the country," he said.

He added that the 'espirit de corps' prevalent among members (of silat associations) if expanded in the context of leadership, would lead to fostering greater unity among the people irrespective of politics, economic power or ethnicity.

Sourced from http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=54232

Malacca government needs RM135mil to recreate Hang Tuah villlage in Kg Duyong

Site visit: Mohd Khalil (centre) visiting the proposed Hang Tuah village site while accompanied by Mohd Ali and other guests.

MALACCA: The state government is seeking RM135mil to recreate the village of 14th century legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah in Kampung Duyong, which has been identified as a tourist attraction.

The project, will cover a total area of 24.7ha within Kampung Duyong, next to Sungai Duyong with Hang Tuah’s well being one of the main attractions.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said 20 of the existing homes in the village would be restored while 25 kampung styled homes from all over the state would be also restored and relocated here.

“We have applied for the funding from the Federal Government and we are awaiting approval which we will know by the end of November.

“If all goes well, we can start the tender for the project by December,” he said, adding the project would be carried out in phases and was expected to be completed in 2012.

He told reporters this after accompanying Malacca Governer Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob on a visit to the proposed site in Kampung Duyong here on Monday.

Besides restoring and preserving the homes, he said the village would also house a museum and gallery, as well as homes of the five famous Malay warriors during the 14th Century Malay Sultanate (Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Kasturi and Hang Lekiu).

“We also plan to build an arena for playing tops as well as a silat arena to showcase the art of silat, especially those that was practiced during Hang Tuah’s time,” he added.

Kampung Duyong is said to be the birthplace of Hang Tuah, the legendary warrior who served the Malacca Sultanate Empire.

The present village is said to be the Hang Tuah’s home, owing to the presence of an ancient well, believed to have healing properties and said to have been dug by Hang Tuah.

Written by CINDY TAN
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/1/southneast/7129451&sec=southneast

Brunei Silat Team Leave For Southeast Asian Tourney

Bandar Seri Begawan - The national pencak silat team left the Brunei International Airport in Berakas yesterday to gauge their skills at the 2nd Southeast Asian Silat Championship 2010.

Ten men and three women will represent the Sultanate at the seven-day tournament, which is being held in Vietnam from August 4-10.

"We intend to use the competition as a warm-up for next year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games," said Pg Hj Abd Karim Pg Hj Metassan, team manager and vice-president of Brunei Darussalam National Pencak Silat Association (Persib).

Lowest Participation In Belait Pencak Silat Competition This Year

Kuala Belait - Competition for the traditional martial arts of pencak silat in the Belait District to mark His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 64th birthday celebrations was held at the Kuala Belait Municipal Hall yesterday afternoon.

Chairman Haji Zabidi bin Ali who has been organising the contest for over a decade said he had recorded the lowest participation in the competition so far, with only eight people taking part.

Haji Zabidi said the exclusion of two popular silat categories had contributed to this low participation.