11.08.2025

Why Merdeka 118 should be Malaysia’s Keris Taming Sari, not "Excalibur"

A 68-year-old from Kuala Kangsar reflects on the symbolism of Merdeka 118, urging Malaysians to see it as the Keris Taming Sari - a legendary Malay weapon embodying untold power - rather than the Western sword Excalibur.

Left to right: Merdeka 118 and the Keris Taming Sari exhibition at the HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery in conjunction with His Majesty’s 83rd Birthday.


 

Hello GC,

I read your article about Merdeka 118 being like King Arthur's sword Excalibur.

Very interesting idea, I must say.

You wrote it well, comparing our tall building to that famous sword from English stories. I am 68 years old, born and raised here in Kuala Kangsar. This town has deep roots with our royal family and Perak's history. So when I read your article, I thought - why use Excalibur? Why not use our own legendary weapon?

We have the Keris Taming Sari. This is Hang Tuah's famous keris from our Malay stories. It's not just any weapon - it means loyalty, bravery, and the bond between a leader and his people. Just like Excalibur, only the right person can use it properly.

Our stories say this keris has special, mystical powers. It chooses its owner, just like Arthur's sword. So why not say Merdeka 118 is like our Keris Taming Sari? After all, this building stands where our first Prime Minister shouted "Merdeka!" for independence.

Look at the tower - it goes up to the sky with beautiful Islamic patterns. Doesn't this remind you of a keris? The keris is also beautiful art and deadly weapon together. Where Excalibur talks about faraway England, Taming Sari talks about our home. It reminds us of Hang Tuah's promise - "Takkan Melayu hilang di dunia" (The Malays will never vanish from this world).

Don't get me wrong - I understand why you chose Excalibur. More people around the world know that story. But maybe it's time we use our own legends too. We have our own "daulat", our own magical weapons, our own symbols of unity.

Your article made me think a lot. I hope my old man's thoughts add something useful to the discussion.

 

Best regards,

Muadzam

Answer by The Gent:

Hi En. Muadzam,

Your letter has awakened something in these editorial rooms. You've done more than question a metaphor - you've opened a door to the deepest stories that shape us all.

The idea of a "promised hero" runs like a golden thread through every great culture. Iskandar Dhu al-Qarnayn travelled to the ends of the world then built a wall in the Caucasus Mountains to keep Gog and Magog out of civilized lands. The Hidden Imam will appear at the End of Times. The "Marble Emperor", awaiting a divine call to return and restore the Roman Empire. These are not childish tales. They are the dreams that keep civilizations alive.

What move us most about your words is this simple truth: both Excalibur and Taming Sari demand the same thing from their bearer. They cannot be stolen or bought. They must be earned. The sword chooses its king, not the other way around.

Now, as Merdeka 118 rises like a gleaming blade against our tropical sky, we find ourselves wondering: what kind of leader does Malaysia need today? What virtues would impress either Arthur's sword or Hang Tuah's kris?

Picture this: somewhere in our nation walks a young person - perhaps in the corridors of power, perhaps selling nasi lemak by the roadside - who possesses the integrity of Hang Tuah and the chivalrous of Arthur. They lead not because they crave power, but because they cannot bear to see injustice. They unite not by dividing others, but by seeing the best in every Malaysian heart.

This person may not even know their destiny yet. But the towers we build, the stories we tell, the letters we write - all of these are preparing the stage for their arrival.

Your reflection suggests something beautiful: Modern Malaysia's greatest chapter may still be unwritten. Somewhere, the promised hero stirs. And when they finally step forward, it won't matter whether we call their symbol Excalibur or Taming Sari. We'll simply call them what they are - The Hero That Was Promised.

The blade is waiting. The majestic Merdeka 118 tower stands ready. The only question that remains is: who will prove worthy of both?

 

With deep respect,
The Gent

 

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