28.10.2024

Alexander The Great's legacy in Malay literature: A bridge between past and modern Malaysia

Explore Alexander the Great’s enduring legacy across cultures, especially his influence in Malay literature. This article examines how Alexander’s genealogy links with Southeast Asian royalty, as depicted in the Malay Annals, and draws parallels between his leadership and modern governance.

By Shakir Yusop

Picture: @briefed_mythology

Alexander the Great, known for his conquests and leadership, has left an indelible mark on various cultures around the world. While his deeds are widely recognized in Western history, his influence extends much farther, even into the ancient Malay world. This write-up explores how his legendary status is integrated into Malay literature, particularly in The Malay Annals (Sulalat al-Salatin), where his genealogy is linked to the royal houses of Southeast Asia.

In two previous GC articles by Raja Izz, the figure of Alexander the Great was thoroughly examined. The first, titled ‘Nine Worthies: Legendary Men of Chivalric Ideals and Their Enduring Legacies’, presents Alexander as a model of chivalry, recounting his vast conquests from the Mediterranean to Persia (modern day Iran). The article highlights Alexander’s story of meeting a beggar, where his generosity was emphasized: "Copper coins would adequately suit the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving." This tale illustrates the balance of power, leadership, and humanity that defined his rule, serving as a lesson for modern leaders to lead with wisdom and generosity.

The second article, ‘Alexander the Great: A Chivalric Tale and Lessons for the Modern Man’, analyses the 14th-century poem King Alisaunder, chronicling Alexander’s life, travels, and virtues. Raja Izz highlights key lessons for contemporary leaders: diplomacy, cultural appreciation, and mindful generosity, all grounded in Alexander’s historical context.

Given these illustrious triumphs and achievements, it is unsurprising that Alexander is featured in various Malay literatures such as the Malay Annals (Sulalat al-Salatin), a 17th-century literary masterpiece. Among other things, this work traces the genealogy of ancient rulers, with “Iskandar dari Maqaduniah” (Alexander of Macedonia) being one of the main points of ancestry. While the fate of the original manuscript remains elusive, other known versions of copies and translations are kept in various global locations. For this write-up, the main reference is the Malay language version of Sulalat al-Salatin, maintained and arranged by Muhammad Haji Salleh (1997), based on the Raffles Malay 18 manuscript, currently kept at the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS), London, dated 1812.

In the early chapters, there is a passage mentioning the arrival of a great king to the Indian subcontinent. The passage strongly alludes to Alexander as the great king hailing from Macedonia (“Iskandar Zulkarnain… Maqaduniah nama negerinya”). This aligns with Alexander’s historical conquest, where he was recognized as the ruler of both the East and West in the ancient world. In the following pages, the text outlines the affairs of the conquered lands and kingdoms within, as well as the marriage of Iskandar to a princess from one such kingdom. After Iskandar left, his progeny and descendants went on to rule those territories.

The Genealogy of the Sultanate of Malacca in the Bustan al-Salatin.

Picture: Bustan Al‐Salatin, ‘the garden of kings’: a universal history and ADAB work from seventeenth‐century ACEH

Chapter III of the Sulalat al-Salatin highlights the appearance of three princes, believed to be descendants of Iskandar Dhu al-Qarnayn, at the foot of Seguntang Hill (Bukit Seguntang Mahameru) near Palembang. Two maidens first greeted and housed the princes before they were invited to rule various kingdoms in the region, solidifying the link between the ruling houses and the Macedonian king. It is said that the first prince was invited by the people of Andalas to become the King of Minangkabau, crowned Sang Sapurba. The second prince was invited to become a king in Tanjung Pura, crowned Sang Maniaka, while the third prince was invited to become King of Palembang as Seri Teri Buana.

Seri Teri Buana, during his travels, also founded a kingdom in Temasik, which he named Singa Pura (modern-day Singapore). Some sources argue that Singa Pura was not founded by the actual prince of Seguntang Hill, but by a later royal descendant. Other sources claim that the names of the princes differ, but this remains a footnote since almost all records agree on the arrival of three princes of the Iskandar Zulkarnain's lineage at the Seguntang Hill, who later became the ancestors of the Malay kingdom rulers in the region.

One of Seri Teri Buana’s descendants also established a settlement north of Singa Pura, called Malacca, named after a tree by which he rested during a miraculous event where a mousedeer kicked his hunting dog. This settlement grew into the Sultanate of Malacca, a major entrepôt and one of the largest maritime empires in Southeast Asia during the 15th century. At its height, its influence encompassed the entire Peninsula (of today’s Malaysia) and the western coast of Sumatra (of today’s Indonesia).

When the city of Melaka fell to the Portuguese in 1511, the royal family – the line of Iskandar Zulkarnain – survived. In 1528, one prince from the last Sultan of Melaka was invited by the people of Perak (now a state in Malaysia) to be crowned Sultan Mudzaffar Shah, the first Sultan of Perak. To this day, the Perak royal family can trace their lineage back to this first Sultan and, by extension, claim their roots to Iskandar Zulkarnain.

Sultan of Perak HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

Picture credit: Bernama

Currently, DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan (HRH Sultan of Perak): Sultan Nazrin Shah, rules the state of Perak, Malaysia. HRH serves his constitutional duties with distinction, drawing upon his extensive educational background. With a penchant for knowledge and books, HRH has become well-regarded as a leader with a passion for intellectual pursuits.

The connection between Alexander’s chivalric ideals and modern governance is more than just symbolic. Sultan Nazrin Shah, for instance, embodies the spirit of thoughtful leadership, promoting unity and development for all Malaysians. HRH’s saying, “Malaysians of all races, religions, and geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun,” reflects inclusive and visionary ideals that resonate through the ages.

Great literature serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted cultural heritage that connects a country with distant civilizations. The Malay Annals deserves to be celebrated by all Malaysians, as it transcends borders and eras, uniting the past with the present. As the concept of kingship evolved into modern Malaysia, **the country’s forefathers ensured that the ancient institution was forever intertwined with the rakyat (citizens/people) through the constitution**. The dual concepts of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy cemented this relationship, ensuring a continuous link between ancient legacies and modern governance. The Malaysian tradition of a rotational monarch as head of state is unique to this beloved country of ours and, perhaps, the best version of such system in the world.

As Malaysians move forward, cherishing this unique heritage is invaluable to fostering unity and embracing the lessons of the past. The leadership qualities exemplified by figures such as Alexander the Great ought to be carried forward by modern rulers, serving as a beacon for future generations.

Together, Malaysians can build a nation that commemorates its rich in historical past, while striving toward a future that reflects the ideals of thoughtful governance and shared prosperity, just like what Alexander The Great envisioned.

References

1) Nine Worthies: Legendary Men of Chivalric Ideals & Their Enduring Legacies. https://gentlemanscodes.com/personality/nine-worthies-legendary-men-of-chivalric-ideals-and-their-enduring-legacies

2) Alexander the Great: A Chivalric Tale & Lessons for the Modern Man. https://gentlemanscodes.com/chivalry/alexander-the-great-a-chivalric-tale-and-lessons-for-the-modern-man

3) Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals). https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/silk-road-themes/documentary-heritage/sejarah-melayu-malay-annals

4) Tales from the Malay Annals: A Brief Introduction. https://museumvolunteersjmm.com/2020/04/10/tales-from-the-malay-annals-a-brief-introduction/

5) Sultan Nazrin Shah: Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan XXXV. https://sultannazrinshah.com/

6) https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087472/all-citizens-have-place-under-malaysian-sun-says-sultan-nazrin-watch

7) Sulalat al-Salatin ya’ni Pertuturan Segala Raja-Raja (Sejarah Melayu). Karangan Tun Seri Lanang. Dikaji & diperkenalkan oleh Muhammad Haji Salleh. Terbitan bersama Yayasan Karyawan & Dewan Bahasa Pustaka KL. Cetakan kedua: 2017.

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