Just a brief additional note... When we talk about silat, normally the subject of the keris will be mentioned. The keris is synonymous with the Malay. As a matter of fact, it is the identity of the Malays. No other cultural object has closer ties to the Malay people than the keris.
To the general public, the keris is a stabbing weapon that was worn by the warriors of old, grooms in their wedding day and kings during official functions. It is rather strange for contemporary folk to see someone walking around in full traditional garb with a keris in their waist sash nowadays. However, thanks to various groups and individuals who fight to enlighten the people on matters of Malay culture, the keris is becoming increasingly accepted by the public as a part of the traditional Malay busana or attire.
I would like to add, however, that the keris is not just a weapon. It is a part of the traditional Malay dress and the traditional busana is not complete without a keris slit through the belt. It is a part of the Malay wardrobe, and it acted as the owner's identity card. The features of a keris can tell a lot about its owner. This is why the keris is often kept private and only shown to a precious few.
The "pakaian" or dress of a keris (i.e. its hilt, sheath and fittings) usually tell the beholder of the owner's origins and social standing. External (syariah) knowledge regarding the owner. Where he came from, what is his lineage and even his position in society. The bilah or blade reveals information of a more personal nature. As such, the keris is never drawn on a whim. A well-made keris contains crucial information about its owner, essentially his IDENTITY.
It is also noteworthy that today is also Heroes' Day in Malaysia. A very fitting day to remember and honour the SACRIFICE made by the men and women of our armed forces. They sacrificed everything to ensure that we are able to enjoy peace and harmony and keep our identity. This country has gone through her share of violence and oppression at the hands of foreigners and foreign ideals. We were faced with outright invasions, religious divergents, economic campaigns and yet the Malays have held on to their identity.
A clear and present threat nowadays presents itself in the form of Communism. In the past, our heroes fought them in the jungles and mountains. Nowadays, they can be found in the streets. This is not a racist statement as Communism does not pertain to one particular race. It is an ideal that threatens the core of the Malay belief system. A threat to the Malay identity. A silat warrior stands against these ideals as they are in opposition to the principles of Islam and the Malay culture. Without a national identity promoted by cultural elements such as silat and the keris, a nation is bound to be doomed. This is the Way.
