As we roll out more details about the programme, get ready for exciting sneak peeks!

Lecture: Recursive Ideas on Leadership Legitimacy in Malay Political Narratives

The lecture ventures into the political nuances within Malay classical texts known as “hikayat,” moving beyond traditional philological interpretations that label them as mere “folk literature.” It explores the underlying political themes on authority and rights present in works like Sejarah Melayu, Hikayat Hang Tuah, as well as brief references to Hikayat Bustanul Salatain and Tuhfat al Nafis. Specifically, it investigates episodes such as the “agreement of Demang Lebar Daun” from Sejarah Melayu, which explains the dynamics between rulers and subjects, shedding light on the intricate political culture of Malay society. These tales serve as timeless reflections on the relationships between the “rakyat” (people) and their rulers, establishing norms of conduct and legitimacy integral to Malay governance beyond the simplistic portrayal often seen in cultural references.

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