) is unfazed by criticisms of the state’s efforts to honour legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah.“I intend to relive the history of Melaka and market it as an intriguing tourism product, and Hang Tuah is significant. There were records of him throughout the globe, and we made an effort to relive the history,” Ab Rauf said.
Ab Rauf was commenting on an article by an Indonesian news portal alleging that keris handed over to the Melaka government by a man claiming to be a descendant of Hang Tuah were not genuine and had no links to the Malay warrior. Muhammad Amin, who claimed to be a descendant of Hang Tuah, had loaned the relic from the Hang Tuah Museum in Bintan Island as part of the exhibit being held at the Melaka International Trade Centre to showcase the greatness of Hang Tuah.
He said he had to do what was right to ensure the tourism industry, which is generating the largest revenue for the state, continues to grow.