Go digital to promote silat, practitioners told
KUCHING: Silat practitioners especially the young ones are encouraged to use digital technology to promote the study and wisdom of silat to allow more people to inherit the traditional Malay martial arts.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari said they should adopt this modern way of learning and teaching to ensure silat becomes a sustainable culture.
“I’m proud that Perguruan An Nur Sarawak is prepared to develop the silat martial arts according to the changing times. It’s only right to respond quickly to change and make adjustments to our approach in this digital era,” he said.
“Through the web or even augmented reality, practitioners can promote and grow our silat not only for self- defence but fitness and health as well as its culture, values, wisdom and harmony across the world,” he added.
Abang Johari highlighted this at the 20th anniversary celebration and gathering of Perguruan An Nur Sarawak at a leading hotel here on Tuesday night.
Themed ‘ Towards the world of silat development in digital era’, the celebration was attended by former Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abang Salahuddin Abang Barieng, Tupong Assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, Simunjan Assemblyman Awla Dris and Perguruan An Nur teacher Wan Hussin Wan Ali, among others.
Elaborating on the far-reaching benefits from learning and practising silat, he pointed out that it helps not only to develop
I’m very proud that Perguruan An Nur Sarawak is prepared to develop the silat martial arts according to the changing times. It’s only right to respond quickly to change and make adjustments in our approach to this digital era.
greater self- discipline and elevate a person to a much higher level but also the culture and heritage of the Malay community as well as Sarawak as a whole.
“Through digital technology, we are helping not only silat martial arts to flourish but also our culture where we allow others to learn, respect and understand our values and foundation that our society is built on,” he said.
Abang Johari has high regards for people practising silat for they observe the philosophy and principles integrated in the martial arts particularly respect for the elderly and parents as well as obey instructions.
“We need to show respect and honour for state leaders, notably Tun Salahuddin for his lifetime of guidance and advice,” he said.
Revisiting lessons of deep loyalty from the duel between Hang Jebat and Hang Tuah folk story, he reminded of the need to show respect for leaders in the frontline when encountering challenging times and situations.
“That’s why people say ‘ Don’t go against your boss’. Leaders must see who their followers are and in disagreement, we use our discretion to deal with our followers with utmost patience,” he added.
“That’s why to be successful, we must have knowledge and have strong principles.
“The virtue of prayer - when we seek God for help, we trust that God will help and guide us,” he stressed.
Abang Johari recognised the heavy tasks and responsibilities on his shoulder but assured that he would give his all to continue with Tok Nan’s ( late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) legacy but with his ‘silat’ style.
“When we respect ( Tun) Pehin Sri’s (Abdul Taib Mahmud) choice and obey and follow Tok Nan, our party ( Barisan Nasional) becomes strong. Tok Nan left us too soon and our party chose me to succeed, so here I am,” he shared.
“This means I will go on with the efforts and carry on the dreams of Tok Nan, of Pehin Sri and even our forefathers from before independence.
“We will move forward with new inspirations in this new and emerging digital era,” he reassured.
“I will go ahead and forth with digitalising Sarawak because this will also help our rural community without the need to establish a physical bank to trade and for transaction to take place. Our new ways including introduction of Sarawak Pay have been well accepted,” he added.
He also gave support and assurance to Fazzrudin and Perguruan members to go ahead in organising an international silat event next year that would bring martial arts practitioners and like- minded communities from different places together to enhance learning, sharing and networking.
“I will see what I can do and if needed, I will source for the funds to organise the event,” he said.
Abang Johari later announced a RM50,000 grant to help Perguruan An Nur in its annual activities and programmes.
Earlier, Wan Hussin revealed that since its establishment, the membership has grown significantly to 3,151 members including expanding to Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Indonesia.
He expressed hope for silat activities and programmes to be included in Sarawak’s calendar of events as a way to promote tourism.
The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the highest awards to Abang Salahuddin, who is the former patron of Perguruan An Nur, Abang Johari for his leadership and Rumpun Silat Sarawak president cum Perguruan Silat Helang Putih Perkasa primary teacher Muhammad Haneef Ali for his excellent teaching.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, Chief Minister