World's Biggest Silat Court To Be Build In Melaka

Malaysian Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam announced that Melaka is building  the biggest silat 'court' in the world this year. The venue named 'Gerbang Persilatan Melayu Sedunia' is located at the Hang Tuah Village and building cost is  RM37 million and has a capacity of 5,000 seats. This announcement was made at the Silat Nusantara Festival 2011 held in Tawau 15th to 19th May 2011 hosting over 250 participant from all Malaysian states (except 4 states: Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang).

Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam also holds position as Melaka Chief Minister. The Minsister has been very active in promoting Silat as a constructive alternative for malaysia's youth. This year saw many Silat festivals and programs attracting the participation of Silat schools around Malaysia, and one recent event is the Hang Tuah festival. This took place last weekend on 24th and 25th September at the Palace of the Melaka Malay Sultanate in Bandar Hilir.

"Youths should emulate the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah, who had a superior character and was loyal to king and country", the minister said. The State of melaka is also planning to gather some 10,000 silat practitioners under a program which aims to promote the Malay martial art in the state, next year. The program aims to pave the way for more silat-related activities in the future.

~Abu Mukhtar~