Parameswara (1344 – c. 1414), thought to be the same person named in the Malay Annals as Iskandar Shah, was the last king of Singapura and the founder of Malacca. According to the Malay Annals, he ruled Singapura from 1389 to 1398. The king fled the island kingdom after a Majapahit naval invasion in 1398 and founded his new stronghold on the mouth of Bertam river in 1402. Within decades, the new city grew rapidly to become the capital of the Malacca Sultanate. Portuguese accounts however, written a hundred years after his death, suggest he was from Palembang in Sumatra and usurped the throne of Singapura; he was driven out, either by the Siamese or the Majapahit, and went on to found Malacca. - Wiki
Summary: New Tombstone Discovered Near Hang Tuah’s Alleged Footprint
Berita Harian | 18 May 2015 | Fairuz Zaidan
The Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) expressed concern over continuing superstitious rituals and alleged worship practices at Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, particularly around a site traditionally believed to contain the footprint of the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah.
During an enforcement operation, JAIM officers discovered a newly erected tombstone bearing the name “Tok Tanjung Tuan” near the alleged footprint. Authorities suspected that unidentified individuals had created the shrine for ritual purposes. The tombstone was subsequently removed for disposal.
Officers also found evidence of ritual activities, including burnt incense, flowers, playing cards and papers containing numbers, suggesting that some visitors sought supernatural assistance for lottery gambling.
JAIM's chief enforcement officer, Rahimin Bani, questioned the authenticity of the supposed footprint of Hang Tuah, noting that no detailed historical study had established its connection to the legendary warrior.
He warned that Muslims participating in prohibited worship practices could face prosecution under Section 69 of the Melaka Syariah Enactment 1991, with penalties of up to RM2,000 in fines, 18 months' imprisonment, or both.
Historical significance
The article highlights the tension between Malay historical legends, local spiritual beliefs and Islamic religious regulations.
Although Tanjung Tuan is associated with Hang Tuah through local tradition, the article provides no archaeological or documentary evidence confirming that the footprint belonged to him. Likewise, the newly erected tombstone was not authenticated as an actual historical grave.
Key takeaway: The 2015 report documents the authorities' removal of an allegedly fabricated shrine and their efforts to prevent ritual worship. It does not establish the historical authenticity of Hang Tuah's footprint or the identity of “Tok Tanjung Tuan.”
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