Elevating the Malay Royal Institution Through Poetry and the Performing Arts

By Mohamad Letfee Ahmad

The Malay Royal Institution holds a significant place in the history of the nation. It is an integral part of our governing traditions, cultural heritage and national identity.

Throughout the ages, history has been documented and preserved in books so that future generations may read, reflect upon and learn from the experiences of those who came before them. History is, after all, one of the foundations upon which a nation’s identity and character are built.

Against this backdrop, the recent staging of the Royal Operetta, themed “The King and the People Are Inseparable” (Raja dan Rakyat Berpisah Tiada), at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) deserves special recognition.

It was a meaningful initiative that brought together history, literature and the performing arts as an engaging means of educating the public.

The presence of Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, who attended the performance alongside the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, underscored the importance of preserving and elevating the nation’s historical heritage and the Malay Royal Institution.

The attendance of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir further added significance to the occasion, particularly in strengthening the relationship between institutions of higher learning, the Royal Institution and the wider community.

Organised by UiTM’s Chair of Malay Royal Institution (KIRRM), in collaboration with CTRA Production, the Selangor Theatre Council (MTS) and the Malaysian Theatre Association (PTM), the production successfully captured the audience’s interest, particularly among students, through its creative approach to presenting historical narratives.

Bringing historical events to life through theatre and poetry makes the past more accessible, allowing audiences to connect with history in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.

One notable example is the historic covenant between Sang Sapurba and Demang Lebar Daun, which illustrates the relationship between the ruler and the people, founded on mutual responsibility, loyalty and understanding.

Another is the assassination of J.W.W. Birch at Pasir Salak, which reflected the resistance of the Malay community against British colonial interference.

Both events offer important lessons about the history of governance, the struggle to defend sovereignty and the development of national consciousness.

This is where the performing arts offer something special as a medium for historical education.

Unlike conventional methods of presenting historical facts, theatre combines dialogue, poetry, acting, music and singing to create a more immersive and emotionally engaging experience.

Such an approach does more than help younger generations understand historical events. It also encourages them to appreciate the values, lessons and deeper meanings behind those events.

This is particularly relevant today, as young people’s attention is increasingly shaped by the vast range of multimedia content and interactive entertainment made possible by digital technology.

Directed by Zaifri Husin, a committee member of PTM, the Royal Operetta demonstrated the potential of Malay literature as a powerful instrument for nurturing national identity and character.

The production incorporated several poems written by the Chair of KIRRM, Senator Datuk Seri Emeritus Professor Dr. Awang Sariyan. Among them were What Kind of Game Is This? (Permainan Apakah Ini), The Covenant Between the King and the People’s Representative (Waad antara Raja dan Wakil Rakyat), Jebat’s Words as He Falls into Tuah’s Arms (Madah Jebat Ketika Rebah di Pangkuan Tuah), The Fate of Our Nation’s Noble Heritage (Nasib Warisan Mulia Bangsa) and Pasir Salak: Blood Runs Hot (Pasir Salak Darah Menggelegak).

These works demonstrate that literature serves a purpose far beyond artistic expression and aesthetic appreciation.

Through the beauty and depth of language, poetry can convey ideas, offer social criticism, express the spirit of struggle and invite reflection on historical events.

For this reason, Malay literature must continue to be given a meaningful place in education and cultural development.

The intellectual and literary heritage of our people should never be allowed to fade away as the nation moves towards modernisation.

At the same time, efforts to elevate the Malay Royal Institution through the performing arts must be grounded in a sound and comprehensive understanding of history and the Federal Constitution.

As a symbol of Malay civilisation, the Malay Royal Institution occupies a distinctive position and fulfils an important role within the country’s system of governance.

Appreciation of this institution must therefore go hand in hand with an understanding of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy, including the responsibilities and functions of the Royal Institution within Malaysia’s constitutional framework.

With a proper understanding, younger generations will be better equipped to appreciate the institution through knowledge, historical facts and a strong sense of national responsibility.

Nevertheless, efforts to bring history to life through the arts should not be confined to occasional performances or one-off events.

Instead, this approach should be developed into sustainable and ongoing initiatives. These could include touring theatre productions at educational institutions, historical scriptwriting workshops, national-themed theatre competitions and the creation of digital content inspired by the nation’s heritage and patriotism.

Collaboration between universities, schools, cultural institutions, artists and performers, as well as government and private-sector agencies, must also be strengthened.

Such partnerships are essential to ensuring that the preservation of our national heritage is carried out more systematically and reaches a wider audience.

The participation of 70 performing arts practitioners, UiTM students and students from the Institute of Teacher Education, Ilmu Khas Campus, in the Royal Operetta also highlights the important role of higher education institutions as centres for knowledge, creativity and the development of national values.

Universities have a responsibility that extends beyond producing graduates with professional qualifications and expertise.

They must also nurture a generation that understands its history, values its heritage and recognises its responsibilities as citizens.

The involvement of lecturers and students in artistic productions of this nature provides valuable hands-on learning experiences, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

Special appreciation must be extended to UiTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin; Datuk Seri Awang Sariyan; Associate Professor Dr. Norzizi Zulkifli, Deputy Dean (Student Affairs) of UiTM’s Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation (FiTA); and Senior Lecturer Dr. Zainatul Shuhaida Abdull Rahman, who also serves as President of MTS, for their valuable contributions and outstanding performances.

In conclusion, the Royal Operetta is an excellent example of how the performing arts can be harnessed to educate the public about history, promote literary appreciation and strengthen national unity.

Initiatives of this kind deserve to be continued and expanded. History should not simply be remembered as a collection of events from the past; it should be understood, appreciated and embraced as a guide in shaping the nation’s future.

Young people must recognise that understanding their history, appreciating the Malay Royal Institution and preserving their cultural heritage are shared responsibilities. These are essential to safeguarding the nation’s identity, sovereignty and future.

(Photo Credit:  Public Relations and Media Unit, UiTM)

The writer is a UiTM alumnus who previously served as Secretary-General of the Mass Communications Students’ Association  from 1984 to 1986. He is currently the Deputy President of the Malaysian Theatre Association.