Izzati Aziz

Cardiff University

This paper uses silat as a main case study to explore the ‘modernization’ process of post-colonial Malaysia that involves noteworthy elements of traditionalization. It sketches Malaysia’s cultural development since it’s independence from British rule and attempts to locate silat in the Malaysian values debate within the context of Malaysia’s development agenda. It also highlights the cultural politics of Malay identity and the controversial significance of ‘Malayness’ in the discourse of Malaysian values. Factors like globalisation and Western imperialism make the need to establish and strengthen cultural ‘authenticity’ continues to be relevant in the discourse of Malaysian identity. Despite the Malaysian government’s effort to ‘modernise’ Malaysia and Malaysians, some Malay(sian) traditional traditions remain to be preserved. This paper focuses on silatbecause of its assumed versatility. Silat is treated much more than just a martial art. Silat is also a form of national performance art, cultural ambassador, and an important aspect of the management of Malay(sian) identity. Silat appears to be a tangible cultural symbol of Malaysia. Therefore, the cultural significance of silat is worth exploring in the understanding of Malaysia’s nation building and identity. This paper intends to illustrate the complexity of post-colonial Malaysia in creating modern Malaysians and establishing its cultural originality through silat.