The most popular Malay legend is the story of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. Hang Jebat, who rebelled against the Sultan, the symbol of authority then, is painted as the villain. Hang Tuah, who defended the Sultans dignity and life, is upheld as the hero, though he killed his brother in the process. >From this legend it is clear the Malays are not born to be kurang ajar, and killing a brother is okay in defending the ideals of the Malay culture. Isn't it a Malay proverb which says, Biar mati anak jangan mati adat? Of course some people, namely the intellectuals, have questioned whether the legend actually existed. This is probably an attempt to change the Malay thinking. If the legend did not exist, then the obedient and subservient Malay would also not exist. It would therefore be okay for the Malays to be aggressive; and to be aggressive means one has to be on the offensive, not the defensive.

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