Silat Cekak Martial Arts Being Developed In Australia

ALOR SETAR, 27 Dec (Bernama) -- The development of Silat Cekak in Sydney, Australia proves that this Malay martial arts can be taught to all groups regardless of religion, race and culture.

Persatuan Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM) president and chief instructor Datuk Maideen Kadir Shah said the development of this martial arts style to the international level was among the association's missions in an effort to elevate the Malay culture and ensure that the heritage knowledge is not lost over time.

“Anyone can learn Silat Cekak... but the syllabus isn't the same because silat has religious aspects. But we've already done it, we have classes in Sydney, Australia," he told reporters at the inaugural demonstration programme of the Kedah Heritage Malay Silat and Silat Cekak Pantomime in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of Silat Cekak here today.

Officiating the demonstration programme was the Kedah Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin.

Approximately 3,000 PSSCM members from across the country attended the programme, which also featured various silat performances as well as mapped the journey of Silat Cekak since its establishment 60 years ago.

According to Maideen, the organisation of the diamond jubilee of Silat Cekak is also the best platform to introduce the Malay martial arts to the younger generation and visitors from all over the country.

He said that at the local level, the Tunas Cekak Programme, established in 2022, has successfully produced nearly 1,000 students as young as seven years old nationwide, with training classes open at state branches.

“Our syllabus is adapted so that children can learn without having to wait until they are 16 years old. The discipline, good morals, and values of compassion taught in silat classes are brought back home and to school.

"I am sure Silat Cekak can shape the character of children who will continue the cultural heritage of this nation. To date, Tunas Cekak has been implemented in 34 schools across the country," he also said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Salleh said the state government always fully supports the efforts of PSSCM in elevating the heritage art through the values of discipline, morals and culture.

-- BERNAMA