Œuvres malaises modernes inspirées de traditions anciennes (depuis les année 1940)

Abstract

Sejarah Melayu and Hikayat Hang Tuah, two traditional Malay literary works of the 17th century connected with the Sultanate of Malacca (1400-1511) and sometimes also with the related oral traditions, have greatly inspired modern Malaysian authors. This article attempts to make a global analysis, without claiming to be exhaustive, of literary works and films produced by these authors since the 1940s. Only some characters, among whom are a great number of women, and some events, notably the duel between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, hold the attention of the authors. In this respect, various titles are considered, like Dang Anum; Hang Tuah; Jebat; Matinya Seorang Pahlawan (Jebat); Puteri Gunung Ledang, Cerita Cinta Agung; Singapura Di-Langgar Todak; Tun Fatimah atau Riwayat Perjuangan Ibu Melayu. Before the independence of Malaysia in 1957, these works were especially related to the Malay nationalist movement. After independence, these works mostly reflected the authors’ concern over the new social and political context in Malaysia, mainly their idea of democracy and social justice.