Melaka:Malays should not be categorized as immigrants in the Malay Archipelago, particularly in Tanah Melayu, due to their historical connection to the merantau tradition, which involves travelling and has persisted for thousands of years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Murad Merican, director of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation at the International Islamic University Malaysia (ISTAC-IIUM), argues that labeling Malays as immigrants is inaccurate. This perspective neglects the historical, cultural, and geographical bonds within the region.
He further stated that the movement of Malay communities within the Malay Archipelago should be viewed as part of the merantau tradition rather than as migration defined by modern political boundaries. He emphasized that Malays in Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo are part of this merantau phenomenon, similar to the Cham people, and should not be restricted by political or false borders.
Ahmad Murad highlighted that the merantau tradition also connects Malay communities across regions such as Luzon, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, which share significant historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. This includes the concept of balik kampung, which means returning to one's place of origin and maintaining community networks.
These statements were made by Ahmad Murad during a panel discussion on 'Unravelling the Polemic of Tanah Melayu' at Musyawarah Nasional 3.0, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh. The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Musyawarah Nasional founder Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Meanwhile, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz, an expert in constitutional and public law, remarked that the term and status of Tanah Melayu have never vanished as some suggest. Instead, they remain clearly embedded in the Federal Constitution, the country's supreme law. She noted that the Constitution, which established and governs the country, explicitly refers to Tanah Melayu through terms like the 'States of Malaya' (Negeri-negeri Tanah Melayu) and the 'Malay Peninsula' (Semenanjung Tanah Melayu). She stressed that understanding these constitutional provisions can enhance comprehension of the country's foundations and aid in defending its position.