NEGRI Sembilan Bersatu chief Rais Yatim has urged Malay men to wear the songkok to reflect their cultural identity.

“We are proud to see Malays wear the destar, tanjak and tengkolok. Malays, in their heyday, wore the songkok, and fought for the independence of Malaysia while wearing it.

“Wearing the songkok makes for a broad symbol. Apart from the destar and ketayap (skull cap), which we are fond of wearing… the songkok is synonymous with our characteristics.

“The Arabs do not wear the songkok. The only people who wear it are Malays in Malaysia and the archipelago (Indonesia, Singapore and southern Thailand). So, this will give a strong sense of cultural identity to our people, and to the population of nearly 400 million,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the state Bersatu’s tanjak-wearing programme, organised by the party’s Youth wing, in Seremban yesterday.

He said wearing the songkok will give a sense of belonging, in addition to being a mark of respect.

“These days, most of us wear the songkok when we meet the Agong and our sultans. So, what is wrong with dressing up in the songkok, like how English folk used to wear hats?”

He added that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will launch a heritage and cultural charter at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur on September 20.

“In this regard, we are asking the prime minister to promote the cultural heritage of our homeland, the basis of Malay culture. About 20 civil groups will participate in the event.

“As we celebrate Malaysia Day, Malays should not forget their culture and heritage. What we hope for is that Malays do not lose their identity.

“It is not about wearing beautiful Malay attire, but about a way of life. And, we want to set high standards for ourselves.” – Bernama, September 17, 2019.