The tanjak symbolises Malaysian identity and unity

Thevendran (left), his wife, L Anushia, 43, and children T Harsyikha, 6, and T Sailesh, 15, were among 870 participants in the 'Run With Your Tanjak' Pahlawan Run 2019 programme at Kolej Yayasan Saad, Durian Tunggal, here today. NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD
Thevendran (left), his wife, L Anushia, 43, and children T Harsyikha, 6, and T Sailesh, 15, were among 870 participants in the 'Run With Your Tanjak' Pahlawan Run 2019 programme at Kolej Yayasan Saad, Durian Tunggal, here today. NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD
By Rizanizam Abdul Hamid - September 8, 2019 @ 2:57pm

MELAKA: "Although I am Indian, I am not ashamed of donning the tanjak (Malay traditional headgear) because I consider it a traditional legacy that all Malaysians should be proud of," said businessman R Thevendran.

The 43-year-old Bukit China-born said the tanjak symbolises Malaysian identity which should be nurtured by all to strengthen racial unity.

"Since I was a child, I have had many friends including the Chinese friends, who did not think twice about wearing the Jalur Gemilang-themed tanjak, which was a symbol of the Malays back in the olden days.

"The spirit of harmony that has been forged for so long must be strengthened through such activities, which serve to highlight the history, culture and togetherness of our society," he said when met by the NSTP here today.

Thevendran, his wife, L Anushia, 43, and children T Harsyikha, 6, and T Sailesh, 15, were among 870 participants in the 'Run With Your Tanjak' Pahlawan Run 2019 programme at Kolej Yayasan Saad, Durian Tunggal, here today.

Another participant, Asbiah Sabtu (left), 41, said she spent more than two hours yesterday to prepare five tanjaks made from kain pelikat to be worn by her sisters and friends in the race. NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD
Another participant, Asbiah Sabtu (left), 41, said she spent more than two hours yesterday to prepare five tanjaks made from kain pelikat to be worn by her sisters and friends in the race. NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD

The programme, organised by Kolej Yayasan Saad Ex Residents (KYSER), was officiated by Deputy Primary Industries Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who is also the member of parliament for Hang Tuah Jaya.

Another participant, Asbiah Sabtu, 41, said she spent more than two hours yesterday to prepare five tanjaks made from kain pelikat to be worn by her sisters and friends in the race.

"Initially, we wanted to just buy the tanjak, but in the end, decided to make them ourselves, so that we would all wear one with the same design and colour.

Also attracting the crowd’s attention was Saedon Abu Bakar (3rd from left) , 37, who arrived at the college ground with six family members, wearing the tanjak nicknamed 'Dendam Tak Sudah'. - NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD
Also attracting the crowd’s attention was Saedon Abu Bakar (3rd from left) , 37, who arrived at the college ground with six family members, wearing the tanjak nicknamed 'Dendam Tak Sudah'. - NSTP/RASUL AZLI SAMAD

"It was something to cherish, more so when we are still in the National Month, with the National Day celebration on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16," she said.

Also attracting the crowd’s attention was Saedon Abu Bakar, 37, who arrived at the college ground with six family members at 7am, wearing the tanjak nicknamed 'Dendam Tak Sudah'.

"I decided to join the race because it combined recreational activities with wearing the tanjak, which has been a pride of the Malays for over hundreds of years. This is a good way to ensure it is not forgotten," he said.