MALACCA: Hang Tuah definitely existed and a DNA test to prove his existence would be a 'waste of time', says Malaysian Institute of Historical and Patriotism Studies (IKSEP) chairman Adjunct Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Jamil Mukmin.
"A DNA test to prove the existence of the legendary Malay warrior Hang Tuah, as suggested by Professor Emeritus Tan Seri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, is unnecessary and a waste of time.
"The evidence of the Malay warrior's existence is strong enough and can no longer be disputed.
"Research on Hang Tuah had not been done recently but since the past six decades, IKSEP itself had conducted two seminars and a forum on this polemic debate," said Mohd Jamil.
Khoo had previously said that Hang Tuah might be mythical and that there was no strong evidence to prove the warrior’s existence.
Other, however, have countered that DNA tests on the remains in Hang Tuah's tomb might prove to be difficult due to religious sensitivities. Tests, they argued, should instead be performed on pre-historic findings.