The self-defence rule "Don't Stab In The Back" and loyalty emphasised in the Malay silat practice should be appreciated and emulated by every strata of society to uphold the strong sense of solidarity that had long existed in the country.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim said history had proven that the Melaka Malay Sultanate had been able to exist for so long when the art of self-defence had succeeded in educating the past generation to be loyal to their leaders to the extent that they could not be destroyed from
outside.

"Silat educates one to refrain from any form of conflict and enmity, on the contrary, it encourages us to reach a consensus and make peace.

"The greatness of the Malay warrior in the past had brought fear to the enemies in threatening the country because the people had displayed strong loyalty to the leader at that time," he said.

He disclosed this to reporters after opening the Assembly of the Johor Malay Silat Exponents 2016 at the Muar MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) hall, here last night.

Also present were the president of the Malaysian National Silat Federation (PESAKA) Johor, Abdul Wahid Abu Talib.