What tree did Parameswara really see in Malacca?


IT is taken as a historical fact that Malacca was founded by Parameswara, who named it after the melaka tree. Parameswara, in the legendary account of the founding of Malacca, actually had no idea what the tree was.

He had seen a mouse deer kick one of his hunting dogs and, inspired by the fighting spirit of the mouse deer, he asked his followers “What is the name of the tree under which I am standing?” His followers replied “It is called melaka, your Highness”. Nobody said “Wait, let us check this out.”

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Business News

Asian stocks rise; FX lack direction on steady dollar, Fed rate-cut bets
China's 2025 copper imports lowest since 2020 amid major price rally
Trilateral links will boost growth
Strong growth for Malaysia's Islamic banking sector - S&P Global Ratings
Oil prices pause gains as Venezuela shipments resume but Iran concerns loom
Saks Global files for bankruptcy after Neiman Marcus takeover leads to financial collapse
Asian stocks inch higher, fragile yen spurs intervention worries�
FBM KLCI struggles to extend gains amid profit-taking pressure
China's trade ends 2025 with record trillion-dollar surplus despite Trump tariffs
Netflix prepares all-cash offer for Warner Bros, source says

Others Also Read