MELAKA: The historical ties between China and Melaka will continue to be detailed through various new studies, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said the research undertaken by his administration will focus particularly on the existence of a site known as the Bukit Pelindung Monument, believed to have been linked to Admiral Cheng Ho’s route to this region.
"Much of the evidence surrounding this historical relationship has been difficult to interpret concretely due to several factors, including the alteration of history by colonial powers, which destroyed original records of Cheng Ho’s trail when he first arrived in this historic state," he said after officiating the Cheng Ho International Conference 2025 (CHIC2025) at a hotel in Klebang on Tuesday (Nov 18).
Also present were Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia Zheng Xuefan; Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad; state tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman Datuk Abd Razak Abd Rahman; and Melaka Special Investment and China Affairs adviser Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
Ab Rauf said preliminary studies had found that the Bukit Pelindung Monument, now known as Bukit Melaka in Banda Hilir here, was mentioned in historical accounts of Cheng Ho’s voyages to Melaka, providing crucial indications of a significant point of contact.
"There are two interpretations of the monument’s location, namely Bukit Cina and Bukit Melaka.
"However, research findings suggest that Bukit Melaka is more convincingly the original site of the Bukit Pelindung Monument, which symbolises Malaysia’s ties with China," he said.
Ab Rauf said Bukit Pelindung must have been located in a strategic position overlooking ship movements across the Straits of Melaka in ancient times, making it a significant location within the broader context of maritime relations.
He said the state government is now focusing on further research, including the exploration of additional historical facts, to strengthen evidence of diplomatic and trade links between Melaka and China that date back centuries.
"Through this extensive research, we will be able to present clearer evidence to the public so that this shared history can be understood in a more detailed and accurate manner," he said.
Ab Rauf also announced that CHIC2025 will become an annual event aimed at strengthening the deep-rooted ties between China and Melaka.
"This prestigious event will reinforce cultural diplomacy, showcase our maritime heritage and further highlight Melaka’s role on the international stage," he said.
Meanwhile, Zheng said the Chinese government appreciates Melaka’s commitment in organising the conference and recognising historical ties, adding that it reflects the state’s commitment to reinforcing China-Malaysia relations through civilisational exchange and cooperation across various sectors.
He said history shows that in the 15th century, Admiral Cheng Ho embarked on seven grand expeditions across the Indian Ocean, visiting more than 30 countries and territories in Asia and Africa, making his voyages the largest and longest naval missions of their time.
