COMMENT A legend is the story of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. P Ramlee is one such legend. He is actor, director, singer, musician, composer and comedian of the highest talent and ability. He was the undisputed king of Malay entertainment during his lifetime. In many ways, he still is today. He is a true legend.

Hang Tuah, too, was an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. But unlike P Ramlee, whose existence can be confirmed by millions, there apparently has been no proof of Hang Tuah's existence. So, Hang Tuah had existed only in the collective minds of the Malay society, with his exploits told and retold in fairytales and folklore.

Is Hang Tuah, therefore, a legend or myth?