Malay costumes celebrated in new book and museum project

As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, the rich heritage of Malay traditional attire takes center stage with the launch of Malay Textiles and Costumes: Form and Style, the English edition of the late Azah Aziz’s renowned Rupa dan Gaya: Busana Melayu. The event, hosted by Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz and Tita Publications in collaboration with Penerbit UKM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, was held at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia. Simultaneously, the third edition of Rupa dan Gaya was also introduced, marking a milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve Malay textiles and costumes.

Originally published by Penerbit UKM in 2006, Rupa dan Gaya has played a pivotal role in promoting and documenting the historical, social, and artistic aspects of Malay attire. Over the years, it has inspired designers, educators, and cultural enthusiasts to uphold this vibrant tradition.

“Through Rupa dan Gaya, my mother has ignited a commitment to cultural preservation in so many individuals. Her meticulous research and love for Malay traditions have helped pave the way for future generations to appreciate and uphold our cultural heritage,” said Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz. “This work is not just about the art of textiles and costumes; it’s about understanding the soul of the Malay identity, its artistry, and the significance of preserving these practices in the face of modernization.”

Bringing Malay Textiles to a Global Audience

Azah Aziz’s work transcends fashion; it serves as an academic and cultural treasure that delves deep into the intricacies of Malay textiles. Her extensive research provides a vivid narrative of the rich legacy behind handwoven fabrics and traditional garments, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational knowledge transmission.

For over a decade, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti spearheaded the effort to translate her mother’s seminal work into English, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience. “It is my privilege to honor my mother’s work, which transcends academic boundaries and celebrates the beauty and continuity of our cultural heritage,” she remarked.

The English edition preserves the authenticity of the original text while making it more accessible to an international readership. It is expected to become an essential reference for scholars, museum curators, and textile enthusiasts worldwide, reinforcing the significance of Malay cultural heritage on a global scale.

The Merdeka Textile Museum

In addition to the book launch, the event also provided a platform to discuss the upcoming Merdeka Textile Museum at Merdeka 118. Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) unveiled exclusive renderings of the museum’s design, presented by YM Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda.

“More than just a museum, the Merdeka Textile Museum will be a living tribute to the late Puan Azah Aziz, whose lifelong dedication to preserving Malay traditions resonates deeply in this endeavor,” said YM Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda. “PNB is deeply honored to be the custodians of the late Puan Azah Aziz’s extraordinary collection, which will soon showcase the artistry of our textiles to the world.”

Set to be the first state-of-the-art textile museum in Asia, it will house 240 textile and costume pieces, along with 69 jewelry items from Azah Aziz’s collection. The museum will integrate cutting-edge technology, including interactive media, motion sensors, data analytics, and intelligent lighting, to offer an immersive experience to visitors of all backgrounds.

Honoring Cultural Tradition

The launch event welcomed nearly 500 guests from various sectors, including embassies, museums, academic institutions, and corporate representatives. Attendees were treated to a pantun recitation by Malaysia’s first female National Laureate, Datuk Dr. Zurinah Hassan, who performed selected poems from Rupa dan Gaya, adding a poetic homage to the event’s celebration of heritage.

For more details on Rupa dan Gaya: Busana Melayu (Third Edition, 2025) and Malay Textiles and Costumes: Form and Style (English Edition), visit https://www.titapublications.com/.