by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie
PASSMAL (The Malaysian Organization of Authentic Malay Silat Arts) stands as a beacon in the revival and preservation of traditional Silat. Founded on the principles of authenticity, discipline, and cultural pride, PASSMAL has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Silat remains true to its roots and continues to thrive in modern Malaysia.
Unlike hybridized martial arts, PASSMAL maintains a curriculum that is free from foreign influences. It emphasizes the original teachings of Malay warriors—hulubalang and penjurit—while adapting them into a structured educational framework (Shapie & Elias, 2016). This approach allows Silat to be taught systematically without losing its soul, preserving its philosophical and spiritual essence.
PASSMAL’s curriculum is built upon the Seni Silat Malaysia framework, which has been developed through years of research and practice. The organization has successfully translated traditional Silat knowledge into a formal syllabus, enabling consistent instruction across Malaysia and abroad (Shapie et al., 2023). This effort has contributed to the academicisation of Silat, aligning it with national education goals and cultural preservation strategies.
Through national and international outreach, PASSMAL has elevated Silat to a respected platform. It is recognized as a founding member of the World Silat Federation (WSF), reflecting its commitment to globalizing Silat while maintaining its authenticity (Shapie, 2020). PASSMAL’s participation in international conferences such as IMACSSS and ACPES further demonstrates its leadership in Silat scholarship and innovation (Shapie et al., 2024).
The organization’s emphasis on integrity, tradition, and excellence has made it a cornerstone of Malaysia’s martial arts identity. Initiatives such as Silat Tempur and Silat EVO, developed under PASSMAL’s guidance, showcase how traditional Silat can evolve into modern combat sports without losing its cultural foundation (Samsudin & Shapie, 2021; Shapie, 2025).
PASSMAL’s work exemplifies the balance between preservation and progress. By staying true to the roots of Silat while embracing educational and technological advancements, PASSMAL ensures that Silat remains relevant, respected, and revered—both in Malaysia and on the world stage.
References
- Samsudin, H., & Shapie, M. N. M. (2021). Silat Tempur vs Silat Olahraga: Which is the best combat sport for children? In W. J. Cynarski et al. (Eds.), 10th IMACSSS Conference 2021 (pp. 51–57). Southwest University.
- Shapie, M. N. M. (2020). Sports Science in SILAT: Application of Sports Science in Silat Training and Performance. Pertubuhan Seni Gayung Fatani Malaysia.
- Shapie, M. N. M. (2025, September 22). Silat EVO: Malaysia’s martial arts innovation for the world. DrNizamShapie.com. https://drnizamshapie.com/2025/09/22/silat-evo-malaysias-martial-arts-innovation-for-the-world/
- Shapie, M. N. M., Elias, M. S. (2016). Silat: The heritage of Malaysia (Silat: Warisan Bangsa Malaysia). National Department for Culture and Arts, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia.
- Shapie, M. N. M., Samsudin, H., Mohd Nazri, S., Indrayuda, I., Al-Syurgawi, D., et al. (2023). Seni Silat Malaysia Curriculum: The arts of silat combat in Tempur Seni. Research Journal of Budo, 56(Supplement), S76–S77. https://doi.org/10.11214/budo.56.S_76
- Shapie, M. N. M., Samsudin, H., Abdullah, N. M., Rahim, M. R. A., Ihsan, N., Nawai, N. S. N., & Padli. (2024). Tradition to academia: The transformation of Silat education (2014–2024). In N. Ruslan et al. (Eds.), ACPES International Conference 2024 (pp. 478–482). UiTM Malaysia.
