Melaka

1986 stamp showing the old Dutch Townhall and the Portuguese Santiago Fort.

The Sultanate of Melaka is the illustrous pre-decessor state of contemporary Malaysia. It was a prosperous trading port for over a century until it fell first to the Portuguese, and then to the Dutch.

One of Malaysia's most famous works of classical literature is the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) chronicles Melaka's history until its fall to the Portuguese. Another classic from this era is the Hikayat Hang Tuah about a hero in the Melaka court whose loyalty to the Sultan came at a high personal price.

1999 stamps showing star-artist Tan Sri P. Ramlee in ceremonial dress and in his role as Hang Tuah (r).

The Story of Hang Tuah was made into Malaya's first colour movie in 1956, with star artist Tan Sri P. Ramlee (1929-73) in the lead role.