GALLERY OF DEMANG ABDUL GHANI
BACKGROUND HISTORY OF THE HOUSE
This traditional house is believed to be built by Demang Abdul Ghani bin Penghulu Abdul Majid, a tycoon who came from Palembang in 1894. Headman is a ‘small ruler’ and is highly respected by the society at that time. Construction cost is estimated at around RM 33,000.00 (value during construction) using the skills of three carpenters: Mahmud Kelantan, Manap Gopeng and Pendek Pendekar and took 2 years to complete.
It was built without using nails. Has six main rooms: porch, verandah, the main house, bedroom, home center, a kitchen and a loft that is reserved for the use of women.
This house is the administrative center of the village and is often used as a meeting place to discuss community affairs. Three generations of the village headman had inhabited this house;
Penghulu Abdul Majid (1831-1834)
Demang Abdul Ghani bin Abdul Majid (1834-1934)
Penghulu Mat Natar bin Abdul Ghani (1934-1978).
MATERIALS AND FINISHINGS OF THE HOUSE
This house is rich with carvings of various hidden meanings implied in the patterns of flora and fauna. Chinese cultural elements are clearly highlighted with the motifs of ‘Ang Ling’ (Red Dragon sculpture) which is associated with wealth and power while ‘Eng Ling’ (Golden Dragon sculpture) is associated with control and protection. Six-point star carved pillar symbolizing faith depicting how the owner appreciated the application of Islamic values in life. Chinese handwriting carvings which mean everlasting also proved rich motifs in this building.
The decorative tiles are believed to have been originated from Italy and China while on the stairs, it highlights cultural characteristics of the Malay community for accommodation of guests. The head of the stairs is made of concrete pillars which resemble the hat of a British soldier. The uniqueness and smoothness of the architecture with a combination of materials and spiritual to bring a variety of meaning makes this home very special.
High quality of woods from the types of merbau, teak and cengal are widely used in this house. While Chinese Genting is used on the roof which is from textured concrete form of ‘singgora’. There are two water tanks for the use of cleaning the feet in front of the stairs with pumpkin and pineapple motifs which means overflow or luck (Ong Lai).
‘Courteous as the Malays, discuss as the English' is the motto of Demang Abdul Ghani in carrying out his responsibilities as a leader of his time.
DEFINITION OF PENGHULU (headman)
‘Penghulu’ or headman is often implicated as the head or leader of the community in a certain district. Headman system is believed to have been existed since the time of the Melaka Sultanate and is given the responsibility of acting as a leader to be in charge of caring, leading and solving the problems of its district community, as well as keeping peace and also as a representative of the sultan’s tax collector. To suit its highly status, a ‘Penghulu’ is highly respected by the community and has a relatively strong economic position.
The post of ‘Penghulu’ is decided by the Sultan, who is usually appointed by leadership qualities and preferences of the community. Due to its high ranking of position which is also known as a so-called ‘small ruler’, the post of a ‘Penghulu will be passed down only to his children and grandchildren.
FAMILY TREE
Demang Abdul Ghani is appointed to replace his father in the year of 1834 to 1934. His father, Penghulu Abdul Majid (1831 - 1834) came from Palembang and was the man who opened the settlements of Merlimau around 1831.
MERLIMAU
Merlimau is located about 23 kilometres from the town of Melaka. It is a district with an area of 4,674 hectares with a population of about 60,000. There are several villages including Chenderah, Chin Chin, Lipat Kajang, Merlimau Barat, Sempang, Serkam, Umbai and others. The agricultural sector is the major economic contributor to Merlimau’s population followed by the industrial sector.
There are quite a number of historical attractions found in Merlimau namely Tomb of Tun Teja and Well of Portuguese. The existence of several educational institutions such as Polytechnics of Merlimau and Community College of Jasin has made Merlimau increasingly important in the state of Melaka.
WELL-KNOWN FIGURES OF MERLIMAU
Merlimau is believed to be opened in 1831 by Penghulu Abdul Majid, a prominent person originated from Palembang. The name of Merlimau is taken from an activity of squeezing lime onto a keris (malay weapon) often done every Friday night. Over the time the term ‘melimau’ only is used until the area is finally known as Merlimau.
Merlimau has also produced several important national figures:
1. Datuk Wira Abu Zahar Bin Haji Ithnin (the 8th Chief Minister of Melaka)
2. The late Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Ithnin (Jasin MP)
3. The late Tan Sri Abu Talib bin Othman (Attorney General)
4. Jelani bin Kupah (Director of the Malaysian Road Transport Department)
5. Rabuan bin Pit (Asian Sprinter)
6. Ziana Zain (popular Malaysian singer and actor)
