Tun Perak was Melaka Malay Sultanate’s most prominent Bendahara or Prime Minister. He was the second son of Tun Perpatih Sedang, the Bendahara of Melaka who carried the title of Seri Wak Raja. Tun Perpatih Sedang’s other children were Tun Kudu and Tun Perpatih Putih. Tun Kudu later became the consort of Sultan Muzaffar Shah. Tun Perak indeed came from an elite family. According to tradition, when Tun Perak grandfather and father became Bendahara, they look on the title of Seri Wak Raja. After his marriage, Tun Perak was sent to Klang to become the district head or penghulu.

His distinguished service to the Melaka Sultanate began when he was summoned by the Sultan to defend Melaka against Siamese attack in 1445. Tun Perak, as penghulu of Klang, was to mobilize his fighting men to Melaka. He had commanded his men to bring along their wives and children on their march to Melaka. This was done in the hope that the men would fight the enemy to the death defending Melaka and their families. Tun Perak and his men succeeded in thwarting the advance of the invading army to Melaka and sent them running back to Siam.

With this feat, the Sultan of Melaka saw that Tun Perak had the potential of becoming an excellent leader to assist him in governing Melaka. Tun Perak was summoned back to Melaka to become the Bentara or herald. Tun Perak served the sultanate well that he was quickly promoted to Bendahara, although the post was already held by Tun Ali. In order to avoid inevitable conflict among his subjects, Sultan Muzaffar Shah had consented to divorcing his consort Tun Kudu and arranged for her to marry Tun Ali. Tun Ali eventually released his post as a Prime Minister in favour of Tun Perak, and become the Penghulu Bendahari or State Treasurer.

In 1456, Tun Perak was appointed as the Bendahara of Melaka carrying the title of Paduka Raja. His immediate task was to head Melaka’s naval forces in quelling the Siamese advance from the sea. Tun Perak marched his troops from Melaka to Batu Pahat and upon arrival, directed them to light hundreds of torches on the trees lining the coastal area. When the Siamese arrived during the night, they saw the multitude of torches burning and thought they were being outnumbered by the Melaka forces. The Siamese decided to abandoned their plan to attack Melaka and returned to Siam in shame.

Tun Perak had served as Bendahara under four Sultans, namely Sultan Muzaffar Shah, Sultan Mansur Shah, Sultan Alaudin Riayat Shah and Sultan Mahmud Shah. He was a very loyal, honest and responsible person especially when he received order from the Sultan. He was a brave warrior and an excellent war strategist. His genius in the government administration had transformed the Melaka Malay Sultanate into a politically stable and important commercial and Islamic propagating centre in Southeast Asia. Tun perak dies in 1498 during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah. He was replaced by his cousin, Tun Mutahir.

Tun Perak was extremely loyal to the Sultan of Melaka. He had never acted against the Sultan, even when his son, Tun besar, was killed by Raja Muhammad, son of Sultan Mansur Shah, in a sepak raga (rattan ball) incident. Tun Perak did not seek revenge upon the death of his son and strictly prohibited his followers from mounting a mutiny. He however advised Sultan Mansur Shah against appointing Raja Muhammad to succeed him as Sultan of Melaka. Sultan Muhammad was instead sent to Pahang to become the Sultan there.

During the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah, Tun Perak was responsible for the development of Melaka’s maritime superiority in the Southeast Asian region. Under his leadership, Melaka conquered Kampar, Rokan, Bengkali, Siak and Inderagiri in Sumatera, Patani in Siam, and the state of Pahang, Terenggganu and Johor in the Malay Peninsular. Melaka’s glory reached its zenith during this time, which is now known as the Glorious Period of the Malay People and Culture. The control of the sea routes on the Straits of Melaka and other economically important areas has assured unlimited revenue to the Melaka Sultanate. The Melaka empire had reached its Golden Era during the time of Tun perak.

Tun Perak once again proved his bravery when he headed the attack on Pahang, which was then a Siamese colony. Tun Perak and his troops easily deafeated the Pahang forces. The outcome of this event had completely changed the strategy of Melaka’s diplomatic relationship with Siam. Tun perak recommended to the Sultan Of Melaka that Melaka should attempt to befriend Siam. An official delegation headed by Tun Telani and Minister Jana putera was sent to the palace of Paduka Bubun to offer Melaka’s hand in friendship. The mission was a resounding success, resulting in the beginning of Siamese trade relationship with Melaka.

Hatred and jealousy can destroy a man’s life, break ties and hinder justice, and the innocent wrongfully accused. Hang Tuah was at one time showered with gifts and titles by the Sultan, but jealous and dissatisfied palace officials, led by Patih Karma Wijaya, began to conspire and slander him. They told the Sultan that Hang Tuah was having a secret affair with one of the palace maids.

When Hang Tuah returned, he was instructed by the Sultan to handle Hang Jebat, taking with him the Parong Sari Kris. Hang Jebat, who thought that Hang Tuah was dead, was happy to see him alive and explained that his actions were merely to seek revenge for Hang Tuah’s ‘execution’. Hang Tuah however felt that Hang Jebat had been traitorous to the Sultan, and offence punishable by death. The duel that followed will always be remembered in history for it was fought between two highly skillfull Malay warriors.

Using a ploy, Hang Tuah was finally able to retrieve the Taming Sari Kris from Hang Jebat and with it, he stabbed his friend. As Hang Jebat fell, Hang Tuah took him into his arms. With his dying breath, Hang Jebat asked that hang Tuah care for his son, a request which Hang Tuah agreed.

The Sultan became furious and without investigating, sentenced Hang Tuah to death. The Bendahara, who believed that Hang Tuah was innocent, tried in vain to persuade the Sultan to investigate the matter before making a decision. Hang Tuah, being a loyal and faithful subject, accepted the punishment unquestioningly.

Hang Jebat was one of Hang Tuah’s closest friends. Unhappy with the Sultan’s decision about Hang Tuah, he decided to seek revenge. He ran amok and took over the palace. Many palace guards and ordinary people were killed during the resultant commotion. The Sultan himself had to abandon the palace. The Sultan now regretted his decision to execute Hang Tuah and felt that if he was alive, Hang Jebat could be defeated. He was delighted when the Bendahara told him the truth about Hang Tuah that he had not been executed, but was alive and in hiding. The relieved Sultan then immediately sent Tun Pekerma and Hang Kasturi to Hulu Melaka to fetch Hang Tuah back.

Instead of followings the Sultan’s instructions, the Bendahara hid Hang Tuah in a remote orchard. The Bendahara was willing to risk any punishment for his actions, rather than be cursed by the people when they learn the truth.