Musang Berjanggut (The Bearded Civet)

Cik Awang and the Palace Secrets

Edisi Bahasa Indonesia: Musang Berjanggut

Malay Folklore

Once upon a time, in the resplendent Malay Kingdom teeming with cultural richness and beauty, a palace stood as the focal point of royal life. Within its walls dwelled Syarifah, a woman of breathtaking beauty, married to Cik Awang, a figure known for loyalty and wisdom. However, Syarifah's allure didn't just captivate her husband; it ensnared the hearts of many men in the kingdom.

Life within the palace was rife with intrigue and an ardent yearning to win the affections of Syarifah, a woman of remarkable charm. The King and his royal ministers, driven by desire and ambition to win her favor, spared no effort in their pursuit.

The complexity arose when the King issued a challenging decree to Cik Awang: find the bearded civet or face dire consequences—his neck on the line. Though an impossible task, this order demanded compliance. Syarifah, Cik Awang's wife, realized the decree was a pretext to rid herself of her husband and claim him as her own. It wasn't just the King yearning for Syarifah's heart; the royal officials were equally captivated.

Datuk Hakim, one of the officials, came to court Syarifah, yet his arrival was swiftly followed by a messenger alerting of other officials' impending arrival. In a panic, Datuk Hakim was directed to hide within a coffin, locked from the outside. This repeated when Tumenggung, another official, arrived. However, before long, Datuk Bendahara made his entrance. In a state of shock, Tumenggung was advised to quietly assume the guise of a decorative statue in a corner. When Datuk Bendahara's turn came, news broke of the King's arrival.

Amidst the chaos, Syarifah concealed each official in a clandestine spot. Ultimately, when the King appeared, pandemonium ensued, revealing the secrets and fears of the officials. Yet, Datuk Hakim remained hidden in the coffin. As the King pressed Cik Awang for proof, the coffin was unsealed, exposing Datuk Hakim's identity. This revelation laid bare the secrets and corruption of the King and his officials. To veil their disgrace and malfeasance, the King awarded Cik Awang for discovering the "bearded civet" within the coffin.

Moral Message: Be Honest and Temper Your Desires

This tale illuminates how deceit and insatiable ambition can sow chaos. Remaining honest and avoiding overwhelming desires often leads to better outcomes, as honesty and simplicity tend to yield goodness.

Palace and Civet