Source 10: A commentary on the Bangsawan by a Malay historian written in 1898.

The Malay opera is, so far as I know, the only kind of dramatic performance for the large section of the community speaking the Malay tongue. Performing for both the Straits Chinese as well as the Malay people and it is no uncommon thing to see the ladies galleries filled by the Straits Chinese women. I think it cannot be denied that even the stage may be utilized for the purposes of educating the people towards higher views of life, domestic happiness and morality. One fault which a European will instantly detect in the Bangsawan* plays is the exhibition of rude and filthy mannerism as well as the use of coarse, if not indecent language. There were multiple calls to keep it civil but it is not unfair to say that some of the plays would lose much of their appeal were these objectionable portions to be left out.

*Bangsawan is also known as the Malay opera

Source Origin: Shaik Othman bin Sallim, The Malay Opera, a study, The Straits Chinese Magazine, Vol.2, Issue 8, December 1898, pp.128-132

Use Record: Anderson Secondary School, 2014