KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) has expressed support for rugby players in the country embracing the haka tradition, following a viral video showcasing students from the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) performing the ritual to welcome former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams during his recent visit.
Williams, a two-time World Cup winner with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015, arrived in Malaysia on Friday to speak at an Islamic educational event, sparking the performance of the haka at MCKK.
The video received mixed reactions from netizens on social media platform X.
While some criticised the gesture as cultural appropriation, others viewed it as a respectful homage to 38-year-old Williams and the New Zealand rugby culture from which the haka originates.
An X user argued that haka is inappropriate for Malaysians to practice.
“We need to stop the haka culture in Malaysian rugby because we aren’t Maoris,” posted @Jessicaisgay_.
Another user said that performing haka among Malaysians is unacceptable due to different religious beliefs.
“Isn’t this appropriating Maori culture? Wasn’t the haka used to call God for help before going to war? As far as I know, it has religious foundations,” @tyongjenmrk posted.
Meanwhile, others defended MCKK, saying that the students performed haka as a sign of respect for the New Zealand rugby icon.
“What a fantastic opportunity to learn a wonderful tradition from a former professional rugby player from New Zealand,” X user @amuse_gueule commented.
“People who complain a lot about this don’t even know that they’re doing it to pay homage to Sonny,” @AryZafy said.
Speaking to Scoop, MRU honorary secretary Fahmy Jalil said that the haka is a widely accepted tradition in rugby communities worldwide.
He noted its significance in New Zealand rugby, where it serves as a symbol of strength and unity.
“Haka is something normal and was made famous by New Zealanders in the sport as they usually use it to intimidate their opponents. It’s something that we can witness in their rugby matches, and it’s iconic.
“Even when I used to play rugby about 24 years ago, I used to perform the tradition as well. Hence, in my opinion, since we are living in a multiracial country, there is no harm in our local rugby players bringing other cultures into their game.
“Maybe the backlash received by the students could be because the public is not aware of the culture and the normality of the sport. Rugby is a very peaceful sport, and we embrace all cultures with open arms.
“We at MRU have always been doing our part to promote and create awareness towards the sport throughout the country, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the public to choose to learn from the awareness that we provide,” said Fahmy.
The haka, originally performed by the Maori people of New Zealand, holds cultural significance beyond its portrayal as a war dance. It is performed to display a tribe’s pride, strength, and unity.
It also serves various purposes, including celebrations, entertainment, welcomes, and challenges.
Popularised by the All Blacks rugby team since 1905, the haka remains an iconic aspect of rugby culture, symbolising heritage, pride, and respect for traditions. – February 24, 2024