Background

Dato' Meor is the great grandson of Tengku Daeng Kuning. His grandfather taught him silat when he was 13 years old. At the age of 16 years, he was inaugerated as the "Strong Man of Perak State", and became the stepson of the Sultan of Perak at the time. From that time on, he used his martial arts knowledge to uphold the law in Perak. This went on until the start of World War II in South-east Asia.

Dato' Meor escaped from the Japanese Army all the way to Singapore Island. And when Singapore fell, he escaped to Sudong Island.

At the time, Sudong Island was in chaos. Rumours spread about the intention of the Japanese to wreck havoc on the island frightened the inhabitants. Dato' Meor offered to help the islanders using whatever method necessary. The Chief of the island, representing the islanders, agreed.

Various efforts were carried out to prevent the Japanese to bring disaster to the island. One of the ways was to cover the womenfolks' faces with charcoal so as to look really ugly and terrible. In any case, the Japanese didn't even make it on to the island.

On that island was also where Dato' Meor introduced himself as the Grandmaster of Silat Seni Gayong, descending from the Bugis princes. He proceeded to carry out the 'Perlimau Tapak' ceremony to 7 islanders to signify them as his students. Thus, Silat Seni Gayong started in Pulau Sudong.

AFTER THE WAR

In 1948, Dato' Meor moved to the main island of Singapore. He worked in the Police Force as a detective. He also started his Silat school, i.e. Silat Seni Gayong.

In 1959, Silat Seni Gayong joined an umbrella organization called 'Angkatan 59'. Three years later, this association changed its name to 'Perkumpulan Anak-Anak Sandiwara Angkatan Kesenian', or most commonly known as PASAK. PASAK involved not only silat but also malay dance, theater, and other activities.

In 1966, Dato' Meor left Singapore for Perak. Before he left, he acknowledged his student, Hussain bin Kaslan, as his overall representative in Singapore. Thus begin the era of Hussain bin Kaslan as the highest authority in Silat Seni Seni Gayong PASAK. In 1999-2000, he handed over his mandate to his son, Mohd Rahim bin Hj. Hussain, up until now.

Epilogue

Silat Seni Gayong PASAK continues to spread from 1966 up until now. Several members were very successful in Sparring. Silat Seni Gayong was also successful in winning several championships in the 1990s. Some of its members represented Singapore in the SEA Games, World Championships, and other international events. PASAK continues to spread Silat Seni Gayong as taught and entrusted by the late Dato' Meor.