Window Into History - Penang Monthly (Page 3)

Early Days in Balik Pulau

10 min read

The history of Balik Pulau has been a continuous source of controversy. The following “eyewitness” account and maps may perhaps settle some of the argument and open up new avenues for discussion.

by Marcus Langdon

Khaw Sim Bee and The Na Ranong Family: A Shared History of Penang and Southern Thailand

4 min read

Penangites may recall catching a glimpse of a road sign bearing the name “Jalan Khaw Sim Bee” while passing Perak Road. This may very well be the only landmark in Penang reminding us of the Khaw family who once commanded a business empire which straddled Penang and southern Siam.

by Clement Liang

Clement Liang

The first and forgotten Chief Minister of Penang

6 min read

When it comes to the history of Penang’s modernisation, the late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu’s name will always appear. His legacy, from the Free Trade Zone...

by Koay Su-Lyn

Local Government in Penang, 1940

6 min read

Coming out as it did just a couple of years before the Japanese put a rude end to the intricate system of government that the British over 160 years had slowly...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

When Labour Ruled the Council

8 min read

Once upon a time in Penang, there were local council elections, and the underdog Labour Party reigned for many years.

by Koay Su-Lyn

Penang’s Forgotten Protest: The 1967 Hartal

6 min read

The word “hartal” refers to a cessation of work or businesses in protest against a political decision. While the 1947 hartal, organised by the Pan-M...

by Koay Su-Lyn

When Penang became a Spice Island

7 min read

Spices were much sought after, not only to tempt Europe’s tongues but also to cure its sick who were suffering from the plague and other nasty diseases. A...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

George Town – From City to Municipality to Culture Centre

7 min read

George Town became a city on January 1, 1957. The timing was not by accident. In fact it was an event to herald the approach of sovereignty for the 11 states of Malaya exactly eight months later that year.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The History of Bukit Mertajam Part I – From Agrarian Village to Economic Hub

6 min read

In Part I of this two-part series, we shall see how Bukit Mertajam grew to become a population, economic and transport hub by the early 20th century.

by Nicholas Chan

The History of Bukit Mertajam, Part II: From Rural Board to Town Council

6 min read

With the rubber boom of the mid-20th century, Bukit Mertajam develops to become a major town, spurred by the tenacity of the locals, an able council and – interestingly – the triads.

by Koay Su-Lyn

The swashbuckling municipal president of Penang

5 min read

Civil servant? Soldier? Adventurer? Activist? Surely one could not be all four, and more. But one man indeed was, and left a significant mark on Penang. During...

by Louise Goss-Custard

The Devoted Pioneers of Girls’ Education in Malaya

6 min read

The Convent Light Street School, modestly nestled along Lebuh Light, proudly declares its motto to passersby: “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”. This motto and the school’s name are reminders of the pioneering nuns who founded the oldest girls’ school in Malaysia.

by Louise Goss-Custard