Category Archives: Penang’s History, My Story
The Jewish community in Penang is all but gone leaving only tombs behind ( 06 July 2013 )
Honouring Za’aba: Jalan Zainal Abidin used to be known as Jalan Yahudi IT used to be called Jalan Yahudi but it has been renamed Jalan Zainal Abidin, after the prolific Malay writer who is more popularly known as Za’aba. By […] Continue Reading
Colonial law stalwarts ( 29 June 2013 )
A GERMAN Jewish lawyer who founded the Free-masons lodge, a colonial lawyer and activist fighting for the rights of the locals and a British magistrate who arrived in Penang only to find that he had lost his job, were among […] Continue Reading
Getting spooked by the winding drive ( 22 June 2013 )
Scenic: A filepic of the Guillemard Reservoir near the Vale of Tempe. CALL it an urban legend but I have heard enough spooky tales about the many unexplained incidents along the Vale of Tempe. The name of this winding stretch […] Continue Reading
Caught between two triads ( 15 June 2013 )
EACH time I return home to Penang, I try to eat at the Tai Hin coffeeshop at the junction of Melaka Street and Anson Road. The corner coffeeshop is operated out of a pre-war house, one of many that dot […] Continue Reading
Eurasian settlers imbued Pulau Tikus with a melting pot of cultures ( 08 June 2013 )
Peaceful enclave: Pre-war houses in Argus Lane have not diminished in historical value as early Eurasians made the area their own. STUDYING in St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) in Penang, it is almost impossible not to have a classmate, or at […] Continue Reading
A small road stands to remind Penangites of Abdoolcaders ( 01 June 2013 )
Remembered: Named after Sir Hussein Hasanally Abdoolcader who is also known as Malaya’s First Indian Knight, Jalan Sir Hussein is a quiet road off Jalan Mesjid Negeri. Jalan Sir Hussein IT IS one of the least known roads in Penang. […] Continue Reading
It’s worth talking about ( 25 May 2013 )
TO MANY Penangites living on the island, Penang simply means the island. The sad truth is that many islanders lose their way when they are on the mainland. This writer pleads guilty to such ignorance. But we must acknowledge that […] Continue Reading
Jerejak — the forgotten isle ( 18 May 2013 )
Many tales to tell: Despite its potential today, Jerejak is viewed by many as simply an island where people were once sent to because they were either lepers or hardened criminals. IT IS an island that is just a short […] Continue Reading
A cosmopolitan city since its early days ( 11 May 2013 )
Long-standing: The Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple was founded in 1803, making it a prized historical site. AT 3.7km, Burmah Road is one of the longest roads in Penang, and surely one of the best-known routes on the island. It begins […] Continue Reading
Several Penang roads named after distinguished Scotsmen ( 04 May 2013 )
Prominent feature: Angsana trees line Scotland Road and Macalister Road. THE role of the English in Penang’s history is so well-documented it has given the impression that no one else in the United Kingdom has a role besides the English. […] Continue Reading
