A POSTCARD FROM PENANG, WITH HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
by Professor Emeritus Peter J. Drake, University of New England and Australian Catholic University
The Malaysian island state of Penang has character and charm—arguably more than Singapore, its former brother state in the British Crown Colony of the Straits Settlements, which also comprised Malacca. The modern sovereign state of Singapore is marked by neatness and efficiency; Penang, however, retains a more historical and colonial flavour. The old colonial area in the north-east corner of Penang island remains as it was 50 years ago, with wide, clean streets and fine century-old official buildings. The British colonial legacy is strong in Penang’s architecture and institutions.
It is lovely to walk from the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, past the Assumption Cathedral, St George Anglican Church, the Courts buildings, City Hall and the Town Hall to the World War I Memorial, and along the Esplanade surrounding the Padang, taking particular notice of the historic and well-preserved Fort Cornwallis and the Clock Tower. Further east are the Swettenham and Church St Piers, both closed to pedestrians nowadays, the Tanjung City Marina and the Ferry Terminal. It is a long walk down Pengkalan Weld to the Clan Jetties (full of wooden huts).
Further reading at https://www.ehm.my/
