A DESIRE to present Penang’s history through a more accurate Asian lens led Malaysia Silk Road Society president Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian to release his latest book The Chinese: Two Hundred Years in Penang.
Cheah said many existing historical accounts of the state were penned from a Western perspective and he wanted to offer a version that better reflected regional realities.
He added that the English edition was produced to reach a wider audience, building on a Chinese-language version published eight years ago.
“This version includes both Chinese and English, with more content,” he said.
The book traces two centuries of history beginning with the arrival of Sir Francis Light.
While Light's arrival marked the formation of Penang as a settlement, Cheah noted that the island was already inhabited by indigenous communities long before the British arrived.
A key focus of the book is migration – why large numbers of Chinese settlers came to Penang and how many eventually moved on.
Cheah said many were drawn by economic opportunities and the comfort of established dialect-speaking communities, which eased social integration.
“They could get job introductions and socialise more easily.”
Some later left due to economic stagnation, seeking better career prospects and education opportunities abroad.
“Penang was a stepping stone,” he added.
The project involved extensive interviews with elderly individuals and research conducted at libraries and universities in Penang, Singapore, and Hong Kong and Xiamen in China.
Cheah described documenting the pre-Independence period as the most challenging aspect, citing limited records and information that was not fully disclosed by the British authorities.
Although the idea for the book had been formed long ago, the actual writing took about six months.
This is Cheah’s 14th book, following works on politics and journalism.
His background at the Department of History at Nanyang University, Singapore heavily informed his scholarly approach.
Ultimately, Cheah hopes readers gain a deeper appreciation for the state.
“Penang is a lovely, beautiful place – we are not going to move away,” he said.
The self-published book is expected to hit bookstores in the coming weeks.
A book launch is being held at 2pm today in the Malaysia Silk Road Society premises at 55, 1st Floor, Kampung Malabar, George Town.
Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang will launch the event.
Admission is free and the public are welcome to attend.
For details, call 016-433 7508.
