Penang’s link to international history

THE Penang branch of the Tungminghui, Dr Sun Yat Sen’s political party, was first established in 1907. This was followed by the Penang Philomatic Union, a booklover’s club and propaganda centre, which also served as a cover for the revolutionary activities.  

When the British authorities put a lid on the party’s activities in Singapore, its South-East Asian headquarters was transferred to Penang. Dr Sun’s steadfast Penang supporters, such as Goh Say Eng and Ooi Kim Kheng, were willing to back him through thick and thin.