Nakhoda Light in the Malay world

• Main Author: Mohd Noor Merican, Ahmad Murad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melaka Hari Ini Sdn. Bhd. 2021
• Subjects: B69 History and systems; D History (General); HM621 Culture
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/111471/8/111471_Nakhoda%20Light%20in%20the%20Malay%20world.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/111471/; https://www.melakahariini.my/nakhoda-light-in-the-malay-world/

I begin with an old narrative. I am rehearsing this week’s column with the mention on the history of Penang, or of George Town. Immediately one sees the image of Francis Light, as ‘founder’ and ‘discoverer.’ That image lends a powerful story on the ‘origins’ of the island, completely severing it from Kedah. And even when I wrote critical perspectives of what I would appropriate henceforth as Pulau Pinang in the Malay press, much with the purpose of decentering Light and the East India Company (EIC), the editors would still moor toward the image of Francis Light. Light and the colonial perspective suffer from the logic of over-representation; more precise, of misrepresentation. The name ‘Penang’ is not correct. It is a corruption of the word ‘Pinang.’ And why would there be two spellings for the state, and not like that of Melaka, regardless of the language used. I am referring to popular narratives. But also check the Federal Constitution on the provision of names of states in the federation – the Bahasa Melayu and English versions. The English-language press would state the name as ‘Penang’ whereas the Bahasa Melayu ones as ‘Pulau Pinang.’