By John Chin

GEORGETOWN, Malaysia: Former Tanjong Member of Parliament Ng Wei Aik wants the state to defend Penang’s sovereignty by starting with defending its history despite the conflicting statements made about the character of the person who founded the island state.

Ng said that on August 11, 1786, some 240 - years ago, a seafarer and trader Francis Light landed on Penang Island.

This year marks the 240th anniversary of that landing—and with it, the 240th anniversary of the founding of modern Penang, he noted.

"Yet, remarkably, the occasion has been met with official silence. No commemorative programme. No public ceremony. No meaningful recognition. It is as though one of the most defining moments in Penang’s history has simply been erased from public memory," said Ng.

He underscored that history should be not marred with the politics of day, and if there are fresh evidence to offer a change of accounts, it must be adduced as evidence so the rightful parties can determine if it is fit enough to rewrite history.

That silence of this anniversary exposes an uncomfortable contradiction, Ng said in a statement.

"Politicians are often the first to proclaim that Penang’s sovereignty must be defended whenever questions are raised about the state’s constitutional or historical status. But when presented with an opportunity to reaffirm Penang’s own historical identity, many of those same voices suddenly disappear."

"This raises a fundamental question: are they genuinely defending Penang, or merely exploiting the language of sovereignty whenever it is politically convenient?

One cannot defend a place without first understanding its history, said Ng.

"The Penang we know today—as a state, a global trading port, and one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant multicultural societies—did not emerge in a vacuum. Whatever one’s views on colonialism, modern Penang has a clear historical point of origin."

Recognising the 240th anniversary of Francis Light’s landing does not mean celebrating British colonialism, he said.

"Nor does it mean romanticising imperial rule. It simply means acknowledging an undeniable historical fact: the establishment of modern Penang began on that day."

"History is not a political endorsement. It is a historical record."

Confident societies do not erase inconvenient chapters of their past.

They confront them honestly, learn from them, and preserve them for future generations.

"Only insecure societies attempt to rewrite history in pursuit of contemporary political narratives," said Ng.

True sovereignty is never built on slogans shouted at press conferences or repeated across social media.

It is built upon historical consciousness, cultural confidence, and an honest understanding of one’s own origins, said Ng.

"A society unwilling to commemorate its own founding anniversary while loudly proclaiming its commitment to defending sovereignty is displaying not strength, but contradiction. It is easier to chant slogans than to engage with history."

Defending Penang’s sovereignty must begin with defending Penang’s history.

That means respecting historical facts, preserving collective memory, and recognising the milestones that shaped the state we inherit today.

"Otherwise, “Defending Penang’s sovereignty” risks becoming little more than a political catchphrase—loud enough to dominate headlines, but too hollow to withstand the scrutiny of history," said Ng.