Manuel Godinho de Erédia , or Emanuel Godinho de Erédia (16 July 1563 – 1623), was a Bugis-Portuguese writer and cartographer. He wrote a number of books, including an early account of the Malay Peninsula that is a source of information on the region of that period. In the early 17th century, he became interested in exploring a "southern land", which is thought to be Australia .
79-672: Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia along the Strait of Malacca . It has two parts: Penang Island , where the capital city, George Town , is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula . These two halves are physically connected by the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge . The state shares borders with Kedah to the north and east, and Perak to
158-598: A counteroffer from the Federal Government. Singapore was a Malaysian state from the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 until it was expelled from the Federation on 9 August 1965. During its time as a state of Malaysia , Singapore had autonomy in the areas of education and labour and was the smallest state in Malaysia by land area, but the largest by population. Brunei was invited to join
237-499: A daughter born in 1587 and a son in 1588. Erédia worked as a cosmographer , wrote books, and taught mathematics. He also served as a soldier and military engineer. He prepared new maps of Asian countries for the King of Spain. The King was said to have named Eredia as the discoverer of Meridional India (a supposed southern land) on 14 February 1594, and he was also said to have given the title of Governor General ( adelantado ) and made
316-626: A fortress, Penang fell without struggle to the Imperial Japanese Army on 19 December 1941 after daily aerial attacks. The British covertly evacuated Penang's European populace; historian Raymond Callahan since contended that "the moral collapse of British rule in Southeast Asia came not at Singapore, but at Penang". Penang Island was subsequently renamed Tojo-to after Prime Minister Hideki Tojo . Japanese military police imposed order by massacring Chinese civilians under
395-492: A height of 833 m (2,733 ft) at the centre of the island. On the other hand, Seberang Perai has mostly flat topography, save for a hilly region along the eastern border with Kedah. Due to land scarcity in George Town, land reclamation projects have been undertaken at high-demand areas, particularly along the island's east coast. In 2023, a massive reclamation project commenced off the city's southern coast to build
474-523: A higher degree of autonomy as part of the bargain which were included in the 20-point agreement and 18-point agreement respectively. While both states arguably joined the federation as equals to Malaya, the Malayan government and constitution became the Malaysian government and constitution . The constitutional amendment codifying the enlarged federation initially listed Sabah and Sarawak separately to
553-431: A hilly and mostly forested interior. The island's coastal plains are narrow, with the most extensive plain located at the northeastern cape. George Town, which started off as a small settlement at the northeastern tip of the island, has expanded over the centuries to encompass the entire island, although the marshy western coast remains relatively underdeveloped. The highest point of the state is Penang Hill , which stands at
632-671: A member of the Order of Christ. There is however no proof of these claims. Erédia became interested in finding the legendary "land of gold", and returned to South East Asia in 1600 on a mission to explore further the Indonesian Archipelago . However, he had to stay in Malacca for four years, commanding a fleet of 70 ships guarding the southern approach to the Malacca. He founded a fort in Muar in 1604, and captured Kota Batu ,
711-470: A rotational basis, including Rifle Company Butterworth . With a land area of only 1,049 km (405 sq mi), Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis . It is located on the northwestern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia, lying between latitudes 5.59° and 5.12°N, and longitudes 100.17° and 100.56°E. The state is divided into two major halves by the Penang Strait , which
790-560: A unique residency status. Passports are required even for Peninsular Malaysians for travelling between either state and Peninsular Malaysia, or between the two states, however those who are on social/business visits up to three months are allowed to produce a MyKad or birth certificate and obtain a special printout form in lieu of a passport. Each state has a unicameral legislature called Dewan Undangan Negeri ( DUN , State Assembly). Members of DUN are elected from single-member constituencies drawn based on population. The state leader of
869-695: Is administered by the Putrajaya Corporation ( Perbadanan Putrajaya ) and Labuan by the Labuan Corporation ( Perbadanan Labuan ); each corporation is headed by a chairman. The states of Sabah and Sarawak merged with the existing states of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore pursuant to the Malaysia Agreement in 1963 to form the independent state of Malaysia. Representatives from Sabah and Sarawak demanded
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#1732765098826948-471: Is also divided into five administrative districts – two in George Town and three in Seberang Perai. Each district is headed by a district officer. The lands and district office in each district deals with land administration and revenue. Thus, it differs from the local governments that oversee the provision and maintenance of urban infrastructure. After Pakatan Rakyat was voted into power in 2008 ,
1027-472: Is home to the largest contingent of foreign diplomatic missions among Malaysian states . As of 2023, a total of 27 countries have either established consulates or appointed honorary consuls within Penang. The Penang state government has also inked a sister state agreement with Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture and a friendship state partnership with China's Hainan Province . This list is based on information from
1106-413: Is only 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at the narrowest point and 13 km (8.1 mi) at its widest. The state capital, George Town , encompasses the entirety of Penang Island and a few surrounding islets, including Jerejak , Betong , Kendi , Rimau and Andaman islands. On the other hand, the city of Seberang Perai covers the mainland side of Penang. Penang Island is irregularly shaped, with
1185-696: Is the national capital, Putrajaya is the administrative centre of the federal government, and Labuan serves as an offshore financial centre . Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya were carved out of Selangor, while Labuan was ceded by Sabah. The territories fall under the purview of the Ministry of the Federal Territories , and the Parliament of Malaysia legislates on all matters concerning the territories. Each federal territory elects representatives from single-member constituencies drawn based on population to
1264-570: Is the state's highest law, consisting of 42 articles that govern the proceedings and powers of the state government. The head of state is the Governor ( Malay : Yang di-Pertua Negeri ), who is appointed by the King of Malaysia . Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak is the current Governor of Penang, having assumed office in 2021. In practice, the Governor's role is largely symbolic and ceremonial. This includes
1343-636: The Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) of the Parliament. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints senators to represent the territories in the Dewan Negara; Kuala Lumpur has two senators, while Putrajaya and Labuan each has one. The local governments for the territories varies: Kuala Lumpur is administered by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall ( Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur ), headed by an appointed mayor ( Datuk Bandar ), while Putrajaya
1422-729: The Battle of Penang during which the Imperial German Navy cruiser SMS Emden sank two Allied warships off George Town. During the interwar years , the British had acknowledged the need to fortify their armed forces in northern Malaya. However, complacency and lack of resources left British forces ill-prepared to confront the Japanese invasion at the onset of the Pacific War . Although Penang Island had been designated as
1501-589: The Description of Malacca , Portuguese cartographer Manuel Godinho de Erédia named it Pulo Pinaom . [REDACTED] British East India Company 1786–1858 [REDACTED] British Raj 1858–1867 [REDACTED] Straits Settlements 1826–1941; 1945–1946 [REDACTED] Empire of Japan 1941–1945 [REDACTED] Malayan Union 1946–1948 [REDACTED] Federation of Malaya 1948–1963 [REDACTED] Malaysia 1963–present Archaeologists have discovered human remains such as
1580-639: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs , unless otherwise cited. In 1861, the Penang and Province Wellesley Volunteer Corps (P&PWVC) was established as the second volunteer military force in Malaya after the Singapore Volunteer Corps . Initially, the unit was exclusively formed by Europeans, with other races being barred until 1899. Over time, the P&;PWVC transformed into the 3rd Battalion of
1659-554: The Sook Ching policy, while women were forced into sexual slavery . Swettenham Pier was converted into a major submarine base by the Axis Powers . Between 1944 and 1945, Allied bombers from India targeted naval and administrative buildings in George Town , damaging and destroying several colonial buildings in the process. The Penang Strait was mined to restrict Japanese shipping. Following Japan's surrender , George Town
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#17327650988261738-637: The Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF) and by 1937, the unit also contained a European machine gun platoon, a Malay rifle company, a medical section and headquarters reserve. Although enlistment increased prior to the Japanese invasion of Malaya , 3rd Battalion SSVF was eventually evacuated from Penang without engaging in any combat. Since independence, the Malaysian federal government assumes sole responsibility for
1817-612: The nation's third busiest in passenger traffic . Established by Francis Light in 1786, Penang became part of the Straits Settlements , a British crown colony also comprising Malacca and Singapore . During World War II , Japan occupied Penang, but the British regained control in 1945. Penang was later merged with the Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia), which gained independence in 1957. Penang's economy shifted from entrepôt trade to electronics manufacturing and
1896-684: The neoclassical State Assembly Building in George Town . Penang practises the Westminster system whereby the State Executive Council members are appointed from the elected State Assemblymen. Any amendment to Penang's Constitution requires the support of at least two-thirds of the State Legislative Assembly. Prior to a state election, it is customary to dissolve the legislature, which necessitates
1975-451: The tertiary sector throughout the late 20th century. With 1.74 million residents and a population density of 1,659/km (4,300/sq mi) as of 2020, Penang is one of Malaysia's most densely populated and urbanised states. Seberang Perai is Malaysia's third largest city by population . Penang is culturally diverse with a population that includes Chinese , Malays , Indians , Eurasians, Siamese and expatriates. The name Penang comes from
2054-652: The "Penang Woman", along with seashells, pottery and stone tools, in Seberang Perai . The artifacts indicate that around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, Penang was inhabited by nomadic Melanesians during the Neolithic era. Pali inscriptions on the Cherok Tok Kun megalith suggest the Hindu - Buddhist Bujang Valley civilisation, based in present-day Kedah , held authority over parts of Seberang Perai by
2133-569: The "Special Cabinet Committee To Review the Malaysia Agreement" and directed a Special Task Force Team (Taskforce MA63) to prepare a final report on the 1963 agreement before 31 August 2019. Two years after the failed attempt, on 16 September 2021, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob pledged to look into issues relating to Sabah and Sarawak via the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963, with negotiations being chaired by
2212-532: The 13 states in Malaysia, 9 are monarchies. The governance of the states is divided between the federal government and the state governments, while the federal territories are directly administered by the federal government. The specific responsibilities of the federal and the state governments are listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of Malaysia . Theoretically, any matter not set out in
2291-694: The 2019 proposed amendments by the then Pakatan Harapan government, being tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Parliament) Wan Junaidi . Discussions on restoring Sabahans and Sarawakians' rights will continue in the meantime. The same meeting also saw the council agree to empower both the Sabah and Sarawah governments to issue deep fishing licences as opposed to the federal government currently. The amendments were tabled on 3 November 2021, consisting of four changes, being restoring Sabah and Sarawak as "partners", defining Malaysia Day as
2370-488: The 6th century. The entirety of Penang later formed part of Kedah , which came under Siamese suzerainty by the late 18th century. Penang's modern history began in 1786 when Francis Light , a representative of the British East India Company (EIC), obtained Penang Island from Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah in exchange for military aid. Light had been sent to the Malay Peninsula by
2449-513: The 920 ha (2,300-acre) Silicon Island, envisioned as a new hub for high-tech manufacturing and commerce. Following years of reclamation works, the Gurney Drive shoreline is also being transformed into Gurney Bay , intended as "a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang". The major rivers within Penang include the Pinang , Perai , Muda and Kerian rivers. The Muda River serves as
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2528-566: The EIC to build trade relations in the region, where he saw the strategic potential of Penang Island as a "convenient magazine for trade" that could enable the British to check Dutch and French territorial ambitions in Southeast Asia . After negotiating an agreement with the Sultan, Light and his entourage landed on Penang Island on 17 July that year and took formal possession of the island "in
2607-558: The Federation but decided not to in the end due to several issues, such as the status of the Sultan within Malaysia, division of Bruneian oil royalties , and pressure from opposition groups which amounted to the Brunei Revolt . Administrative divisions: Manuel Godinho de Er%C3%A9dia Godinho de Erédia was the youngest of four children of João de Erédia Aquaviva, a Portuguese of Aragonese and Italian descent. His mother
2686-412: The Ninth Schedule can be legislated on by the individual states. However, legal scholars generally view this as a "pauper's bequest" because of the large scope of the matters listed in the Ninth Schedule. The courts themselves have generally favoured a broad interpretation of the language of the Ninth Schedule, thus limiting the number of possible subjects not covered. The Ninth Schedule specifically lists
2765-635: The Prime Minister, joined by the Chief Ministers of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as eight federal ministers. On 19 October 2021, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Maximus Ongkili announced a Bill to be tabled in the coming Parliament sitting after the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 agreed to Articles 1(2) and 160(2) of the Federal Constitution to restore Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners to Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed law differs from
2844-526: The Prince of Wales Island in 1791. However, the attempt was defeated by EIC forces and the Sultan sued for peace. An annual payment of 6,000 Spanish dollars was agreed in exchange for British sovereignty over the island. In 1800, Lieutenant-Governor George Leith secured a strip of hinterland across the Penang Strait , which was subsequently named Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai ). The EIC gained permanent sovereignty over both Prince of Wales Island and
2923-452: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and an executive Chief Minister or Ketua Menteri . except for Sarawak whose head of government is styled 'Premier'. While the population of Malaysia is ethnically and religiously diverse, such diversity is spread throughout the country and not inherently reflected by the borders of the states. There is a significant distinction however between the peninsular states and
3002-572: The authority to appoint the head of government and approve legislation that has been passed by the state's legislature. The Penang state government has its own executive body and legislature, but their powers are limited compared to the Malaysian federal government . According to the Federal Constitution , the state can legislate on matters pertaining to Malay customs, land, agriculture and forestry, local government, civil and water works, and state administration. Matters falling under
3081-504: The capital of Johore , with General Andre Furtado de Mendoça. Erédia heard of a land to the south or Luca Antara —which may have been Australia—in 1601 and was interested in exploring it but fell ill in 1605 and had to return to Goa. He sent a servant to accompany Javanese seamen to Luca Antara in 1610, although unbeknownst to him the Dutch had already discovered the existence of the northern shore of Australia by 1606. Erédia described
3160-622: The city. Resentment against the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration led to the Pakatan Rakyat bloc (now Pakatan Harapan ) rising to power through the 2008 state election . Efforts to preserve George Town's heritage architecture led to the city's historical core being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that year. Penang, a former British crown colony , is one of the four Malaysian states without hereditary monarchies. The Constitution of Penang , codified in 1957,
3239-415: The consent of the Governor . The 2023 state election witnessed an unprecedented alliance between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its erstwhile adversaries Barisan Nasional (BN). The PH–BN alliance currently commands a supermajority in the State Legislative Assembly, controlling 29 out of the 40 seats. However, the election also saw the right-wing Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition bloc gaining ground in
Penang - Misplaced Pages Continue
3318-739: The country's defence. Penang houses the Malaysian Army 's 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment and Rejimen 509 Askar Wataniah , which traces its lineage back to the P&PWVC. The Royal Malaysian Navy maintains a volunteer reserve base in George Town . RMAF Butterworth Air Base also serves as the headquarters of the Five Power Defence Arrangements Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS). The air base continues to host Australian air force and army units on
3397-518: The day when Sabah and Sarawak joined and changes to the definition of the Federation, and defining who are natives of Sabah and Sarawak. On 14 December 2021, the proposed amendment was passed in the Parliament unanimously with 199 votes in favour, and 21 MPs absent from the 6-hour long debate. On 6 January 2022, Minister Ongkili announced the setting up of a joint technical committee to study Sabah's proposal for increased annual grants in addition to
3476-604: The development of hitherto rural areas such as Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam . However, the population growth created social problems such as inadequate sanitation, health facilities and rampant crime, culminating in street violence and rioting in 1867 . The Straits Settlements became a British crown colony within the same year. Direct British rule led to improved law enforcement, and investments in health care and public transportation in Penang. Owing to enhanced access to education, active participation of Asian residents in municipal affairs and substantial press freedom, George Town
3555-532: The economy, Chief Minister Lim Chong Eu established the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in 1972. Massive industrialisation proved instrumental in reversing Penang's economic slump and led to the state's rapid economic growth until the late 1990s. Under Lim's tenure, the Penang Bridge , the first road link between Penang Island and the Malay Peninsula , was built. Persistent brain drain, aggravated by federal policies prioritising
3634-406: The existing states of the Federation of Malaya . However, through the process of the amendment, the bill failed to pass following the failure to reach two-thirds majority support (148 votes) in the Parliament with only 138 agreed with the move while 59 abstained from the voting. Nevertheless, the Malaysian federal government agreed to review the 1963 agreement to remedy breaches of the treaty with
3713-475: The first fully-elected municipality in Malaya by 1956 and was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in the following year. This made George Town the first city within the Federation of Malaya, and by extension, Malaysia. George Town's status as a free port was rescinded by the Malaysian federal government in 1969. This led to a loss of maritime trade, causing massive unemployment and brain drain . To revive
3792-646: The following matters as those that can only be legislated on by the states: land tenure, the Islamic religion, and local government. Nine of the peninsular states, based on historical Malay kingdoms, are known as the Malay states . Each Malay state has a hereditary ruler as titular head of state and an executive Chief Minister or Menteri Besar as politically responsible head of government. The rulers of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu are styled Sultans . Negeri Sembilan's elective ruler holds
3871-548: The growth of Kuala Lumpur, resulted in Penang losing its leading position in the national economy by the 21st century. This decline, compounded by various issues including incoherent urban planning, poor traffic management and the dilapidation of George Town's heritage enclave following the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2001, contributed to growing dissatisfaction within Penang's society. In response, civil societies in George Town mobilised public support to rejuvenate
3950-478: The impending annexation of Penang into the vast Malay heartland proved unpopular among Penangites. The Penang Secessionist Committee was formed in 1948 due to economic and ethnic concerns, but their attempt to avert Penang's merger with Malaya was unsuccessful due to British disapproval. To relieve the concerns raised by the secessionists, the British government guaranteed George Town's free port status and reintroduced municipal elections in 1951. George Town became
4029-413: The joint purview of state and federal authorities include social welfare, wildlife protection and national parks, scholarships, husbandry, town planning, drainage and irrigation, and public health regulations. The 40-member Penang State Legislative Assembly forms the state's legislature and is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies through state elections . Compared to
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#17327650988264108-472: The majority in 25 of the 40 state constituencies . Thus, non-Malay electoral support is crucial to any political coalition aiming for power in Penang. The Penang State Executive Council is the executive authority of the Penang state government , similar in function to the federal Cabinet . It is led by the Chief Minister , who serves as the head of government in Penang. To this day, Penang remains
4187-643: The majority party in DUN is usually appointed Chief Minister by the Ruler or Governor. The term of DUN members is five years unless the assembly is dissolved earlier by the Ruler or Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. Usually, DUN of the states in Peninsular Malaysia are dissolved in conjunction with the dissolution of the federal parliament , to have state elections running concurrently with
4266-491: The maritime route between Lingga and Kedah . The Siamese , who were the overlords of Kedah, called it Ko Mak ( Thai : เกาะหมาก ). Maritime explorers also took note of the island's abundance of areca nut. During the 15th century, Admiral Zheng He of Ming China referred to the island as Bīngláng Yǔ ( traditional Chinese : 檳榔嶼 ; simplified Chinese : 槟榔屿 ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī : Pin-nn̂g-sū ; lit. 'areca nut island') in his navigational charts. In
4345-462: The modern Malay name Pulau Pinang which means ' areca nut island'. Penang is also colloquially referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "The Island of Pearls" ( Malay : Pulau Mutiara ). Over the course of history, Penang Island had been known by different names by seafarers from various regions. The locals named it Pulo Ka Satu , meaning "The First Island", as it was the largest island on
4424-482: The name of King George III of England" on 11 August. The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island after the heir to the British throne and the new settlement of George Town was established in honour of King George III. Unbeknownst to Sultan Abdullah, Light had acted without the authority or the consent of his superiors in India . When the EIC reneged on military protection, the Sultan launched an attempt to recapture
4503-426: The new mainland territory, while the annual payment to the Sultan of Kedah was increased to 10,000 Spanish dollars. The British and Malaysian governments maintained the annual payments to Kedah until 2018, when the Malaysian federal government increased the amount by RM10 million yearly. George Town grew rapidly as a free port and a conduit for spice trade , diverting maritime commerce away from Dutch outposts in
4582-548: The newly-elected state government attempted to reinstate local government elections within Penang, which have been suspended since the 1960s. At the time, the Barisan Nasional -controlled federal government objected to the move, which eventually led to the Federal Court 's decision that local government elections do not fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. The present-day Malaysian judicial system traces its roots to 19th-century George Town . In 1807, Penang
4661-653: The northern border between Seberang Perai and Kedah , while the Kerian River forms part of the southern boundary between Seberang Perai, Kedah and Perak . Penang has a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification ( Af ). The state experiences relatively consistent temperatures throughout the course of the year, with an average high of about 32 °C and an average low of 24°C. Penang's proximity to Sumatra makes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from transient forest fires that create
4740-601: The only Malaysian state where the position of the head of government has been continuously held by an ethnic Chinese since the nation's independence. Additionally, Penang was the first state to impose a two-term limit for the head of government's tenure. The current Chief Minister of Penang is Chow Kon Yeow of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), having assumed office after the 2018 state election . The unicameral 40-seat Penang State Legislative Assembly , whose members are called State Assemblymen, convenes at
4819-460: The other states, however it was later amended again to list both these entities together with the other states, suggesting a status equal to the original states of Malaya. Sabah and Sarawak still retained a higher degree of autonomy than the peninsular states in areas such as immigration, state revenue, and legislative power over land and local government. However, federal influence over their politics increased over time, including direct interference in
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#17327650988264898-428: The parliamentary election. However, Rulers and Governors hold discretionary powers in withholding consent to dissolve the DUN. Each state sends two senators elected by the DUN to the Dewan Negara (Senate), the upper house of the federal parliament. The Parliament of Malaysia is permitted to legislate on issues of land, Islamic religion and local government to provide for a uniform law between different states, or on
4977-444: The perennial Southeast Asian haze . The Penang Meteorological Office at Bayan Lepas is the primary weather forecast facility for northwestern Malaysia. In spite of rapid urbanisation, Penang has managed to preserve a significant portion of its natural environment. Within the state, 7,761 ha (77.61 km) have been designated as protected forest reserves. In 2021, the 12,481 ha (124.81 km) Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve
5056-531: The principal administrative divisions of Malaysia . Malaysia is a federation of 13 states ( Negeri ) and 3 federal territories ( Wilayah Persekutuan ). Eleven states and two federal territories are located on the Malay Peninsula , collectively called Peninsular Malaysia ( Semenanjung Malaysia ) or West Malaysia . Two states are on the island of Borneo , and the remaining federal territory consists of islands offshore of Borneo; they are collectively referred to as East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. Out of
5135-505: The region's premier entrepôt , Singapore became the capital instead in 1832. Despite its secondary importance to Singapore, George Town retained its importance as a vital British entrepôt. Towards the end of the 19th century, it became a major tin exporter and Malaya 's primary financial centre. Penang's prosperity attracted a cosmopolitan population comprising Chinese , Malay , Indian , Peranakan , Siamese and migrants of mixed European-Asian lineage referred to as "Eurasians", and led to
5214-446: The region. In 1805, Penang became a separate presidency of British India , sharing similar status with Bombay and Madras . By 1808, George Town had established its local government, while the founding of the Supreme Court of Penang marked the birth of Malaysia's modern judiciary. In 1826, George Town was made the capital of the Straits Settlements which included Singapore and Malacca . As Singapore soon supplanted George Town as
5293-569: The request of the state assembly concerned. The law in question must also be passed by the state assembly as well, except in the case of certain land law-related subjects. Non-Islamic issues that fall under the purview of the state may also be legislated on at the federal level for the purpose of conforming with Malaysian treaty obligations. Each state is further divided into districts , which are then divided into mukim . In Sabah and Sarawak districts are grouped into "Divisions". The 3 federal territories were formed for different purposes: Kuala Lumpur
5372-413: The rest of Peninsular Malaysia , Penang's electoral landscape is perceived as being more liberal and distinct due to the state's ethnic diversity and socio-economic development. Unlike other Peninsular states, ethnic Chinese have formed the plurality in Penang for decades, and the state's economic infrastructure is based primarily on commerce and trade rather than agriculture. As of 2023, non-Malays formed
5451-412: The rural Malay-majority constituencies, occupying the remaining 11 seats in the legislature. Penang is further divided into two city-level municipalities, each administered by a local government . The local governments exercise power in areas such as planning and development control, public housing, public spaces, waste disposal, business licensing, markets, local transport, and municipal roads. Penang
5530-400: The south. Penang is one of Malaysia's most developed economic powerhouses, with the highest GDP per capita of all states , and the fourth highest Human Development Index after Kuala Lumpur , Selangor and Labuan . Penang is also Malaysia's leading exporter with over RM447 billion (US$ 108.94 billion) in exports in 2023, primarily through the Penang International Airport which is also
5609-520: The state assemblies. In conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia Day in 2018 under the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad promised to restore Sabah and Sarawak status in the Malaysian federation in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement , restoring "their status from merely a state to an equal partner of the Malayan states". Although the status of both entities were clearly defined in Article I, Malaysia Agreement 1963 as 'states' which shall be federated with
5688-565: The title of Yamtuan Besar , whereas the ruler of Perlis is titled Raja . The federal head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (commonly referred to as "King" in English), is elected (de facto rotated) among the nine rulers to serve a 5-year term. Former British settlements and crown colonies of Penang and Malacca (both peninsular), and Sabah and Sarawak (both on Borneo) each have a titular Governor (styled Yang di-Pertua Negeri ) appointed by
5767-460: The two states of East Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak , which have significant indigenous populations. Both states have greater autonomy that those on the peninsula, including additional powers over their immigration controls as part of the 20-point agreement and 18-point agreement drawn up by the respective states when they, together with the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, formed Malaysia. They have separate immigration policies and controls and
5846-531: Was Dona Elena Vessiva from Sulawesi , a Bugis princess, the daughter of La Putebulu the recently baptized King of Suppa. His father was part of a Portuguese missionary expedition to Sulawesi when he met the 15-year-old girl, who fell in love and eloped with the Portuguese captain, and they married in 1545. Manuel Godinho de Erédia was born on 16 July 1563 in Malacca where he also spent his childhood. He
5925-808: Was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the area's biodiversity. The gazetted nature reserve includes the Penang National Park , which covers 2,562 ha (25.62 km) of the northwestern tip of the island. It has been identified as one of the state's ecotourism destinations, alongside the Penang Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Spice Garden. Economic sectors in Penang by GDP share (2023) States and federal territories of Malaysia [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Race and politics The states and federal territories of Malaysia are
6004-629: Was educated at a Jesuit school there. His mother died in 1575, and soon after when he was 13, Erédia was sent to a Jesuit college in Goa where he was trained in astronomy, cartography and mathematics. He was received into Company of Jesus in 1579, but left to work for the Portuguese government in Goa in 1580 as his Superiors felt it would better suit his interest in exploration. Erédia married Vilante de Sampaio in Cochin in around 1586. They had two children:
6083-599: Was granted a Royal Charter which paved the way for the establishment of a Supreme Court. In the following year, the Supreme Court of Penang (now Penang High Court ) was inaugurated at Fort Cornwallis with the appointment of Edmond Stanley as the first Recorder. The Penang High Court serves as the highest court in the state. Notable lawyers who served the high court include Tunku Abdul Rahman , Cecil Rajendra and Karpal Singh . There are also four Magistrates Courts and two Sessions Courts throughout Penang. Penang
6162-527: Was perceived as being more intellectually receptive than Singapore. The settlement attracted intellectuals and revolutionaries, including Rudyard Kipling , Somerset Maugham and Sun Yat-sen . In 1910, Sun selected George Town as the centre for the Tongmenghui 's political activities in Southeast Asia, aimed at overthrowing the Qing dynasty . Penang emerged from World War I relatively unscathed, apart from
6241-610: Was the first Malayan settlement liberated by British marines through Operation Jurist on 3 September 1945. Penang was placed under British military administration until 1946, after which the Straits Settlements was abolished. The British sought to consolidate the various political entities in British Malaya , including the Crown Colony of Penang , under a single polity known as the Malayan Union . Initially,
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