HISTORY | Should Penang be returned to Kedah?

HISTORY: TOLD AS IT IS | Recently, the media has reported on the intense debate among both politicians and academicians pertaining to the acquisition of Penang island by Francis Light on behalf of the East India Company in 1786 and Kedah’s territorial rights over Penang.

The debate centres around four core issues.

First, was Francis Light’s occupation of Penang island in August 1786 lawful? Second, did Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah of Kedah (reigned 1778-98) cede Penang island to the East India Company? Third, was Kedah a sovereign state or a province of Siam (now Thailand) when it allowed the British occupation of Penang island? Fourth - and perhaps what is particularly significant in the light of current political context - is it historically justifiable for Kedah to currently reclaim Penang as part of its territory?

As historical background, Francis Light, a country trader, took possession of Penang island on behalf of the East India Company on Aug 11, 1786, and renamed it as Prince of Wales Island. The East India Company was formed in 1600 for trade with the East Indies, with its Eastern headquarters in Calcutta and the home office in London.

The East India Company was interested in establishing a British settlement in Penang for three main reasons.

First, it needed a naval base to the east of the Bay of Bengal to buttress its defence on the Coromandel Coast of India which was often threatened by the French navy. Second, it had a flourishing and important trade with China. Thus, it wanted a suitable port of call or refitting station between India and China for ship repairs, refuelling and replenishing supplies. Third, Penang could also serve as a collecting centre for Straits produce, particularly spices and tin.

The then ruler of Kedah, Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah agreed to lease Penang island to the...