PENANG FIELD RICH IN HISTORY
Bulan Merdeka launch site has seen many historic events
NOT many young people are aware that Padang Kota Lama bears witness to many of the state’s historical events. The site will be the venue for this year’s launch of the nationallevel Bulan Merdeka (Independence month) and “Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018” events, which will be launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.
The parade ground and playing field, which borders Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Jalan Padang Kota Lama and Light Street, was originally created by the British.
It was called The Esplanade and they played their favourite sports, cricket, there.
It continues to be a famous spot among tourists and locals, and the choice venue for major celebrations and events.
Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang and Pertubuhan Amanah Warisan Pulau Pinang president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff said after the British left, much of the state’s history was shaped on that field.
He said one unforgettable event was when the Union Jack was taken down from the flag pole within the iconic Fort Cornwallis at 6pm on Aug 30, 1957, and handed over to the last governor and resident councillor of Penang, Robert Porter Bingham.
Bingham received the flag and immediately left in a boat.
“The following day at 8am, a large crowd gathered at the same field for the proclamation of independence by the then Penang chief minister, the late Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee, after the first chief minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, did the same in Kuala Lumpur.
“I was there to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event. And the rest, as they say, is history,” Yussof told the New Straits Times Press in an exclusive interview recently.
He said it was at Padang Kota Lama where Tunku Abdul Rahman announced a mass pardon of members of the Malayan Communist Party.
“Another notable history created at the field was when Japanese crown prince Akihito, now Emperor Akihito, planted the bunga tanjong tree (Mimusops elengi), a tree that is often identified by the tip of George Town, also called tanjung, in conjunction with his visit to Penang on Feb 21, 1970.
“The tree is still there. In fact, the trees around the field were planted by several dignitaries, such as the then mayors of Adelaide, Steve Condous and James Jarvis, and the then Medan district head, A.S. Rangkuty.”
He said during the first annual Pesta Pulau Pinang was held at Padang Kota Lama before it was moved to its present location in Sungai Nibong.
Back then, it was organised by the then Penang Island municipal council (now Penang Island City Council) with S.M. Mohamed Idris as its president.
Yussof said the government’s decision to hold this year’s launch of the national-level Bulan Merdeka and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 events at Padang Kota Lama today brought back many fond memories of the historic field.
“The field was also used by many political parties to hold their rallies. Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, campaigned here when the People’s Action Party (PAP), Singapore’s ruling party, decided to campaign in the peninsula for the 1964 general election.
“It is a venue for many cultural and promotional activities.
“With its rich history, the field should be protected and conserved at all cost, so that it will continue to be appreciated for many generations to come.”
More than 30,000 people are expected to throng Padang Kota Lama for the launch.
This year’s National Day celebration is themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku”.
A host of events have been lined up until Sept 16 when the country celebrates Malaysia Day.