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A publication of Penang Institute, Penang Monthly is the voice of Penang - an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian, featuring stories about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the state's well-being. Sign up for a free account to enjoy unlimited access to all our articles.
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Brain drain, once removed
May 2010 Feature

Brain drain, once removed

8 min read
Penangites have been leaving the state to work in other parts of Malaysia and throughout the world, at least since the 1960s. The ties they retain with their home state vary, depending on family and working conditions.
by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Federalism going down the toilet
May 2010 Feature

Federalism going down the toilet

3 min read
Something that Malaysians have had to realise in recent months is that political power in the country has over the years become so centralised that local governance is in real danger of disappearing altogether.
by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
Democracy Is Essentially Local
May 2010 States Of Reform

Democracy Is Essentially Local

7 min read
Local government elections were abolished by the Malaysian federal government in 1976 despite suggestions to the contrary by the body set up to study them. Thirty four years later, the State governments of Penang and Selangor are asking for federal support to reintroduce them.
by Tricia Yeoh
Tricia Yeoh
In Search of Good Penang Fiction
May 2010 Talk-talk Only

In Search of Good Penang Fiction

7 min read
Penang takes pride in having produced an endless string of intellectuals. But when it comes to good fictional writing, we certainly come out short. Why is this so? The late Lee Kok Liang is still the best we have had.
by Kee Thuan Chye
Kee Thuan Chye
A forgotten lady philanthropist
May 2010 Feature

A forgotten lady philanthropist

4 min read
Life in a colonial port was always complicated, and historical descriptions of individuals and events tended to reflect racial and gender biases, allowing many to fade away from memory. Tan Soon Cheng draws attention to a forgotten lady philanthropist.
by Tan Soon Cheng
Tan Soon Cheng
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