An Appeal from the Penang Heritage Trust
2
I’ve been alerted through World Monument Watch in New York about the imminent destruction of Bukit Brown Cemetery, an important heritage site not only for Singapore but with great significance to the history of Penang.
Bukit Brown, named after George Henry Brown whose tomb is now found in the Old Protestant Cemetery of Penang. This cemetery is now a protected Category I Heritage Site within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town.
Under the order the Penang state authorities, archeologists, historians, botanists and conservationists have been looped in to complete a comprehensive heritage management plan to preserve this historic cemetery in entirety. We are also in the process to document the people buried there including the story of George H. Brown.
During a site visit to Bukit Brown Cemetery in September 2013, I’ve discovered tombs which witness the strong family links between Penang and Singapore (e.g. Tan Kheam Hock) and members of Tong Meng Hui who frequented both cities in the early 20th century and these will serve as important clues for the academicians to conduct historical and social researches between Malaya and Singapore in the pre-war years. The obliteration of old tombs and historical sites with a natural setting is a serious mistake in the current age when awareness of heritage preservation is a global trend and every member state in UNESCO including Singapore is vying for World Heritage Listing on one of its sites and trying its best to showcase good examples of conservation efforts.
I’m appealing to the Singapore authorities to be sensitive to the heritage conservation causes, especially to this historic cemetery which is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped by historians from both sides of the Causeway.
Clement Liang
Honorary Scretary
Penang Heritage Trust
26 Lebuh Gereja, 10200 George Town,
Penang, Malaysia
Hi Mr Liang
My late dad Goh Teik Guan Victor was born in Penang, his parents, mother passed away in 1950 and father passed away in 1953. He has only brought my mum (she’s 66yo this year) once more than 30yrs ago. I just came back from a 3D2N (13-15 May 2014) but no time to search for the cemetery which I heard were several. How do I go about searching for my paternal grandparents’ tombs? Could you enlighten me with the names? I understand they may not exist as all children/grandchildren are in Singapore and Boston (US). Only my paternal eldest uncle is still alive (in his 80s now), the other uncles and aunts have since passed away within the last 12 years. I will try to find out their names and location of their tombs from my paternal eldest uncle who lives in Boston. Meanwhile, hope to hear from you on the number of cemetaries in Penang, thanking you in advance.
Regards
Satomi Goh
Dear Satomi,
I assume that your grand parents were Christians and the major Christian cemeteries in Penang still accepting burials are located at Jalan Utama (Western Rd Christian cemetery” and the Catholic cemetery at Kelawai Rd.
The Christian cemetery caretaker office do keep a registry of burial records. But if your ancestors were buried in a Chinese cemetery where there are a few major ones scattered all over the island, it may be a challenge to locate.
regards,
Clement