GEORGE TOW, July 18 — The debate over renaming George Town to Tanjung Penaga has resurfaced following remarks by PAS MP Fawwaz Jan, advocating for a return to the city’s purported original name. Responding to these assertions, Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, reaffirmed that George Town’s parliamentary constituency has been recognized as Tanjong since 1959, dismissing any current need for a name change.
Wong emphasized the city’s stature as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008, a distinction that underscores its significance as a premier global tourist destination. He underscored the international recognition of George Town’s cultural and historical heritage, reflecting its enduring appeal to visitors worldwide.
The call for a name change by Fawwaz Jan and previous suggestions, such as those by Ahmad Murad Merican from the International Islamic University Malaysia in 2022, have sparked periodic debates over the city’s identity. However, Wong reiterated that maintaining George Town’s name is crucial to preserving its UNESCO status and historical legacy amidst evolving discussions on cultural identity and colonial history.
