OFTEN referred to as Penang’s child singer back in those days, Kathleen M. Rodrigues has been the epitome of Penang music heritage.
With a career spanning decades, she has been the cornerstone of Eurasian music tradition in Malaysia, performing since the age of seven. Her extraordinary talent and dedication earned her a beloved figure in our country’s music scene.
Together with the late James Rozells, Kathleen was affectionately dubbed ‘The Living Music Heritage of Penang’, a title that underscores her invaluable contributions. Despite James’s passing in October 2021, Kathleen, 77, continues to inspire and preserve Penang’s musical legacy, ensuring it thrives for future generations.
She was among two individuals being honoured with the ‘Living Heritage Treasure of Penang 2024/2025’ title at a ceremony in Bangunan UAB in China Street Ghaut today.
The other recipient was master practitioner, teacher, and the promoter of the Art of Silambam Nillaikalakki, Asan Anbanathan Ramasamy.
The Silambam Nillaikalakki is a subsector of Silambam, one of India’s oldest weapon-based martial arts.
During British colonial rule, martial arts in India, including Silambam, were suppressed and forced underground. Master Mariapakkiam of Tamil Nadu brought the tradition to Malaya, where Asan Anbananthan persuaded Master Mariapakkiam to teach him at age 14. After 15 years of rigorous training, Asan Anbananthan founded the Persatuan Silambam Nillaikalakki Pulau Pinang in 1975.
Asan Anbananthan, 77, remains deeply committed to teaching, holding four classes weekly, often free or at a minimal cost.
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) vice-president Loh-Lim Lin Lee said the Living Heritage Treasure of Penang Award programme began as an idea in 2004.
“We are all familiar with tangible cultural heritage, such as historical buildings, enclaves, and monuments, and we understand the importance of preserving these for future generations.
“Equally important, however, is the protection of intangible cultural heritage, which includes diverse skills and techniques vital for its continuity and survival.
“The Penang Heritage Trust recognises that Penang is exceptionally rich in diverse forms and genres of intangible cultural heritage that urgently require protection and preservation.
“Considering this, it is timely for Penang to continue the programme initiated in 2004.
“This initiative aims to identify Penangites who still possess exceptional skills that deserve recognition, documentation, preservation, and transmission. By doing so, we can ensure that these invaluable aspects of our heritage are safeguarded, preventing the irreparable loss of cultural identity for future generations,” she said.
She explained that there is a maximum of eight awardees at any time.
“We are happy to note that Teochew puppeteer Toh Ai Wah; songkok maker Haja Mohideen Mohd Shariff; Hokkien puppeteer Ooi Siew Kim; poet Cecil Rajendra; civil rights activist Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal; and Nyonya beadwork artisan May Lim Siew Sing are with us today,” she said.
Also awarded the Special 2025 Award at the ceremony was acclaimed artist and art educationalist Datuk Tan Chiang Kiong, 92. A versatile and accomplished artist, Tan has not only mastered watercolours, acrylics, and oils but also dedicated his life to teaching, inspiring generations of outstanding artists and elevating Penang’s art standards.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented the awards to the recipients, was honoured to be present among the ‘Penang Living Heritage Treasures’ at the ceremony.
“As previously mentioned, we are well aware of our physical building legacies and strive not only to preserve them but also to maintain their true authenticity.
“I am pleased that PHT has dedicated the past 20 years to tirelessly ensuring recognition, acknowledgement, documentation, and the cultivation of apprenticeships in the field of heritage,” he said in his speech.
Also present was Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud