The essay discusses the history and formation of cultural and political identities in the northern region which are of great significance since the early days. It examines the region's historical background and population composition, subsequent changes that had taken place through migrations from within and outside the region. It also looks at inter-ethnic cooperation between Malay and Chinese secret societies in Penang in the second half of the 19th century, publications and newspapers published in Penang and Taiping which were pioneered by the Peranakans (Jawi, Arab and Chinese) and how these contributed to political awareness among the Malays and other communities, educational development in the northern region covering English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil schools and the state of Perak as the centre of political activism including the Malay left and an Islamic party based in Gunung Semanggol. The essay is based on a careful reading of the myriad secondary sources on Malaysian history, politics, economy and culture.