CAPTAIN BABA AHMAD JP (Justice of the Peace) 1888 - 1967
Baba Ahmad Road – Off Vale of Tempe, Tanjung Bungah is named after my granddad in appreciation for his service to the people and the country. 
Today, few may remember him, and all that he did for the community. Most have long gone, including my father. It is no surprise if the people living on the road, wonder who he was.
This accolade was well earned. Over the years, he initiated, and assisted in improvements to their health, living conditions, education, and recreation. These he performed honorably, during his tenure as the Medical Officer, Hospital Assistant, Captain of the former Straits Settlements Volunteer Force, President of the Government Pensioners’ Association, Justice of the Peace, nominated Member of the Rural District Council, Secretary of Penang Muslim Orphanage, and as active member of 20 Sports Clubs, and charitable organizations.
Acknowledged for his exemplary service to the Malay community, people of other races benefited equally. Age caught up with him, and a minor accident compelled him to retire. Penang lost an irreplaceable son, who was known for his integrity, honesty, and humility. He was to the people, a role model of a caring citizen, a devoted family man, and a dedicated social worker.
From 1912 to 1923, he worked as a Medical Officer at the Special Ward for
European patients, and local patients, respectively. From 1924, he was
appointed the Medical Officer/Hospital Assistant, at the Balik Pulau District Hospital,
by the government, under the British administration (photo right). As hospital
administrator, he introduced preventive measures to curtail the
spreading of several infectious diseases, that were common to the community. He was
very popular with the multi-racial villagers. He persuasively changed their mindsets, to
accept treatment via Western medicine.
Picture below (The government house, where he lived).
The Second World War came, and Malaya was invaded
by Japan. The house became barracks for Japanese soldiers.
During
the Japanese occupancy, like most people, life became a living
nightmare for him, and his family. He lost everything he owned,
and struggled to fend for his family. Food was scarce, and many were
undernourished, and starved. People he knew were taken
away, and many disappeared without a trace. 
When war ended, and the British returned to Malaya, he operated a government dispensary at Buckingham Street, in George Town.
Justice of the Peace
People frequented his home for advice, favors, signatures, food, money. He helped without gain or reward.
Honored posthumously by the government
An exemplary
exhibition of his journals, diaries, photos, records of his achievements
and contributions to the community were displayed for public
viewing at Penang Museum. The words inscribed
"Captain Baba Ahmed, JP, ...respected...dedicated...served the community tirelessly" moved me to tears, but on this day, the tears I shed were
of pride and joy. It pleased me to know that he is remembered and honored by the people and the country.
Capt. Baba Ahmad, who had been suffering from a prolonged illness, succumbed at about noon yesterday at his Jalan Bunga Cempaka home, Bukit Glugor.
He retained his commission as Captain of the former Straits Settlements Volunteer Force of which he served as Commanding Officer of the “C” Malay Company in 1931.
Appointed a Justice
of the Peace in 1951, the late Capt. Baba Ahmad, served as Secretary of Penang
Muslim Orphanage for 5 years since 1945. He was President of the Government Pensioners’ Association from 1957 to 1962. An active sportsman in his younger days, the late Capt. Baba Ahmad, was a member of more than 20 sports clubs, some of which are now defunct.
His last service to the public was as a nominated member of the Rural District Council from 1952 – 1957. In appreciation of his public services, the Government has named a new road in Tanjong Bungah (off Vale of Tempe Road) after him.”
