Sultan Abdul Samad Building

For today architecture segment, we will cover the building that has been a landmark of Kuala Lumpur for many years, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The building is almost a smaller version of Malaysian Westminster Palace. The building were named after the Sultan of Selangor during the construction of the building began, His Highness the Sultan Abdul Samad.

The building is a 17.5m two-storey building. In the middle, there standing the Clock Tower with a height of 41.5m and three domes. The building covers an area of 10,200 meter square.

HISTORY

Kuala Lumpur in 1900

After the Sultanate of Selangor became a British Protectorate, the British Administration wanted to build a government office to govern the state efficiently. At that time, the Capital of Selangor, Klang is not a strategic location for administration as it is too far from the more developed area like Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan Abdul Samad who ruled from 1857 to 1898 later consent to change the State Capital from Klang to Kuala Lumpur.

When Kuala Lumpur became the Capital of Selangor, it only consists of several streets of shop houses and several non-prominent government office buildings. Thus, the Resident of Selangor at that time, W.E Maxwell wanted the new government office to be a prominent landscape of Kuala Lumpur. The idea and architectural design has started as early in 1889, when Maxwell invited an English Architect Arthur Charles Alfred Norman as State Architect and C.E Spooner from Ceylon as State Engineer. The original plan of the building from Norman was adapting the Classical English Rennaisance concept. But, Spooner does not satisfy with the design. Later, a young architect named Bidwell has made a modification with Norman design, adapting the Mahometan style concept of Moor and Moghul design as the main architectural design of the building.

The building construction was commissioned in 1894. On October 6, 1894, the ground breaking ceremony of the building was done by the Governor of Straits Settlements, Sir Charles B.H. Mitchell. The estimated cost of the construction was $152,000 and will take 2 years and 7 months to complete. After the construction fully completed on April 1897, the real expenses was $152,824. The building materials were delivered from masonry in Brickfield. The building was inaugurated by the Resident-General of Selangor, Sir Frank Swettenham on April 4, 1897 and was known as the New Government Office. Among the offices that been located here were Government Secretariat Office, State Council Chamber, Post Office, Sanitary Board, Judicial Commissioner, Public Work Department and District Office.

New Government Office

In 1948, when the Federation of Malaya was formed to replace Malayan Union, the building was renamed as Federal Secretariat. The building still retains its function after the independence of Malaya in 1957 and the formation of Malaysian in 1963. It is until 1974 where all of the State of Selangor Government offices were relocated to Shah Alam. The Federal Government also relocated its office to new building at Jalan Duta. And, for the first time, the building was renamed Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. A major renovation works takes place in 1978, takes 6 years to complete with an expenses of RM 17.2 million. The roof was change into a new one, and the wooden dome was change with a copper dome. The Supreme Court, Appeal Court and Malaya High Court were placed here in 1978 before it had been relocated in 2007 at a new complex in Jalan Duta. The Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia currently occupied the building.

Below is some of the panorama of the building. The Moor and Moghul architecture exist in the building later became a standard architecture design in any construction built during the time of British Administration in Malaya.

EVENT

A historical event witness by the building is when Malaya achieving her independence from United Kingdom in 1957. This is the place where the Union Jack flag was replaced by Jalur Gemilang for the first time. It is also a venue of New Year Celebration every January 1 and Independence Parade every August 31. It is also the place of Trooping the Colour ceremony and Warriors Day Celebration.

Independence Parade

2011 New Year Celebration

Royal Military Parade and accreditation

His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah consent to attend the Royal Military Parade and Accreditation of 302 cadets at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). Also accompanied the King was his consort, Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah and Pro Chancellor of UPNM who is also his only daughter, Her Royal Highness the Tengku Panglima Besar of Kedah, Tunku Putri Intan Shafinaz binti Tuanku Abdul Halim. Also present in the ceremony was Defense Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Commander of Air Force, General Tan Sri Rodzali Daud who represented the Commander of the Armed Forces.

In the ceremony, the King addressed to all parties especially the top management of the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), strives to maintain the performance and prestige of the university towards achieving the vision and mission establishment.

picture from Utusan

Raja Permaisuri Agong (Supreme Queen) was conferred DMN

Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Supreme Queen) of Malaysia, Tuanku Haminah consent to receive the order of Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (D.M.N). The award was conferred by the Government of Malaysia through Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in a ceremony held at the National Palace. Also attended the ceremony were His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

Also attended the ceremony were the wife of Prime Minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur; Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tan Sri Ariffin Zakaria; the Speaker of Senate, Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang and Secretary-General, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.

picture from Utusan

Kuala Terengganu City Development Briefing

His Majesty the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin consent to attend the Kuala Terengganu City Development Briefing that held at Kuala Terengganu City Council Building in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Terengganu. The arrival of the Sultan were greeted by Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Terengganu, Datuk Seri Ahmad Said; State Secretary, Datuk Mazlan Ngah and State Noblemen. His Majesty spend about an hour hearing the briefing about the history, development and future planning of the City of Kuala Terengganu by the Mayor of the City, Datuk Adzlan Mohd Dagang.

In the ceremony, His Majesty suggested a features of traditional architecture been implemented in the city physical development so it can shape the identity of the city. The move was to ensure that the building emits its own unique appeal to tourists to visit this country.

picture from Utusan

Inauguration ceremony of Negeri Sembilan Audit Complex

His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir consent to officiate the inauguration ceremony of the new Negeri Sembilan Audit Complex at Oakland Commercial Center, Seremban. His Royal Highness were accompanied by his consort, Her Royal Highness the Tunku Ampuan Besar (Queen) of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud.

The arrival of Their Royal Highnesses around 11.30 am were greeted by Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and wife, Datin Seri Raja Salbiah binti Tunku Nujumudin and the Auditor-General, Tan Sri Ambrin Buang. Also present at the ceremony were four territorial chieftains of Negeri Sembilan, the Undang of Sungai Ujong, Datuk Mubarak Dohak; the Undang of Jelebu, Datuk Musa Wahab; the Undang of Johol, Datuk Mohd Jan Abdul Ghani; the Undang of Rembau, Datuk Muhamad Sharip Othman and the Tunku Besar (Great Prince) of Tampin, His Serene Highness Tunku Syed Razman bin Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri. Also attended the ceremony were the Speaker of State Assembly Seating, Datuk Razak Mansur and State Secretary, Datuk Mat Ali Hassan.

The construction of the Audit Complex was completed in March 2011 and began operating in April 2011. This is the fourth building used by The National Audit Department since its inception 105 years ago.

picture from Utusan

A need of security at the beach

His Royal Highness the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah consent to visit Zaleha Abd Ghani and her family at Kampung Sungai Isap, a mother of Mohd Zaiful, 13 and Mohd Saiful, 11, who drowned at Pantai Sepat when swimming in the sea. Also accompanied the Crown Prince is his consort, Her Royal Highness the Tengku Puan (Crown Princess) of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. During his visit, the Crown Prince deliver a contribution to the family and urge the authority to establish a security forces to monitor the safety of visitors along the beach. The Crown Prince also urge the Police, Fire and Rescue Team and Kuantan City Council to take proactive measures in the highly danger coast area.

The Eastern Coast of Malaysian Peninsular are prone to danger in this time of year due to Northeast Monsoon season. It is the time of rainy season and rough seas. The area of Pantai Sepat is among the dangerous area, also claimed the life of Arvin Ratnam, 16, who drowned due to strong wave only a day after the death of Zaiful and Saiful.

The Crown Prince fully understand the attitude of visitors which hard to control, especially children. But at least with the existence of Police and rescue team on the beach, the visitors will be reluctant to play in the water.

picture from Utusan

Crown Prince's visit to SMSTSP

His Royal Highness the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail consent to officiate the Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation Program of Titian Kasih taking place in Sekolah Menengah Sains Tuanku Syed Putra (SMSTSP). The program taking 'Rakyat Perlis Bermentaliti Kelas Pertama', First Class Mentality Perlisian as its theme. Also accompanied the Crown Prince is his consort, Her Royal Highness the Raja Puan Muda (Crown Princess) of Perlis, Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and his first daughter, Her Highness Sharifah Katreena Nuraniah.

In the ceremony, the Crown Prince also consent to inaugurate two rest-houses and Green Technology Park conducted by the student through guidance from the teachers. The Crown Princess also privileged to launch Woodball Club of SMSTSP. The club was founded by the school alumni initiative.

picture from Utusan

The Queen of Negeri Sembilan visited USIM

Her Royal Highness the Tunku Ampuan Besar (Queen) of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud consent to visit the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in Nilai. The Queen were accompanied by his son, Tunku Zain Al-Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz and a member of the royal family, Tunku Dato Nazihan bin Tunku Muhammad Rus. The visit is in conjunction of the Queen's proclamation as the Chancellor of USIM last December.

The Queen arrival were greeted by the Chairman of USIM Board of Director, Tan Sri Dr. Mohamad Yusof bin Md Nor; USIM's Vice Chancellor, Prof Datuk Muhamad Muda, members of Board of Director and the university officials. The Queen were briefly introduced to the university development before visiting the university's vicinity.

In the end of the visit, Her Royal Highness consent to deliver a contribution worth of RM5,000 to the Darul Aminan Orphanage and Seremban Nursery Home.

picture from Utusan

Malaysian National Cloth ; The Baju Kurung

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you,
Welcome to my blog.

Perhaps most of us has already familiar with the Malaysian Federation status as the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population. And Malay formed the majority of more than 50% from the population. Each and every ethnic are free to embrace and practice their culture in Malaysia. It is the sense of respect and solidarity to each other that makes this culture thriving in a fast changing society in Malaysia, and still can adapt with the country's modernization.

Today, we will focus on Malaysian National Cloth, the Baju Kurung. Nevertheless, the Baju Kurung is more synonym with the women attire, while for men, it is known as Baju Melayu. A full suit comprising three parts. The first is a long-sleeve shirt, of silk, or cotton, or a mixture of cotton and polyester. Next comes a pair of long pants, of the same material as the shirt. The third piece of the outfit is a piece of cloth called samping wrapped around and folded over the waist. The wearer may also wear a headgear in the form of a songkok to complete the ensemble.


There are varieties of design, especially after the arrival of Islam in the Peninsular and the emergence of Malacca as a thriving international port. Thus, with the dress code from the Islamic Teachings and the sophisticated design of fashion from all over the world, the Baju Kurung also exist in various form of style according to the State and local culture exist in Malaysia. The video below is a simple slideshow of the Baju Kurung.

That's it for now.
Salam

Chinese New Year Celebration 2012 ; Perak State Level

His Majesty the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuf consent to attend the Perak State Level of Chinese New Year Celebration 2012. The celebration was held at the official residence of Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Ipoh. Almost 15,000 people attending the celebration. Also accompanied the Sultan were his consort, Her Royal Highness the Raja Permaisuri (Queen) of Perak, Tuanku Bainun binti Mohd Ali. Also present were Their Royal Highnesses the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) and Raja Puan Besar (Crown Princess) of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah and Tuanku Zara Davidson; and Their Royal Highnesses the Raja Di Hilir of Perak and wife, Raja Puan Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar bin Raja Muda Musa and Raja Nor Mahani binti Raja Shahar Shah.

Also attended the celebration were Speaker of State Assembly Seating, Datuk R. Ganesan, prominent members of Barisan Nasional (BN), Non-government Organization (NGO) and head of deparments. In the ceremony, the Menteri Besar and wife also gave out 'Ang Pau' to the unfortunate and children.

picture from Utusan