Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Fronting the Merdeka Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built as the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, and later served as the first administrative centre of the Malayan government. Built in 1897 by British architects, A C Norman and A B Hubback, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 40-m-high clock tower is a popular gathering-point for New Year and National Day countdown celebrations and parades. The building was in fact named after the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Abdul Samad (reigning 1857-98), who ruled over Selangor and Kuala Lumpur when the building was completed. Since 2026 it houses a museum which showcases the history of the building and Malaysia in general.

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