The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is a late-nineteenth century building located in front of the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The building was designed by  A.C. Norman  and his assistant  R. A. J. Bidwell ,  with some contributions from A. B. Hubback.    The construction of the building began in September 1894, the foundation stone was laid on 6 October 1894 by the Governor of the Straits Settlements Sir Charles Mitchell.  The building was completed in 1897, and was officially opened by Sir Frank Swettenham, the General Resident of the time on 4 April 1897.   The building originally housed the offices of the British colonial administration, and was known simply as Government Offices in its early years.   In 1974 it was renamed after Sultan Abdul Samad, the reigning sultan of Selangor at the time when construction began.  It once housed the superior courts of ...

Balai Nobat of Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. The octagonal tower's sole purpose is to house the royal musical instruments known as Nobat, and is considered as part of royal regalia only plays for special occasions and ceremonies. The original tower, constructed of wood, was rebuilt in 1906 using concrete and metal with a dome representing the Islamic element.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B03AcJenE1J/?igshid=1nf21co593tg * Towards the opening of Alor Setar City in 1735 by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu'adzam Shah II, 19th Sultan of Kedah (1710-1778), several early buildings were constructed including the Kota Setar Palace, the Balai Besar, Balai Nobat (Nobat Hall/Tower) and the State Mosque . The original design of the building is not known but it is made of wood.  * During the time of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, the 24th Sultan of Kedah (1854-1879), a new five-storey building was built. The entire building is made of wood and zinc.  * D...