Early History
EARLY HISTORY (1935 – 1956) This colonial building in which MTC currently resides has had its fair share of history. The original building constructed as a family residence in 1935 by Mr. Eu Tong Sen, a wealthy and renowned mining and rubber estate tycoon in Kuala Lumpur, was relatively smaller and has since undergone many renovations. The building sits on 2.6 hectares of land, which was formerly a rambutan orchard. It was constructed by skilled builders known as the Master Builders,whose expertise was the result of years of experience. However, as with many other buildings of that era, this too was constructed without the service of an architect. This was largely because during this time, the only trained architects were to be found among the English officers within the local civil service. This being the case, only government buildings had the benefit of trained architects. The British government took over the building and transformed it into their military base at the start of World War Two.
Subsequently, it became the Japanese governments military base after the Japanese army overran Malaya. The British regained possession of the building after sealing their victory over Japan in 1945. It served as the British garrison camp in Kuala Lumpur until 1956. In February 24, 1948, the building again played host to an important historical event when the Federal Council of the Federation of Malaya held its first meeting here. In February 24, 1948, the building again played host to an important historical event when the Federal Council of the Federation of Malaya held its first meeting here. As the Federation of Malaya was gearing towards Independence, the building was chosen as the Federal Military Office responsible for the setting up of the military army for the newly independent nation. On July 15, 1956, the building was officially unveiled as the Federal Government’s army base by Major General F.H. Brooks, the highest-ranking officer in the Federal Army. Several key meetings, which formulated some of the earliest military policies, were formulated here.
Subsequently, it became the Japanese governments military base after the Japanese army overran Malaya. The British regained possession of the building after sealing their victory over Japan in 1945. It served as the British garrison camp in Kuala Lumpur until 1956. In February 24, 1948, the building again played host to an important historical event when the Federal Council of the Federation of Malaya held its first meeting here. In February 24, 1948, the building again played host to an important historical event when the Federal Council of the Federation of Malaya held its first meeting here. As the Federation of Malaya was gearing towards Independence, the building was chosen as the Federal Military Office responsible for the setting up of the military army for the newly independent nation. On July 15, 1956, the building was officially unveiled as the Federal Government’s army base by Major General F.H. Brooks, the highest-ranking officer in the Federal Army. Several key meetings, which formulated some of the earliest military policies, were formulated here.
