Seenivasagam Brothers Building
OPEN FOR PUBLIC. SOME AREAS MAY BE PROHIBITED.
CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR SOME AREAS OR ACTIVITIES.
Housed in a pre-war shophouse at No. 7 Jalan Tun Sambanthan, this building once served as both the family residence and the headquarters of S. Seenivasagam & Sons, Advocates & Solicitors. Its strategic location overlooking the Ipoh Town Padang places it amidst a cluster of colonial-era landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past.
The Seenivasagam brothers, S.P. and D.R., were prominent figures in Malaysia's mid-20th-century legal and political arenas. In 1953, they co-founded the Perak Progressive Party, later renamed the People's Progressive Party (PPP), which played a significant role in the nation's political landscape.
D.R. Seenivasagam, known for his eloquence and advocacy, was instrumental in defending individuals during the Malayan Emergency, including the high-profile case of Lee Meng in 1952. His dedication to the underprivileged earned him widespread admiration, culminating in a heartfelt farewell attended by approximately 150,000 people upon his passing in 1969.
Today, while the original law office has been repurposed, the building remains a significant landmark on Ipoh's heritage trail. Its proximity to other historical sites, such as the Birch Memorial Clock Tower and the Town Padang Mosque, makes it an essential stop for those interested in the city's colonial and post-independence history. Visitors can appreciate the architectural charm of the early 20th-century shophouse and reflect on the legacy of the Seenivasagam brothers, whose contributions continue to influence Malaysia's legal and political spheres.
