The British Last Headquarters in Perak
The British Empire was the largest empire in history and a major world power for a long time. This empire was the result of the European Age of Discovery, which began with maritime exploration in the 15th century during the era of European colonial expansion.
By 1921, the British Empire extended its influence over more than 458 million people, approximately 23% of the world's population. The legacy of the British Empire is not only evident in Perak but is widespread across the globe. Among the clear impacts of British colonization on the Malay Peninsula that we can see today are those embedded in our legal and government systems, economic practices, military, education, sports (such as cricket, rugby, and football), and the widespread use of the English language worldwide.
At the height of the British Empire's glory, it was proudly proclaimed that "The sun never sets on the British Empire." This was because the British Empire spanned the globe, ensuring that the sun was always shining on at least one of its vast territories or protectorates. For five decades after the Second World War, most of the empire's colonies gained independence, including Malaya.
Most countries that claimed independence went on to join the Commonwealth. As you know, the Commonwealth is a free association of independent countries that were once part of the British Empire. Our country, Malaysia, is one of them, having gained independence in 1957. Returning to the original topic of the last British headquarters in Perak: for the information of our loyal orangperak.com readers, the British army retreated from their final headquarters in Perak towards Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor on January 7, 1942. The location of the final British headquarters was in the main building named Bangunan Suluh Budiman, situated within the Sultan Idris Education University in Tanjung Malim. The headquarters in Tanjung Malim served as an operations center and also functioned as a military hospital.
When the Japanese arrived in Malaya, the main building that had served as the British headquarters was taken over by the Japanese army. The Japanese occupied the headquarters during their occupation of Malaya from 1942 to 1945. For your information, the building used as headquarters by both sides began construction in 1919 and was completed for use in 1922.
The building, which witnessed two occupations during the colonial era, was officiated by Sir George Maxwell. This building has contributed significantly to education in our country, serving as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), then the Institute of Education (IPSI), and subsequently becoming the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) on May 1, 1997. Today, this main building is used as the National Education Museum.
