Kuching Courthouse is a heritage building near the Kuching waterfront. It was built by Sir Charles Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak, in 1883. It was built of ironwood and embellished with Sarawak motif. At the time of its construction, it was intended as government offices and venue for state ceremonies. The Sarawak state council meetings were held here between until 1973.
The Kuching Courthouse at night.
The site of the Kuching Courthouse originally belonged to a missionary house. The structure was torn down in 1858. In its place were two other buildings, which were also demolished to make way for the Court House. A historical event took place here on 1 July, 1946, when Sir James Brooke, the third White Rajah, ceded Sarawak to Britain as a crown colony. Sarawak's first chief minister, Sir Stephen Kalong Ningkan, was also sworn in here, on 22 July, 1963.
Owing to its heritage value, the Sarawak Courthouse is today used as a tourist centre.
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