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"This low and rickety building in Georgetown, Penang, which was once a base for Dr. Sun Yat Sen in the early 1900's, survives to serve a reminder of this illustrious Chinese nationalist."
Introduction
It may well be an obscure fact, but the figure generally considered as the Father of Modern Day China, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, once had a base on Penang Island. And this central office for the Tung Meng Hui still stands today at No. 120 Armenian Street. This non-descript two-storey shophouse is easily overseen amidst so many other more architecturally pleasing historical buildings that can be found in Georgetown, but the significance of this late 19th century shophouse is undeniable. Today, history buffs can still visit Dr. Sun Yat Sen's base on Armenian Street and share the same glimpse out the window just as Dr. Sun Yat Sen muse have done long ago.
History
Up until 1875, No. 120 Armenian Street belonged to Cheah Joo Seng, of the local Penang Cheah Kongsi (Cheah Clan House). But when it was turned into the central office for the Tung Meng Hui party, this shophouse belonged to a local by the name of Lim Boon Yeow. No. 120 Armenian Street served as the central office for Dr. Sun Yat Sen and the Tung Meng Hooi party from 1909 until 1911.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen (1866 – 1924) or also known as Sun Chong San was the leader of the Chinese nationalist revolution. The Tung Meng Hui party was instrumental in the transformation of China into becoming a republic. In 1910, members of the Tung Meng Hui party, including Dr. Sun, held the historic 'Penang Conference' at this very place, which led to the Canton Uprising in Spring 1911, one of several attempts which eventually led to China becoming a republic in 1912. Dr. Sun Yat Sen was elected the first provisional President.
People
Dr. Sun Yat Sen was born to a Hakka family in the province of Guandong, China. Members of the Tung Meng Hui party, like Dr. Sun Yat Sen, held on to the Three People's Principles - Nationalism (that is a Chinese government administered by none other than the Chinese), Democracy (that the government should be republican and democratically elected), and the People's Livelihood (fair distribution of wealth and nationalisation of land).
Travel Advice
Today, the two-storey shophouse is privately owned, however it is possible to seek permission to take a peek in from the resident living there.
For more information, please contact:
Penang Tourist Centre
Penang Port Commission Building
(Ground Floor Arcade)
Pesara King Edward
10300 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +604-2616663
Opening Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch break from 1pm to 2pm). Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Lunch from 12.30pm to 2.30pm)
Last viewed - May 23, 2008
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