Located on a hill called Bukit Timbalan, the building was erected way back in 1940. The idea to build the Saracenic character edifice was mooted by Sultan Ibrahim to symbolise Johor's progress during that time.

Built by local craftsmen under the supervision of a European architect, the building blends the cosmopolitan architecture of Renaissance style with an overlay of Anglo-Malay influence.

Today, the square tower of the massive building still dominates the Johor Bahru skyline. Probably the most interesting looking structure in all of Johor, it houses the State Secretariat as well as the other departments of the State Government.