Li Teik Seah Building, Penang

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Li Teik Seah Building, a two-storey bungalow at 152 Carnarvon Street, was the home of wealthy 19th century pepper trader Khoo Tiang Poh, alias Khoo Poh. Khoo Tiang Poh is a prominent member of the Khoo Kongsi and with his fellow clansman Khoo Thean Teik, were the forces behind the Khian Teik secret society. The term "secret society" is given by the British to describe the activities of the local groups which appear to be clandestine.

Li Teik Seah Building (28 May 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

The Khian Teik secret society is closely allied to the Red Flag society, a Muslim group of Malays and Achenese. One of its leaders is Syed Mohamed Alatas. The alliance was further strengthen when Khoo Tiang Poh gave his daughter in marriage to Syed Mohamed Alatas's son, Syed Sheikh Alatas, as the latter's second wife.

The friction between the Red Flag / Khian Teik alliance and the White Flag / Ghee Hin alliance eventually erupted into street fighting in 1867. The troubles were now known as the Penang Riots. Khoo Tiang Poh and Khoo Thean Teik were both found guilty of instigating the riots. However, Khoo Poh escaped deportation when the British discovered that he was holding documents as a naturalized British subject. He only died in 1892.

The house where he lived became Li Teik Seah, a youth club, in 1921. It was here that the Penang Philomatic Union was established before it moved to 65 Macalister Road in 1932.

Getting there

Li Teik Seah Building is located at Lebuh Carnavon. It can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 10, 301, 302, 307, 401 and 502, disembarking at Lebuh Carnavon. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details.

Nearby Sights

Penang Tourism Information Centre / Penang Heritage Centre

Penang Islamic Museum

Dr Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base

Yap Kongsi

Choo Chay Keong Temple

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

Cheah Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi (Leong San Tong)

Acheen Street Mosque

Nearby Shopping

Komtar

Prangin Mall

Visiting Penang

If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!