KUALA LUMPUR – Tributes and condolences from politicians across both sides have been pouring in following the death of former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu, this morning.
DAP lawmaker and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran, on Twitter, reminisced an encounter with the former Sungai Siput MP back in 1999:
“Though we had disagreements, at opposite sides of the aisle, he was a good friend.
“A fighter in many ways. Rest in Peace Tun Samy Vellu.”
Always will remember this pic @ the Parl lobby in 99'.
— M. Kula Segaran (@mkula) September 15, 2022
Though we had disagreements, at opposite sides of the aisle, he was a good friend.
A fighter in many ways.
Many debates we had, including the South Indian Labour Fund, as depicted in the picture.
Rest in Peace Tun Samy Vellu pic.twitter.com/7Zz72UMTsG
Meanwhile, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto also took the opportunity to pay her respects.
She tweeted: “Deepest condolences to the family of Tun Samy Vellu.
“My late father P. Patto battled head-on with him and lost narrowly twice in two general elections in Sungai Siput.
“When he passed away in 1995, Samy Vellu paid his last respects to him.
“Today I pay my respect, rest in peace, sir.”
MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong described Samy Vellu’s passing, on a Facebook post, as a great loss for the community and country.
“His service and sacrifice as MIC president and cabinet minister will continue to be remembered.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Takziah buat keluarga kepada Tun S. Samy Vellu yang telah meninggal dunia hari ini. Pemergian mendiang merupakan satu...
Posted by Wee Ka Siong on Wednesday, September 14, 2022
DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang paid tribute to Samy Vellu, describing him as a great fighter.
“Although Samy Vellu was responsible for my seven-month suspension from Parliament in 1992, there was nothing personal between us as we have the greatest respect for each other.
“Samy Vellu was a great fighter, and the country has lost a great son with his demise. RIP,” the Gelang Patah MP said in a brief statement.
Samy Vellu passed away, today at the age of 86 in his residence, here.
It is learnt that Samy Vellu had apparently died in his sleep, with the reasons behind his demise remaining undisclosed at present.
According to his former press secretary Datuk E. Sivabalan, those who wish to pay their final respects may do so after 2pm today at the late politician’s residence at No. 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh, here.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sivabalan added that the funeral cortege will leave the residence at 3pm tomorrow and arrive at 4pm at the DBKL Crematorium, at Jalan Kuari, Taman Pertama, Cheras for the final rites.
Samy Vellu was Sungai Siput MP from 1974 to 2008 and served in the cabinet for 29 years as works minister between 1983 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2008.
He had also served as energy, communications and posts minister in a stint between 1989 to 1995.
He helmed MIC as its president for 31 years from 1979 before relinquishing the post in 2010.
Post-MIC, Samy Vellu last served as Malaysia’s special envoy of infrastructure to India and Southern Asia, with ministerial rank, in 2011 following his appointment by the then Barisan Nasional administration.
The post was terminated by the Pakatan Harapan government in 2018. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022
