[UPDATED] PM pays tribute to Samy Vellu, highlights contributions to country

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has described the late Tun S. Samy Vellu as an individual who had immensely contributed to the nation’s infrastructure development having worked tirelessly to unite the Indian community.

Speaking to reporters at Samy Vellu’s residence to pay his last respects, Ismail lamented his passing, stating that the nation has lost one of its great leaders today.

“The country lost a great leader today. His contribution was immense, not only to the Indian community but to national development when he served as a minister of works.

“Tun Samy can also be considered as the father of Indian unity for his contribution towards the Indian community,” he said.

In a Facebook post today, Ismail Sabri reiterated Samy Vellu’s contributions to the Indian community.

“There have been a number of his contributions to the country and the Indian community such as the establishment of Maju Institute of Education Development, Aimst University and Tafe College that have elevated the community in this country.”

Visitors at Samy Vellu’s residence were greeted by his son Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari and daughter-in-law Datin Seri Shaila Nair. Also present was Samy Vellu’s nephew Dr Shakti Vello.

Among those who showed up to pay their tributes are MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran, MIC deputy president and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and MIC vice-president Datuk T. Mohan.

Others include Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang.

DAP leaders such as Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran also came to the residence in Jalan Ipoh.

Hishammuddin told journalists waiting at the residence that Samy Vellu’s contribution and struggles should not be forgotten by future generations.

“I personally knew Tun, from the time my father (the late Tun Hussein Onn) was the prime minister until I was in the cabinet with Tun. 

“I believe his contributions to the country and MIC are priceless, and we (as a nation) have inherited what was fought by those in the past like Tun Samy Vellu.

“The generations of today should not forget his contribution to the country and his community.”

Also present was PETRA Group chairman and chief executive Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar, who said the Indian community has lost one of its most staunch figures fighting for its rights and welfare.

“Tun Samy Vellu always stood up for his constituency, his people. I don't think Indians have another fighter and steadfast advocate, without fear or favour, that would stand up and speak up for the Indian community.”

Vinod added that Samy Vellu was among the last batch of nation builders who have contributed immensely, and that current and future generations should look towards his legacy and leadership for guidance.

“There is no Indian leader comparable to him in Malaysia. You can question if what he did was the right thing, but you can’t question where his heart is,” he said, adding that Samy Vellu never turned away people who turned up at his door asking for aid.

Samy Vellu, who is also former Sg Siput MP, was works minister from 1979 to 1989 and from 1995 to 2008. He was also the energy, telecommunications and posts minister from 1989 to 1995. 

Members of the public who wish to pay their last respects to the late Samy Vellu will have the opportunity to do so from 2pm today at his residence at No. 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh here.

His former press secretary Datuk E. Sivabalan said in a press statement that his body will be taken to the DBKL Crematorium in Cheras from his home at 3pm tomorrow. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022