[UPDATED] India PM Modi ‘saddened’ by Samy Vellu’s death

KUALA LUMPUR – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the death of former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu.

Today, Modi posted on his official Twitter account that he is “saddened by the passing away of Tun S. Samy Vellu, former cabinet minister of Malaysia, and the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee from Malaysia. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”

Saddened by the passing away of Tun Dr. S. Samy Vellu, Former Cabinet Minister of Malaysia and the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee from Malaysia. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/RkFRSCOTtW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 15, 2022

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. 

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin also posted his condolence today on Twitter.

Tweeting in Tamil, Stalin said he was saddened by the demise of Samy Vellu who had served as MIC president as well as the country’s minister for 29 years.

மலேசிய இந்திய காங்கிரசின் தலைவராக நீண்ட காலம் பணியாற்றியவரும், 29 ஆண்டுகள் அந்நாட்டின் அமைச்சரவையில் பொறுப்பு வகித்த மூத்த தலைவருமான துன் எஸ். சாமிவேலு அவர்களின் மறைவு வேதனையளிக்கிறது.

அவரை இழந்து வாடும் குடும்பத்தினருக்கும் மலேசிய வாழ் இந்தியர்களுக்கும் எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 15, 2022

“My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and to the Indian (diaspora) living in Malaysia.”

Also expressing his condolences is India’s high commissioner here B.N. Reddy, saying Samy Vellu was a “true friend of India” and was among the selected few to be awarded the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2003.

Tun Samy Vellu was amongst select Indian diaspora leaders to be awarded the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2003.

A true friend of India. We will remain indebted to Tun Samy Vellu’s contribution in furthering India-Malaysia ties. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/wparbFln2j

— India in Malaysia (@hcikl) September 15, 2022

“@hcikl expresses its deepest condolences on the sad demise of Tun S. Samy Vellu, former @MIC_Malaysia President, cabinet minister & a tall leader of Malaysia. His life & achievements over the last several decades have & will continue to inspire the Malaysian Indian community.

@hcikl expresses its deepest condolences on the sad demise of Tun Dr. S. Samy Vellu, Former @MIC_Malaysia President, Cabinet Minister & a tall leader of Malaysia.

His life & achievements over last several decades have & will continue to inspire the Malaysian Indian community. pic.twitter.com/OGBV3RJSHp

— India in Malaysia (@hcikl) September 15, 2022

“Tun Samy Vellu was amongst select Indian diaspora leaders to be awarded the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2003. A true friend of India. We will remain indebted to Tun Samy Vellu’s contribution in furthering India-Malaysia ties. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Samy Vellu died today at the age of 86 in his residence, here.

It is learnt that he 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 Sg 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. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022