KUALA LUMPUR – Despite being on opposing sides, Tun S. Samy Vellu never held grudges against his political opponents and even took steps to resolve problems across party lines, said DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng.
Lim, along with several other DAP leaders, came to Samy’s residence today to pay their respect to a “fierce” parliamentarian who was not afraid to stand for the Indian community.
“He never bore any grudges, even though we fought ferociously in Parliament. He was very solicitous and always asked us (the opposition) how he can help,” said Lim.
Also present with Lim include DAP vice national chairman Teresa Kok, M. Kula Segaran and national organising secretary Steven Sim.
Kulasegaran also shared that despite his occasional terse relationship with Samy Vellu in and out of parliament, Samy’s leadership was unique among Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.
“It is true that we had many fights in and outside of Parliament, even. He was angry, but the good part is that the anger will subside after 30 to 45 minutes.
“One beautiful aspect that he had compared to other Barisan leaders was that if you have a problem in your constituency, in relation to his ministry, it doesn’t matter, he will attend to it,” he said.
Lim further added that Samy’s passing marks the end of an era.
The Bagan MP also joked that Samy Vellu was more vocal compared to all the MCA ministers serving in the cabinet along with him.
“He was very vocal in the parliament. Even though there was one MIC minister, he was more vocal than MCA leaders,” he said in jest.
Samy passed away peacefully today. He was 86.
Samy, who is also former Sungai 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 remains will be taken to the DBKL Crematorium in Cheras from his home at 3pm tomorrow. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022
