POLITICAL leaders across the political divide expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the late S. Samy Vellu who died this morning. 

Many took to social media immediately after the former works minister to record their sadness and remember the former MIC president’s leadership and achievements during his time in public office.

All agreed that his death was a loss to the community and country with some recollecting how the former works minister, known for his colourful personality, never held a grudge against any of his detractors.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong also took Facebook to convey his condolences. 

He said the death of the former works minister is a big loss to the country and community. 

“The passing of the deceased is a great loss for the community and the country.

“The services and sacrifices of the late MIC president and cabinet minister will always be remembered,” the transport minister said. 

Umno Youth chief Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki recorded his grief on behalf of the entire Barisan Nasional Youth family. 

“His contribution to the country and the Indian community in this country is so great that he is respected by friends and foes. 

“He is also one of the longest-serving cabinet ministers with 25 years of service.

“May all his struggles to raise the dignity of Indians in this country continue to be championed by his successors in MIC today,” he said. 

DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng expressed his condolences, saying Samy Vellu always had great respect for his father, Lim Kit Siang, and also explained how the former Sungai Siput MP would “use” him to get more allocation for the Indian community from the government. 

“My most enduring recollection of him was his great respect for Kit Siang, always enquiring about him and that he would speak up for him in cabinet. 

“He also ‘recruited’ me to criticise him on Indian issues in parliament by disclosing on the quiet the necessary information so that he can ask for more on behalf of the Indian community in cabinet. 

“He would then give me the okay sign after getting the extra allocation,” the Bagan MP said. 

Despite their political differences, the former finance minister said Samy Vellu never took things personally. 

International Trade and Industry Mohamed Senior Minister Azmin Ali, meanwhile, said Samy Vellu’s contribution to the development of the country means a lot to Malaysians. 

“His dedication in implementing the development of the country’s main infrastructure is the basis for the progress that is being made today. 

“Indeed, his sacrifice deserves to be remembered throughout ages,” he said. 

Former human resourcse minister M. Kula Segaran, posting a photo of him and Samy Vellu taken in Parliament in 1999 on Twitter, said although they had disagreements and were on opposite sides of the aisle, the latter 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,” the Ipoh Barat MP tweeted.  

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, recalling her memories, said her late father, P. Patto, “battled head-on” with Samy Vellu for the Sungai Siput seat in two elections, both of which Patto narrowly lost.

“When he (Patto) passed away in 1995, Samy Vellu paid his last respects to him. Today, I pay my respects. Rest in peace, Sir,” said the DAP lawmaker on Twitter.

Nurul Izzah, daughter of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, also took Facebook to convey her condolences to the late Samy Vellu’s family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of profound sadness,” the Permatang Pauh MP said. 

Samy Vellu, 86, served as Sungai Siput MP from 1974-2008. In 1983, he was appointed to the cabinet, where he served for 29 years.

He was works minister twice, from 1983-89 and again from 1995-2008. He was energy and communications minister from 1989-95.

In 1979, he became the MIC chief for 31 years before making way for G. Palanivel to succeed him in 2010.

In a brief statement, Samy Vellu’s former press secretary E. Sivabalan said the public could pay their respects after 2pm today at the home of the deceased: 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur.

“(The) funeral (cortege) will leave the residence at 3pm tomorrow (September 16) and arrive at 4pm at the DBKL Crematorium, Cheras at Jalan Kuari, Taman Pertama, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur,” he said. – September 15, 2022.