A star is gone: more continue to share stories about Samy Vellu

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Day celebrations today should also be dedicated to remembering the contributions of the late former MIC president and federal minister Tun S. Samy Vellu. 

Speaking to reporters after paying her respects at his residence in Jalan Ipoh, former women, family and community development minister Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity, have benefitted from the former Sg Siput MP’s hard work. 

“(Samy) wasn’t just a leader in the Indian community. Based on my experience, he always looked after everyone regardless of race or religion,” said a visibly upset Shahrizat.

“Since today is Malaysia Day, we should also keep in mind (Samy’s) contributions to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.”

She also recalled how when she was Lembah Pantai MP, Samy showed her and other “freshies” the ropes in Parliament by displaying good leadership values and empathy. 

“He was a very good mentor, I learnt a lot from him, including how a good leader must not only have vision, but a heart as well,” she said, adding that Samy was always going on the ground to meet the people. 

Lamenting his demise, the former Umno Wanita chief bemoaned his passing by saying: “Now, a star is gone.”

Also spotted paying his respects was Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, who reminisced how his late father, Karpal Singh, used to get into heated debates with Samy.

“Although they had differing opinions and were on opposing ends in Parliament, they had a close relationship,” the DAP lawmaker told reporters. 

“(Samy) was always ready to meet and discuss situations to ensure the best possible outcome for the people.”

He added that Samy was always forthcoming in offering assistance and would not hesitate to ask for help if he needed it for the sake of the people.

“We had no problem working together. He was always trying to reach solutions that would benefit all parties.”

Meanwhile, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, popularly known as Tok Mat, also offered his condolences to Samy’s family here.

He told reporters that he regarded Samy as a “progressive” individual, as exemplified by how the idea for Malaysia’s satellite Measat 1 was established during Samy’s time as communications minister.

“(Samy’s passing) is a great loss to the nation. He was highly revered and had a strong leadership aura.”

Meanwhile, Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah arrived at the residence around 10am to pay his respects and spoke to Samy’s family.

Accompanied by a few security personnel, the sultan was greeted by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan who arrived several minutes earlier.

Before entering the home, Sultan Nazrin took the time to write a short message in the condolence book placed outside the house. However, he did not stop to speak to the press.

Later, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz accompanied the pair in expressing his condolences and well wishes to Samy’s family.

Other public figures who paid their respects this morning were former cabinet colleague Tan Sri Leo Moggie and Sentul district police chief Beh Eng Lai.

Samy died yesterday morning at the age of 86 in his residence here.

Besides being works minister from 1979 to 1989 and from 1995 to 2008, he was also the energy, telecommunications and posts minister from 1989 to 1995.

Public members who wish to pay their last respects to Samy have the opportunity to do so at his residence at No. 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh here.

His body will be taken to the DBKL Crematorium in Cheras from his home at about 3pm today. – The Vibes, September 16, 2022