Tributes pour in for Samy Vellu

Tributes are pouring online for former MIC president S Samy Vellu, who passed away this morning.

Politicians from both sides of the divide took to social media to pay tribute to the former cabinet minister and Sungai Siput MP.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob called Samy a 'fighter' and 'father of Indian unity', who also served as a mentor to MIC leaders during, and after his leadership.

"He has contributed a lot to the country and the Indian community, such as establishing the Maju Institute of Educational Development, the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science, and Technology (AIMST University), as well as the Tafe college, all of which have helped advance the lives of Indians in the country.

"Condolences to his family. His contributions will be remembered," Ismail Sabri said in a Facebook post.

International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali, in tweeting his condolences, said Samy's contribution to the country's physical growth during his days as the works minister means a lot to Malaysians.

"His commitment to developing the country's infrastructure forms the foundation of the progress we have achieved today. His sacrifices should be forever remembered," said the Gombak MP.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong took to Facebook to pen his tribute, dubbing Samy's passing a "huge loss" to the Indian community, and the country.

"His service and sacrifices made when he served as the MIC president, and cabinet member, will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace," said Wee.

Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan also paid tribute to Samy following the news.

"He has contributed a lot to the country when he was the works minister, to Indians as the MIC president, and to his constituents in Sungai Siput. Thank you for everything," tweeted the Pontian MP.

Guan Eng 'recruited' by Samy

Politicians from the other side of the political divide also paid their respects to the late politician.

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng recalled that his most enduring recollection of Samy was the great respect the latter had for his father, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

"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 the cabinet. He would then give me the OK sign after getting the extra allocation.

"In his waning years, he repeatedly warned me against (PKR president) Anwar (Ibrahim), possibly because Anwar was hard on him in the cabinet over the Maika scandal exposed by Kit Siang. Whatever our political differences, he never took things personally. Rest in peace," wrote the Bagan MP.

As for the elder Lim, in a brief statement, Kit Siang said the former MIC president was a great fighter.

"Although Samy was responsible for my seven-month suspension from Parliament in 1992, there was nothing personal between us as we have the greatest respect for each other.

"Samy was a great fighter and the country has lost a great son with his demise," he said.

DAP lawmaker M Kulasegaran, meanwhile, shared a picture of him taken with Samy at the Parliament lobby in 1999, which showed the duo having a seemingly heated argument.

"Though we had disagreements at opposite sides of the aisle, he 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," Kulasegaran captioned the picture.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok reminisced the "interesting" remarks and exchanges she used to have with Samy in Parliament.

"When I was a first-term MP, and a few highways and public works carried out in my constituency, I was under tremendous pressure from the squatters. Samy came to help me and relieved me of some pressure. Rest in peace, Samy," she tweeted.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, also from DAP, recalled her father clashing 'head on' twice and narrowly lost to Samy in two general elections at the Sungai Siput constituency.

"When he passed in 1995, Samy paid his last respect. Today I pay my last respect. Rest in peace, sir," she tweeted.

PSM deputy chairperson S Arulchelvan said Samy will remain a 'colourful' and 'legendary' politician in the country's history.

"He was hardworking, shrewd, and brave. He will definitely be missed. Condolences to the family and friends," he told Malaysiakini.

Samy reportedly died peacefully at his home in Batu, Kuala Lumpur, this morning.

The wake is expected to be held at the family home today, before the body is laid to rest at the DBKL crematorium in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, tomorrow.

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