Longest-Serving MIC President Samy Vellu Passes Away Peacefully In His Home At 86

By Lara Kramer  •  15 Sep 2022 in News

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Former Cabinet Minister Tun S. Samy Vellu has passed away at the age of 86, according to former MIC president Tan Sri Dr. S. Subramaniam. The beloved politician served as Works Minister from 1983 to 1989, and once more from 1995 to 2008.

Via a Facebook post on Thursday (Sept 15), the former health minister said he was notified of the devastating news by the former MIC president’s son, Datuk Seri Vell Paari.

“He was the greatest mentor to many of us. His contributions to the country and the Indian society will live on in our hearts forever. My deepest sympathies to his family on his passing. He lived a full and splendid life and leaves us with profound admiration and respect. May his soul go to the abode of the Lord,” Subramaniam wrote on Facebook.

Datuk E. Sivabalan, Samy Vellu’s former press secretary, said memorial services are being finalised and that those wishing to pay their respects may do so after 2pm on Thursday (Sept 15) at the late MIC president’s residence at 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, as reported by The Star.

He also stated that the funeral funeral procession would depart from the home at 3pm on Friday and reach the DBKL crematorium in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, at 4pm.

He is the MIC’s longest-serving president, having held the post for 31 years, from 1979 to 2010. He was also one of the longest-serving cabinet members- 29 years in total as Sungai Siput MP, from 1974 to 2008.

Of the matter, President of the Malaysian Chinese Association, Wee Ka Siong, took to Facebook to publish a heartfelt message acknowledging the work of the late minister.

“My condolences to the family of Tun S. Samy Vellu who passed away today. The passing of the deceased is a great loss for the community and the country. The services and sacrifices of the former MIC president and cabinet minister will continue to be remembered. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

The news of Samy Vellu’s passing has also earned a collective, nationwide mourning as citizens recall the late minister’s acts of contribution and support to the Malaysian society throughout his tenure.