Former MIC president Samy Vellu passes away at 86

PETALING JAYA: Former Cabinet minister Tun S. Samy Vellu has passed away at the age of 86, says former MIC president Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam.

The former health minister said, in a Facebook post Thursday (Sept 15), that he had been informed of the tragic news by the former MIC president's son, Datuk Seri Vell Paari.

"To many of us, he was the ultimate mentor. His contribution to the nation and the Indian community will be permanently etched in our memories.

"My condolences to the family on his demise. He led a full and glorious life, and is going off filled with deep respect and appreciation. May his soul reach the abode of the Lord," Subramaniam said in his Facebook post.

Samy Vellu's former press secretary Datuk E. Sivabalan said funeral arrangements are currently being made and those who wished to pay their respects could 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.

He added that the funeral cortege would leave the residence at 3pm Friday and arrive at the DBKL crematorium in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, at 4pm.

Samy Vellu was the Sungai Siput MP from 1974 to 2008, served as Works Minister from 1983 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2008.

He is the longest-serving MIC president after holding the position for 31 years from 1979 to 2010.

He was also one of the longest-serving ministers, serving in the Cabinet for 29 years.