King, Queen express sadness at Samy Vellu's passing

PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah conveyed their condolences to the family of former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu who passed away on Thursday (Sept 15).

In a Facebook post, Their Majesties expressed sadness at the demise of Samy Vellu and hoped his family will be patient and strong in facing the challenges and sad situation.

Their Majesties appreciated the services and sacrifice of the late Samy Vellu to society and the country and described the latter's demise as a great loss to the country.

“Remembering his services, Tun Samy Vellu during his life was appointed as the Works Minister from 1983 to 1989 and 1995 to 2008, as well as a Sungai Siput MP from 1974 to 2008.

“He served as a member of the federal administration under three Prime Ministers namely Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Badawi from 1978 to 2008.

“He was also among the longest-serving Cabinet ministers, which is for 29 years,” it read.

Their Majesties shared that Samy Vellu entered politics at the age of 23 in 1959 by joining the Batu Caves MIC branch and was the longest-serving MIC president, which was for 31 years starting from 1979 to 2010.

“He was also appointed as the Malaysian Special Ambassador to India and South Asia for Infrastructure.

“In the field of education, he made a significant contribution by establishing the Institute for Advanced Education Development (MIED), AIMST University and Tafe College,” it read.