Malaysia lost an exemplary leader with Samy Vellu's passing, says PM

SUNGAI BESI: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob describes the passing of former Cabinet minister Tun S. Samy Vellu as a great loss to the country.

The Prime Minister said Samy Vellu was seen as the "Father of Unity" for the Indian community when he led MIC.

"He managed to unite the Indian community and always championed their interests including in terms of economy and others.

"Our country lost an exemplary leader in Tun," he said when met by reporters at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) Thursday (Sept 15).

ALSO READ: Former MIC president Samy Vellu passes away at 86

Samy Vellu passed away on Thursday at the age of 86.

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 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 (Sept 16) 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.