PETALING JAYA: People from all walks of life took to social media to pay tribute to the late Tun S. Samy Vellu, who passed away on Thursday (Sept 15) at the age of 86.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi took to Twitter to offer his heartfelt condolences to the family.
"Saddened by the passing away of Tun Dr S. Samy Vellu, the first Pavasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee from Malaysia," Modi said in his tweet Thursday.
Former MIC president Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam, who was among the first to announce the passing of the former Cabinet minister, said Samy Vellu had led a full and glorious life and is regarded with deep respect and appreciation.
"To many of us, he was the ultimate mentor," he said in a Facebook post.
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MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also took to Facebook to pay tribute to Samy Vellu, saying his demise was a great loss to society and the country.
“The services and sacrifices of the late Samy Vellu during his tenure as MIC president and Cabinet minister will always be remembered.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the Transport Minister said.
MCA's Chan Quin Er also paid tribute to Samy Vellu, saying she was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
ALSO READ: Samy Vellu's demise a great loss, he will be remembered, says Dr Wee
"He was one of the longest-serving ministers and a true national icon. My condolences to his family and friends," she said in a tweet.
Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said she was sorry to hear the tragic news.
"Our sympathies and thoughts are with Tun Samy Vellu's family on this painful and sorrowful moment.
"Please accept our condolences, he will always be missed," she said.
Tributes also came in from across the political divide, with former DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang saying Samy Vellu was a "great fighter" who he recalled was also responsible for his (Lim's) seven-month suspension from the Dewan Rakyat back in 1992.
"Samy Vellu was a great fighter, may he rest in peace.
"Although Samy Vellu 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 Vellu was a great fighter and the country has lost a great son with his demise," said Lim in a short statement Thursday.
DAP's Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran also shared a picture of him with Samy Vellu in the Parliament lobby in 1999.
"Always remember this pic. Though we had disagreements at opposite sides of the aisle, he was a good friend. A fighter in many ways.
"Rest in peace, Tun Samy Vellu," Kula said in a Twitter post.
Twitter user @nuriwa_J said she had met Samy Vellu on several occasions including a prize presentation day at her school.
"He was the coolest person I've ever met. He congratulated me on my achievement and delivered the most inspirational speech," she said.
"I feel truly saddened that you are no more with us. Om Namashivaya. Rest In Peace Tun Samy Vellu. My heartfelt condolences to the family on his demise," user @Manivannan2 tweeted.
Those who want to pay their respects to Samy Vellu can do so from 2pm Thursday at his residence No 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Taman Kaya off Jalan Ipoh, 51100, Kuala Lumpur.
His remains will leave his residence for the Cheras Hindu Crematorium at 3pm on Friday (Sept 16).
Details: Jeya (012-255 0064), Raja (012-209 5225) and Tan Sri Puvan (019-217 7662).
