KUALA LUMPUR: Although his life was cut short at just 53, former MIC president Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam left an indelible mark on Malaysian politics by championing the growth and development of the Indian community while contributing to the nation’s progress.
Rising from grassroots politics to become a Cabinet minister and the sixth president of MIC, he led the party until his death in 1979.
To mark the centenary of his birth, MIC launched a special commemorative stamp featuring Manickavasagam’s image yesterday, honouring a leader whose political career spanned the country’s formative years.
MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran said the stamp served as a reminder of Manickavasagam’s contributions to Malaysian public life, particularly his efforts to improve the socio-economic position of the Indian community and the country.
He said Manickavasagam was the first to moot the idea of social security protection for workers, which eventually led to the establishment of the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
“I become emotional each time I recall his friendship with my father. They were very close, and Manickavasagam played a big part in my father’s career and political growth,” he said.
Vigneswaran said MIC would write to the government to request that one of PERKESO’s rehabilitation centres be named after Manickavasagam.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the late MIC leader was also the first to establish an education fund for Indians.
“He was also instrumental in the establishment of Malaysian Airline System and initiated technical and vocational education and training programmes way back then.
“His contributions will live on, as will our gratitude,” he said.
Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who also attended the event, described Manickavasagam as an icon of Malaysian politics whose contributions extended beyond the Indian community to Malaysians of all races.
“I am very happy to be here today and credit MIC for making this effort. This practice of remembering past leaders who served and contributed to nation-building must become a tradition that should never be lost,” he said.
Also present at the event, which was attended by about 100 people, was Manickavasagam’s son, Ramani Manickavasagam.
