KUALA LUMPUR: Tributes are pouring in for former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu who died at the age of 86 today.
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the myriad of contributions Samy Vellu to the nation, from the development of the country's vast road networks to uniting the Indian community, will be remembered.
The premier, in a Facebook post, said he was saddened with the death of Samy Vellu, who was former MIC president and the longest serving cabinet minister who began his services as Works Minister from 1979 to 1989 and 1995 to 2008.
Samy Vellu was also the Energy, Communications and Posts minister from 1989 to 1995.
"He played a big role in developing the country's road networks. He was a fighter and was the father of unity for the Indian community. He mentored the leaders of MIC when he was at helm.
"He had contributed a lot of the nation and the Indian community by setting up MIED, Aimst University and Tafe College which uplifted the lives of the community in the country.
"I convey my condolences to the family of late Samy Vellu. His contributions will be remembered," said Ismail Sabri.
MCA president and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Samy Vellu's death was a big loss to the nation and the people.
"His contributions and sacrifices when he was MIC president and cabinet minister will be remembered.
"May he rest in peace," he said in a Facebook post.
On Twitter, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto expressed her condolences to the family of Samy Vellu, who was once Sungai Siput MP.
"My late father P. Patto battled head on with him and lost narrowly twice in two general elections at Sungai Siput.
"When he passed in 1995, Samy Vellu paid his last respects to him.
"Today I pay my respects. Rest in peace, sir," she wrote.
Former MIC Youth leader Datuk Sivakumar Krishnan said Samy Vellu was a good mentor in politics and had great interest in uplifting the lives of the Indian community and championed for their rights.
"Against all odds, he founded Aimst University as he wanted every Indian family to have one graduate and we now see the success of his policies and contributions," he told the New Straits Times.
Selangor's Kota Kemuning state assemblyman Ganabatirau Veraman described Samy Vellu as a legendary leader for the Indian community.
Aimst University (Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology) said their establishment was the epitome of Samy Vellu's greatness.
Samy Vellu, who founded the Kedah based university in 2001, was also its chancellor and chairman.
"His statesmanship and contribution to the nation and community will be a legacy.
"Rest in peace, Tun. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," it said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, those wanting to pay their final respects can do so this afternoon.
Well-wishers can head to 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh from 2pm onwards, said Samy Vellu's former press secretary, Datuk E. Sivabalan in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
"The funeral cortege will leave the residence at 3pm tomorrow (Sept 16) and arrive at 4pm at the DBKL Crematorium at Jalan Kuari, Taman Pertama, in Cheras," he said.
