YANG BERBAHAGIA TUN S. SAMY VELLU
SSM, SPMJ, SPMP, DPMS, SSAP PNBS, SUMW
FOUNDER, AIMST UNIVERSITY
Former President of Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) & Chairman of Maju Institute of Educational Development (M.I.E.D), YBhg. Tun is an icon, and he does indeed epitomize what every Malaysian Indian should strive to achieve. YBhg. Tun entry into politics occurred when he was appointed to the Malaysia cabinet in 1979, as the Local Government and Housing Minister.
He then went on to serve as the Works Minister, a portfolio he held until 2008, except for a brief stint from 1989 to 1995, when he was the Minister for Energy, Telecommunications and Post. YBhg. Tun has been appointed the country’s special envoy on infrastructure to India and South Asia effective January 1, 2010 by Prime Minister YBhg. Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. This appointment was in recognition of YBhg. Tun S. Samy Vellu’s enormous contributions in helping Malaysian companies to implement development projects on the Indian sub-continent.
The establishment of AIMST University is the epitome of Tun’s greatness. His benevolence and towering, no-nonsense leadership stood up to many challenges. In the end, nothing could stop him. Through their hard work, Indians everywhere enjoy a good life. However, it is only in Malaysia that the Indian diaspora went on to build a university. One man made it all possible – Tun S. Samy Vellu.
Tun’s passion to offer educational opportunities to all Malaysians was the driving force behind it all. In his desire to uplift the Indian community, he spearheaded many other projects – housing, employment, and business opportunities. But AIMST remains the much-vaunted jewel in the MIC’s crown. Tun S. Samy Vellu has left us, but his legacy will long live in the hearts of all Malaysians. Rest in peace, Tun. You are certainly remembered by all of us.
