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KUALA LUMPUR – Former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu has paid tribute to his former deputy, the late Tan Sri S. Subramaniam, saying his respect for the deceased never wavered despite their political differences.
In a statement to The Vibes sent by his family, the veteran politician called Subramaniam a “true champion” of the Indian community and the nation.
Samy Vellu said Subramaniam had served the country faithfully as a deputy minister and parliamentary secretary in three ministries, as well as MIC deputy president for 27 years.
“He believed whatever he did was for the good of the community and the nation,” Samy Vellu, who was one of the longest-serving works ministers, said.
“He championed education, workers’ welfare, affordable housing, and price control of essential consumer goods. His services and sacrifices will long be remembered.”
Samy Vellu – who is MIC’s longest-serving president and who held the post for 31 years – also wished Subramaniam’s widow, Puan Sri Tina Subramaniam, and her family his deepest condolences over the passing of the late politician.
The 78-year-old Subramaniam passed away in his sleep yesterday after a protracted illness.
The veteran politician had been in a comatose state since suffering from a brain aneurysm 11 years ago.
He is survived by his 70-year-old wife Tina, two sons, and a daughter.
Subramaniam, also known as Subramaniam Sinniah, was one of the longest-serving senior members of MIC, holding the deputy presidency post from 1979 to 2006.
During his time as MIC deputy chief, he also gained a reputation for having conflicts with Samy Vellu.
As a lawmaker, he served as the two-term parliamentarian for Damansara between 1974 and 1982, and a four-term MP for Segamat.
The late Subramaniam also held several portfolios, including as deputy minister in the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry during the administrations under prime ministers Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. – The Vibes, July 6, 2022
