LETTERS: Today is the 85th birthday of Tun S. Samy Vellu. This moment encourages us to recall this seasoned politician's contributions to the community and the nation.
The seventh MIC president is best known for his firebrand politics. He has an appeal wherever he goes because his identity is closely tied to MIC. Great challenges create great leaders.
Empathic communication has enhanced the trust of party members and the community in the leadership and it boosted the party's image. Certain circles used to call him the iron man of the party.
According to then Barisan Nasional chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, MIC is stable despite being a turbulent party. The credit goes to Samy Vellu. In reality, he is caring and loving, and an accommodating personality.
Samy Vellu has created waves in the political arena. He once said the Indian community is a small community, but not a silent community. He was a vocal voice in the cabinet.
This is evident from Dr Mahathir's statement, who was quoted as saying: "If I were to be a dictator, I would not have allowed both Samy Vellu and (Tan Sri) Rafidah Aziz to speak for hours in cabinet meetings."
Patriotism is one of the core values of MIC. Caring for the nation and protecting our beloved Malaysia remain the party's unshakeable mission. Politicians are very much impressed with Samy Vellu's dynamic style of leadership.
One Umno leader had this to say at the Parliament lobby: "If this politician were to be in Umno, he would have become the prime minister."
Samy Vellu was the driving force behind the rise of AIMST University in Sungai Petani. He was also the push-and-pull factor in organising the 6th International Tamil Conference in Malaysia in the 1980s.
This Tamil poet won the appreciation of Tamil scholars and educationists. Reading makes a full man. Speaking and writing make an exact man. His hobby is contributing poems to the media.
This is one way or another a part of stress management for him. He also has his unique way with the media, the fourth pillar of democracy.
According due recognition to the media is the mark of his greatness.
Peruji Perumal
Seri Kembangan, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times