Twentytwo13

Search
Close this search box.

Samy Vellu, the ‘Tamil Hang Tuah’ who made it big in Malaysian politics

Tun S. Samy Vellu has had an illustrious political career that spanned over five decades.

He was flamboyant, yet controversial, funny, but fierce. Simply put, the politician famous for his firebrand politics was larger than life.

Born in Kluang, Johor, on March 8, 1936, Samy Vellu had an uncanny ability to command the attention of those around him, just by being present.

It was perhaps a skill he picked up and polished during his early days as a stage actor.

Recounting Samy Vellu’s early days in the theatre scene is his long-time friend M.S. Maniam – a theatre and drama director now based in Puchong, Selangor.

He said Samy Vellu, who died on Thursday at the age of 86, always had a love for stage plays.

“It was in the early ‘50s. He was working in Kuala Lumpur by then but had a deep interest in acting and theatre,” recalled Maniam, 83.

“He acted in many Tamil stage dramas. He was also involved in the 1957 Independence Day celebration party at the Lake Gardens, where he was involved in a Tamil stage play. He took on the role of Hang Tuah.”

Maniam said Samy Vellu also played the role of King Mahendran when the former directed the Tamil version of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, called ‘Thanthaiyin Kural’.

Samy Vellu (left) in Thanthaiyin Kural. Image from the book Malaysian Tamil Stage Play.

“He (Samy Vellu) was a very good actor and was acting while working as a draughtsman.”

He had great admiration for Indian film stars, especially Sivaji Ganesan and actor-singer P.U. Chinappa.

Sivaji, who acted in over 200 films, went on to become an MP in India and served from 1982-1986. Sivaji’s career as a politician, however, was not successful and he returned to cinema.

“While both Samy Vellu and I joined the MIC Batu Caves branch in the late 50s, he left acting to pursue a full-time political career, while I remained in the performing arts scene.

Still active in directing and producing, Maniam, who is also chairman of the Malaysian Tamil Arts Society, believes Samy Vellu’s involvement in the performing arts scene, including his years as a TV Malaysia news presenter, moulded him into the politician he later became.

“When you act on stage, it’s all about wowing the crowd. We must capture their imagination and attention, and master the art of speaking well. The skills he gained from acting, truly helped him in politics.”

“Samy Vellu’s command of the Tamil language was second to none. As a politician, he delivered power-packed speeches that captivated the audience.”

Maniam said although he and Samy Vellu went on to pursue different career paths, they remained close over the years.

“Life was not easy when both of us were young. We grew up at the Batu Arang settlement in Selangor. Life was hard, but we stayed in touch, throughout the years,” Maniam said.

He added that while Samy Vellu left the life of theatre and drama behind, and rose through the ranks to become MIC president and Cabinet minister, his love for acting never died, and helped to fund several of Maniam’s productions.

“He always respected and admired what I did. I have lost a good friend who was a very good actor, leader, and politician,” Maniam said of Samy Vellu’s demise.

“Some love him, while others feel otherwise. Love him or loathe him, there will never be another Samy Vellu.”

Those who wish to pay their last respects to Samy Vellu may do so at his residence at 19, Lengkongan Vethavanam, Taman Kaya, Batu 3 1/2, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur.

The cortege will leave at 3pm tomorrow (Friday) and arrive at the DBKL crematorium in Cheras at 4pm.