“Besok kirim, hari ini sampai!”: 10 unforgettable quotes from the one and only Samy Vellu

MORE than a week has gone by since former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu breathed his last at age 86.

The former works minister’s contributions to the country, especially to the Indian community, will always be remembered.

But the former nine-term Sungai Siput MP is probably best remembered for his choice phrases in the national language, which are bound to tickle even the most hardened of his critics.

Here are the 10 most amusing quotes attributed to the late Samy, in no particular order:

1. Commenting on PosLaju Malaysia’s delivery speed: “Besok kirim, hari ini sampai.”
2. In reference to his modesty: “Ini perkara banyak memalukan saya. Sebenarnya, kemaluan (penis) saya sangat, sangat BESAR.”
3. On a previous rise of drug use among Malaysian youths: “Orang-orang muda sekarang banyak suka hisap dada (breast)”.
4. Commenting on the issue of rising toll charges: “Toll naik sikit, marah sama saya. You ingat ini semua toll saya punya bapak punya kah?”
5. On a water shortage crisis: “Semua orang diminta jangan membuang aiyeeer (water).”
6. While on a blood donation drive in Sungai Siput: “Marilah kita semua menderma dara (virginity).”
7. While inviting Malaysia’s “Iron Lady” on stage: “Mempersilakan Datin Paduka Rafidah Aziz naik ke pentas untuk membuka kain (undress).”
8. During a back-and-forth with a journalist:
   Samy Vellu: “Bagi saya, ini adalah satu pembaziran atas duit rakyat. Kita sepatutnya tidak hantar mereka ke bulan, tapi hantar mereka pergi ke MATAHARI! Barulah USA dan Russia respek sama kita!”
   Journalist: “Tapi Datuk Seri, matahari kan panas, macam mana mahu pergi?”
   Samy Vellu: “Itu pasal you takda jadi menteri, saya sudah 30 tahun jadi menteri, mesti ada penyelesaian. Kita jangan pergi siang, banyak panas. Kita pergi malam baru ada sejuk!”
9. In conversation with villagers during a motivational talk:
   Samy Vellu: “Kita akan bina satu jambatan untuk orang-orang kampung di sini.”
   Villagers: “Tapi Datuk, sini tak ada sungai, buat apa bina jambatan?”
   Samy Vellu: “Kalau tak ada sungai, kita bina sungai!” 
10. When giving the opening speech of an event: “Selamat datang saudara-mara semua” (instead of saudara-saudari).

Samy passed away in his sleep on Sept 15.

He served as works minister for 29 years (from 1983 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 2008), making him one of the longest-serving ministers in Cabinet.

Samy is also the longest-serving MIC president, having held the post for 31 years from 1979 to 2010.

He leaves behind his wife Toh Puan Indrani, son Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari and a daughter. – Sept 24, 2022

Main photo credit: Malay Mail