The Indian community in Perak is requesting that the Prime Minister consider renaming SJKT Heawood in Sungai Siput, which he inaugurated yesterday, to SJKT Tun S. Samy Vellu. Socio-political analyst Datuk M. Periasamy stated that the proposal to rename the school is intended to honor the late former MIC President’s contributions to the development of Tamil schools and education in the country.
He added that the Indian community in the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency would be pleased if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the new name, SJKT Tun S. Samy Vellu, during the opening ceremony this Sunday.
“The Prime Minister is well aware of the skills, leadership, contributions, and services of the late Tun S. Samy Vellu. The Indian community in Sungai Siput and throughout the country hopes that the Prime Minister will honor the wishes and aspirations of the Indian community, particularly the members of MIC, by naming the new school SJKT Tun S. Samy Vellu,” he said.
He stated that the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency has been a traditional stronghold for the President of MIC since the first election in 1955 and remains so today. The seventh President of MIC, Tun S. Samy Vellu, served from the beginning to the end of his political career, from 1974 to 2008. He emphasized that during his nearly 34 years in politics, the late Tun S. Samy Vellu not only served as a cabinet minister but also played a key role in developing Sungai Siput with various basic amenities and infrastructure.
He noted that the late Tun S. Samy Vellu dedicated a considerable part of his life and career to advancing Tamil schools and Tamil education in the country.
“As such, he rightfully deserves the title of ‘Father of Tamil School Development’ among the Indian community in Malaysia,” he remarked.
SJKT Heawood in Sungai Siput is the 530th Tamil school in Malaysia. Notably, it is the first-ever Tamil school to be inaugurated by a Prime Minister. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially inaugurated the school on October 6, 2024.
Source: Utusan Malaysia
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