While the younger generations in Malaysia may only have a vague idea of his contributions, the older generations remember him as a towering figure in our nation's history.
"Few are aware that Tun V.T. Sambanthan once served as the acting Prime Minister of Malaysia, if only for a day. On August 3, 1973, Tun was asked to step in as acting prime minister when both the prime minister and his deputy were abroad. This little-known fact highlights the trust and respect he commanded as a leader during a pivotal time in our history."
Tun Thirunyanasambanthan s/o Veerasamy, fondly known as V.T. Sambanthan, was among the most influential Indian leaders in the Malayan independence movement. A native of Sungai Siput, he was a pioneer rubber planter who owned several estates. Known for his intellect and sporting spirit, he received his early education at Clifford High School in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
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His political career, spanning 25 years, was defined by his commitment to unity amidst diversity. As the fifth President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) from 1955 to 1973, he worked closely with Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Together, they were instrumental in achieving Malaysia’s independence. Tun Sambanthan served in various ministries, including Labour, Health, Works, Posts and Telecommunications, and later the National Unity ministry, where he continued to advocate for the well-being of all Malaysians.
On August 14, 1954, Tun VT established the Mahatma Gandhi Tamil School to provide education to children in the estates. The school was inaugurated by Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the sister of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Tun Sambanthan ensured that students from rural areas had access to public transportation for their education in town. His commitment to education and community welfare was unwavering.
As MIC’s president, Tun significantly strengthened the party’s financial base by selling half of his father’s rubber estate to support the Indian community and the party. He also addressed the fragmentation of estates, which threatened the livelihood of many Indian workers. By supporting cooperative efforts to acquire estates, he helped prevent the displacement of these workers.
In 1955, during a period of turbulence within MIC, Tun took on the leadership role and gradually unified the party, despite facing internal divisions. His leadership extended beyond politics; his marriage to Toh Puan Umasundari in May 1956 marked a personal milestone amidst his busy public life.
Tun Sambanthan, together with Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Tan Cheng Lock, traveled to London in 1955 to negotiate Malayan independence, which was realized on August 31, 1957. Even during these crucial negotiations, Tun Sambanthan maintained his identity by wearing traditional Indian attire, including a dhoti, which he continued to wear even after being appointed Minister of Labour in 1955. His commitment to his roots and his belief in a multiracial society were evident in all his actions.
In 1960, Tun Sambanthan and K.R. Somasundram co-founded the National Land and Finance Co-operative Society (NLFCS), which continues to thrive, owning estates, palm oil, property, and banking assets.
The passing of Tun was a great loss to Malaysia, especially to the Indian community. Decades later, his legacy endures, reminding us of the sacrifices and contributions of those who paved the way for the Malaysia we cherish today. His legacy continues to inspire, as he was a key architect of Malaysia’s independence and a unifier of our diverse society.
Source / Image Credit : Wikipedia , KPDN