‘Tan Sri Manickavasagam: Memories-Reflections-Achievements’ – book to be launched by Datuk Seri M. Saravanan

• Special addresses by prominent personalities associated with Tan Sri Manickavasagam

• Screening of a documentary video tracing Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s historical contributions

• Screening of video on comments by former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah on Tan Sri Manickavasagam

KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the birth centenary of former Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) President and Cabinet Minister, the late Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam, a special commemorative event featuring addresses by eminent personalities will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM onwards at the Chettiar Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s birthday also falls on October 4.

A highlight of the occasion will be the official launch of the biography of Tan Sri Manickavasagam authored by R. Mutharasan, published simultaneously in two editions: Tamil (Tan Sri Manickavasagam: Ninaivugal-Anubavangal-Sathanaigal) and English (‘Tan Sri Manickavasagam: Memories–Reflections–Achievements’). The book launch ceremony will be presided over by MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr M. Saravanan. The book features memories and reflections from 30 personalities closely associated with Tan Sri Manickavasagam, captured through their interviews with the author. The book also includes several articles on Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s achievements.

Born in 1926, Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s centenary celebrations are organised by a dedicated committee chaired by Tan Sri K. Kumaran, with Datuk Seri Dr M. Saravanan serving as Deputy Chairman. The advisory panel includes MIC President Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, the late Dato V.L. Kandan, and Manickavasagam’s son, Ramani Manickavasagam.

As part of the first phase of celebrations organised by the committee, the committee held an official commemorative stamp launch on September 26 in collaboration with Pos Malaysia Berhad. Datuk Seri Saravanan, MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, presided over the launch and officially released the stamp. Former Cabinet Minister and Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tan Sri Rais Yatim delivered a memorial lecture on Tan Sri Manickavasagam reflecting his past acquaintances with the leader.

The second phase of the centenary celebrations, on October 4, will feature key addresses and the official biography launch. Tan Sri K. Kumaran, Tan Sri T. Marimuthu, Datuk V. Nadarajan, Dato Ishwar A. Nagappan, Mr A. Tamilmani, and Ramani Manickavasagam will deliver tributes and special speeches honouring Tan Sri Manickavasagam.

Author R. Mutharasan will deliver an author’s address, followed by the presiding address and official book launch by Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

Additionally, a 15-minute biographical documentary video highlighting Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s life and legacy will be screened in three segments. The program will also feature a special video presentation capturing reflections and remarks by former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Manickavasagam served as the Member of Parliament for Klang, and later Port Klang, from 1959 until 1979. He began his ministerial service as Deputy Minister of Labour (1961–1964) before holding full Cabinet portfolios for Labour, Communications, and Transport from 1964 to 1979.

Upon assuming the MIC National Presidency in 1973, he led the party for six years. Despite his brief tenure, he introduced transformative socio-economic initiatives for the Indian community, including the NESA Multipurpose Co-operative Society and the MIC Unit Trusts, while driving key structural reforms within the party and society. As a federal minister, he spearheaded major national development initiatives, including establishing SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) and founding Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

The event will conclude with high tea. The organising committee cordially invites all members of the public, community leaders, and media to attend and grace this memorable occasion.

For further details and media inquiries, please contact: R. Mutharasan, Secretary, Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam Centenary Celebration Organising Committee; Mobile: 012-2326967