Tan Sri Rais Yatim shares memories of of Tan Sri Manickavasagam at the Special Commemorative Stamp launch

KUALA LUMPUR: A special commemorative stamp release ceremony honouring the late former Cabinet Minister and former MIC President, Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam, was held on Saturday, September 26, at the Royal Commonwealth Club in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

The event featured former Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, former Federal Cabinet Minister, and former Senate (Dewan Negara) President, Tan Sri Rais Yatim, as the guest of honour, who delivered a special memorial lecture on Manickavasagam’s life and enduring legacy.

In his opening welcoming speech, Organising Committee Secretary R. Mutharasan, reflecting on the origins of the centenary initiative, said the idea took root several years ago after a series of feature articles he wrote in the Tamil daily ‘Makkal Osai’. The articles, written on the occasion of Manickavasagam’s birth anniversary, were based on historical details gathered during an interview with Manickavasagam’s brother, the late Dato V.L. Kandan. Mutharasan noted that those published pieces served as the initial catalyst for the broader centenary celebrations and the subsequent publication of a book on the life and times of Tan Sri Manickavasagam that he wrote. The book is scheduled for release on 4 October 2026 by Datuk Seri M. Saravanan at the Chettiar Hall, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, at 2.00 pm. October 4 coincides with Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam’s birth anniversary.

After reading the series, MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan reached out to Mutharasan and requested a comprehensive biography of Manickavasagam. Saravanan personally spoke with the late Dato Kandan to seek his guidance and assistance in providing historical information for the project, promising full support to see the book to fruition.

Over the past two years, Mutharasan diligently compiled historical records and interviewed about 30 prominent figures, close associates, and family members who shared personal memories and insights about Manickavasagam.

When Datuk Seri Saravanan offered his support to release the book in 2026, he recognised that 2026 marks Manickavasagam’s Centenary Birth Anniversary. Believing a simple book launch alone would not be a sufficient tribute for a leader of his stature, Saravanan pledged his full support to organise a full-scale centenary celebration. As part of this effort, the committee approached Pos Malaysia Berhad to issue a special commemorative stamp, leading to the official launch ceremony on 26 September 2026.

During the event, a special documentary video in English featuring Manickavasagam’s historical milestones and life journey was screened. The program also included a featured video message from former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who shared his reflections and personal remarks regarding Manickavasagam.

Presiding over the event, Datuk Seri M. Saravanan emphasised that his support stemmed from a noble objective: to ensure the monumental achievements of great leaders like Manickavasagam are remembered and etched into national history.

MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran highlighted his family’s long-standing bond with Manickavasagam. He recounted how, during the 1959 General Elections, when Manickavasagam contested the Klang parliamentary seat, Vigneswaran’s grandfather, Mr Muthusamy, offered strong support. Later, his father, Sannasi, became a devout supporter of Manickavasagam, followed by his paternal uncle, Dato M.Sellathevan, who actively campaigned for Manickavasagam in the Klang region and the broader political arena.

In his memorial lecture, guest speaker Tan Sri Rais Yatim shared fond personal anecdotes from his time serving as a minister alongside Manickavasagam. He recalled how Manickavasagam met with him to advocate for key benefits and welfare measures for the Indian community. Rais Yatim also shared a notable story from his tenure as Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, recounting how Manickavasagam met him to discuss Deepavali celebrations along Jalan Birch and other issues to safeguard the Indian community’s welfare.

Tan Sri Manickavasagam’s eldest son Ramani delivered the thank-you address, congratulating the organising committee and Saravanan for taking the effort to recognise his father’s contributions to Malaysian society.

The ceremony culminated with MIC President Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran officially launching the special commemorative stamp, which was presented to Tan Sri Rais Yatim and other key VIPs.