I received a sms from Sugu – PSM Sg. Siput Branch Chairperson. He said Comrade Velayutham passed away in a road accident. I tried to picture him in my mind and yes, how can I forget that familiar figure whom has always been around in all our program and activities. I inquired around and others confirmed the news. What was even more tragic was Velayutham was crossing the road in Sg. Siput to attend a party program in Bagan Serai when he was knocked down by a car. He seems to have died in the line of duty.
I do not know Velayutham personally but his sudden death has affected me in person. I am sure it would have affected those who know him personally much more.
Many comrades in Sg. Siput are quite speechless and according to Sugu, he is one person who never says “no” when called for any program. He has no excuse to say and always makes himself available. Yes, I have seen him in almost all programs. I have seen him in our nationwide roadshows early this year and yes, I have seen him in the police lock-up where he was arrested with another 30 comrades in June 2011, held in Seberang Jaya police lock-up for a week. The arrest never slowed him down. Close friends have considered him to be a very brave person who is always in the forefront in the struggle.
Velayutham is 54 years old and survived by his wife and 3 children. His funeral would be tomorrow at his house Changkat Salak Estate. He is also the main pillar of the Changkat Salak Estate workers struggle where he is the Chairperson of the Changkat Salak Estate Workers Committee. He still stays in the estate house where he and the other workers are fighting a 15 years battle with their Estate owners against the eviction.
I have told our members to clad his coffin in the party flag if his family allows. He will be send off with respect. He is one the many faceless people who keep the PSM going. There are many such local leaders who don’t share the same popularity and image as some of us do. But nevertheless, they are great leaders and fighters. His loss would be a very great loss to our party and the working class. These are the many grassroots leaders who keep the PSM going, whose contributions are priceless and timeless.
Our upcoming events will have a void. That will be his presence, his commitment and his discipline which we are going to miss. Rest comrade as you go down as yet another working class martyr in this long unfinished struggle.
Salam Perjuangan
S.Arutchelvan
844pm 2-6-2014