Honouring the contributions of a towering Malaysian

The Star

14 hours ago

Kathirasen (left) with Vaithilingam holding his biography. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Biography of 91-year-old records his decades in public service
FOR more than seven decades, Datuk A. Vaithilingam has dedicated his life to public service.
His contributions to the nation have now been immortalised in the biography, Vaithi – A Life of Service, written by veteran journalist A. Kathirasen.
National Land Finance Cooperative Society managing director Datuk B. Sahadevan described the 91-year-old, fondly known as Vaithi, as someone who exemplifies Malaysia.
'I think that a lot of us tend to forget that we're Malaysians first before anything else.
'But when you see Datuk Vaithi, you see the perfect example of how to be a Malaysian.'
The 32-chapter biography blends personal anecdotes with historical milestones from Vaithilingam's life.
'This book is largely based on Datuk Vaithi's memory, and I'm amazed by his ability to recall so many details from decades ago,' said Kathirasen during the launch of the book at Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur.
He explained that the language was kept plain to ensure accessibility to as many people as possible, especially young readers.
'Some chapters are in a question-and-answer format as if he was speaking directly to the reader rather than an intermediary, that is the writer,' he added.
Former deputy International Trade and Industry minister Dr Ong Kian Ming praised the work as 'a wonderful read'.
'If I could capture the essence of this book from just one quote, it would be: The greatest purpose in life, the greatest achievement one could ever have in life, the greatest satisfaction one could ever get in life, can only be found in the service of others.
'The book really communicates Datuk Vaithi's priorities and purpose through action, thought and spirit,' he said.
'From leading the Malaysia Hindu Sangam to guiding the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, Datuk Vaithi's contributions remain much needed to this day.
'Especially his approach and voice of reason in interfaith matters,' Ong added.
Vaithilingam also played a key role in the development of Malaysian athletics.
His involvement in sports began from the time he was a young teacher, and he has since been inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Hall of Fame for his contributions.
Reflecting on his work, Vaithilingam said that service has been the guiding principle of his life.
'All my life I have been working not as an Indian, Malay or Chinese, but as a Malaysian.
'Whatever I did, whether it was sports, social activities, religion or education, it has always been as a Malaysian and for Malaysians.
'I faced a lot of obstacles before the publication of this book.
'My wife passed away and there was a break, then Covid-19 happened and my son Nantha also passed away last year.
'Despite all this, there was a determination to continue as this book is not just my story, it's a reflection of the many hands and hearts that have worked together to build bridges of understanding and compassion,' Vaithilingam added.
Also present at the launch were former health minister Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam along with Malaysian sports legend and former OCM deputy president Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, both of whom contributed to the book's foreword.
The book is priced at RM50. To obtain a copy, call 03-2698 9199.