It is hard to fathom the sacrifice of Karpal’s personal assistant, the late Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu, 39, who died together with the former DAP national chairman in the motor vehicle accident early this morning.

Ever faithful till the end, one could always see him with with Karpal, whether in the courts, in the parliament or in his modest legal office on Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Piasau ADUN Alan Ling Sie Kiong recalls meeting Michael while chambering with Karpal’s legal firm in 2009.

“Michael played a very important role for Karpal. He would worked round the clock beside our “Boss” (we call him Boss in the office), and to have looked after him so well, he deserved to be accorded recognition too,” Alan recalled.

For his dutiful presence besides Karpal, Michael made big sacrifices as he seldom return to his hometown in India. Even when he did return to India, it was for a short two weeks.

Dutiful provider
Michael became Karpal’s assistant in 2005 after the Bukit Gelugor MP was paralysed as a result of a car accident in that year.

Hailing from Vellore, Tamil Nadu in southern India, he leaves behind a wife, a son and a daughter. His body will be flown back to India to be buried there.

“He was often so busy that he once requested me to help him send money to his family in India. His only time of rest was travelling in the car with Karpal,” Alan related.

A devout Christian
According to Alan, Michael came from a poor family and started serving with Karpal after meeting him while he was undergoing medical treatment in India.

He was also a devout Christian and would often be seen carrying a bible with him.

“Michael was often carrying a bible wherever he goes to. When I was married and after my victory in the Sarawak state election in 2011, he sent me some gifts and congratulatory cards with bible verses in it to inspire me.”

“I will always remember him.”