KUALA LUMPUR – You don’t have to be in politics to do good for the people.
That was the message from former deputy minister of international trade and industry Ong Kian Ming, who hailed former Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Datuk A. Vaithilingam’s, decades of service to the nation.
Speaking to Scoop at the launch of Vaithi — A Life of Service yesterday, Ong said Vaithilingam’s work in sports, community organisations, and interfaith advocacy showed that lasting impact could be achieved without holding political office.
“Vaithilingam demonstrated that you can make a real difference by serving with integrity and purpose,” Ong said when met at the Royal Lake Club.
“The more he served, the more his own life was enriched — and the more people he helped, the greater his sense of purpose became.”
Ong, who contributed a review for the 350-page biography, said he was struck by Vaithilingam’s humility and his willingness to bring capable people into leadership roles.
“He never sought leadership positions for self-glorification, and he welcomed talented individuals instead of feeling threatened,” he said.
“That is rare, and it is one reason his work has had such enduring results.”
Ong highlighted Vaithilingam’s contributions to sports, including his tenure as chairman of the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union’s Race Walking Committee in 1973, where he helped organise major events such as the Malay Mail Big Walk.
Vaithilingam, 91, later served in the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation and as secretary-general of the Softball Association of Malaysia, applying the same organisational skills he had honed in athletics.
Beyond sports, Vaithilingam led the Hindu Youth Organisation, the Malaysian Hindu Youth Council, and later the MHS, where he launched the Hindu Renaissance Action Plan and the Hindu Education Plan, emphasising both religious knowledge and service to society.
As president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST), he spoke out on sensitive issues such as body-snatching cases and constitutional matters under Article 121(1A).
His advocacy, Ong said, helped bring an end to high-profile disputes over religious conversions.
“His voice of reason remains much needed today,” Ong said.
“In many ways, he achieved more for the people than some politicians ever could.”
The former Bangi and Serdang MP added that he was “deeply honoured” to be invited to review the book, saying Vaithilingam’s values mirrored those he himself aspired to in public service.
Vaithi — A Life of Service spans 32 chapters and chronicles Vaithilingam’s decades of work in education, sports development, interfaith dialogue, and community service.
The biography traces his formative years, leadership of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, and his involvement with inter-religious bodies including the MCCBCHST. – August 13, 2025