The sultan arrived at 10am and was received by Samy Vellu’s son, Vell Paari.

He left 15 minutes later after paying his respects and offering his condolences to the family of the longest-serving MIC president.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people, including politicians from both sides of the divide, continued to pay their last respects to Samy Vellu, who died yesterday morning at the age of 86.

Among them were DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo, former women, family and community development minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, and Makkal Sakti president RS Thanenthiran.

Gobind paid tribute to the way Samy Vellu would meet anyone to seek solutions on issues affecting the people.

Acknowledging the differences of opinion between the former Sungai Siput MP and his late father, Karpal Singh, he said they respected each other outside Parliament.

He also said he had worked with Samy Vellu previously over his legal cases.

“It was easy to get to know him because he was frank with his words. Whenever he needed advice, he would just call,” he said.

Shahrizat could not hold back her tears when paying tribute to her former Cabinet colleague, recounting how he had treated her like a sister when they were ministers.

“He taught me that in leadership, you must not only have vision but also a good heart. He walked the talk in that he not only implemented policies, but was often seen meeting the people.

“He was not only a leader for the Indian community, but for all races and the country,” she said.

Thanenthiran suggested renaming the North-South Expressway after Samy Vellu to honour the former works minister, describing him as “the father of infrastructure” in Malaysia.

A former eight-time Sungai Siput MP from 1974 to 2008, Samy Vellu was also the works minister twice from 1983 to 1989 and from 1995 to 2008.

The cortege is expected to leave from his residence to the DBKL crematorium in Cheras at 4pm.