KUALA LUMPUR: A 300-page coffee table book called Samy Vellu, As We Know Him comprising memorable accounts from the minister's life, was launched yesterday. 

The book, which also contains photographs from photo albums of Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and others, was launched by Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

Published by MPH Group, the book was compiled by Chitra Vasu who said it was not intended to be a biography "but more about his life as seen by people acquainted with him". 

It contains short stories from 79 people of their first meeting with Samy Vellu.

The book is available in English and Tamil at RM140 each. Five copies of its Braille version were presented to the Malaysian Association for the Blind.

In his foreword for the book, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: "From the diverse set of personal perspectives, we are able to intimately relate to the human side of the struggles, triumphs and achievements of one of the nation's longest-serving leaders."

Abdullah added: "In this regard, this publication is indeed a testament to the way Datuk Seri Samy Vellu has touched the lives of many Malaysians."