Sundaran's demise, a big loss to nation

SUBANG: Hundreds turned up to pay their last respects to the late Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai at his residence in Subang Jaya today.
Among them were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, International Trade and Industry Minister (Miti) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Miti Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri S. K. Devamany.
Subramaniam described Sundaran's sudden passing as a big loss to the nation and the Indian community in the country.
"I knew him personally and he was very committed to his work," he added.
The remains of Sundaran arrived at midnight last night on a Charlie C130H aircraft from Kuching, Sarawak.
He was among six onboard the ill-fated helicopter which crashed in Sebuyau, Sarawak on Thursday.
Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the nation would miss Sundaran, an official of immense experience with a stint as executive director of World Bank Board of Directors.
He also conveyed his condolences to Sundaran's wife, Datin Talagavathi Karapayah who is the senior director of Miti sectoral policy division, and other members of the family.
Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah when paying his last respects, described the late Sundaran as a long-time close friend whom he knew since 1984 when they were undergoing training at Intan.
Meanwhile Sundaran's brother, Govindasamy Anamalai, 65, who was met at Sundaran's house at Jalan USJ 2/4q, Subang Jaya, said they last spoke on Tuesday.
"He was caring of his siblings and was always on hand to help as he was also active in various non-governmental organisations such as the Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF)," said the pharmaceutical officer.
Sundaran who left behind his wife Talagavathi and two children began his career as the section head (Multilateral) of the Finance Ministry before being appointed as the ministry's Fiscal and Finance Sector head in 2008.
His remains would be cremated at the Petaling Jaya City Council Crematorium in Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya at about 3 pm and his ashes would be scattered in the Klang river tomorrow.
Also killed in the helicopter crash were Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon, Noriah's husband, Asmuni Abdullah; Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad while helicopter pilot captain Rudolf Rex Ragas was still missing. — Bernama