Michael Cornelius: The man behind Karpal Singh

Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu, the personal assistant to Karpal, would also remain in the annals of Malaysian history for his devotion to his 'Boss'.

Michael was literally the man behind Karpal since the 39-year-old would 'push' his boss around in his wheelchair wherever he went, including to the Parliament, courts and his office at Jalan Pudu.

Karpal's daughter Sangeet Kaur Deo, in a Bernama report, said Michael was a 'faithful servant to his master' and stayed with him even in death.

Michael met Karpal in a hospital in India while the latter was undergoing medical treatment in 2005, the year the former DAP chairman and Bukit Gelugor MP was paralysed as a result of a car.

Michael, who came from a poor family from Vellore, Tamil Nadu in southern India, then agreed to return with Karpal to Malaysia as his assistant.

Micheal practically “gave his life for Karpal” working around the clock 24-7 for his boss, said the writer of the biography ‘Karpal Singh: Tiger of Jelutong’ Tim Donoghue.

“Without Michael… attending to his every need, and Gurmit (his wife), Karpal would not have been able to live the life,” Donoghue told Astro AWANI yesterday.

Michael was the one who would feed Karpal and help him bathe as well as put on his clothes.

To call Karpal, one would have to go through Michael as the latter would answer his boss’s calls and put it to his boss’ ears.

In an account published by DAP’s The Rocket, Michael was described as “ever faithful till the end” and according to Piasau ADUN Alan Ling Sie Kiong, had “looked after him (Karpal) so well.”

Ling had recounted his encounter with Michael while chambering at Karpal’s legal firm in 2009.

“He (Michael) 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.

The sacrifices of Micheal for Karpal were great, as the assistant seldom return to his hometown in India and even when he did return to India, it was for a short two weeks, said the article.

According to Ling, Michael was also a devout Christian and was often seen carrying a bible with him.

“Michael was often carrying a bible wherever he went. 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.”

In an interview with FZ.com previously, Karpal had described Michael as his “shadow”.

“He has to wake up every few hours and turn me as I cannot sleep in one position for long… the poor fellow has no life, he has to take care of me all day and even sleeps in the same room,” Karpal had related in the interview.

Karpal also said of Michael: “If he’s not around, I’m in trouble!”

A friend of Karpal’s also remarked that “God was great in wanting Michael to stay with Karpal to help him in heaven”.

Michael, who last saw his family over a year ago, had also expressed that it was hard for him to leave Karpal’s side.