War of words ends between former Malaysian PM and MIC chief Samy Vellu

Kuala Lumpur, Sep. 21 (ANI): The war of words between former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Malaysian Indian Congress President S. Samy Vellu seems to have been doused.

Both leaders apparently called it it a truce after they met, shook hands and smiled when they met at the palace of Yang di-Pertuan Agong a Selamat Hari Raya.

"I shook Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah (Mohd Ali)'s hands when I went to the palace. He was quite nice and smiling. The usual smile I see in him," the Star Online quoted Samy Vellu, as saying.

However, Samy Vellu didn't divulged if he had apologized to the former premier for his recent remarks.

"There is no point talking anymore. I don't want to talk anything about Dr Mahathir and me. I will only say that he is a great leader. I respect him and love him."

Samy Vellu added that Dr Mohamad is like family to him.

"This is because when someone, who is like a father or an elder brother, says something about you, whatever they say, you just receive it and keep quiet. That is the family concept," Samy Vellu said.

Dr Mohamad also confirmed that he shook hands with Samy Vellu, adding that there was no apology.

"Yes, he shook my hand but he did not apologise. It is not necessary. For me it is nothing," he said.

Earlier, Dr Mohamad had warned that Samy Vellu would become a liability to the Barisan Nasional in the next general election, and he should step down. (ANI)