It's business as usual for the 74-year-old S Samy Vellu as he travels around the country, officiating events despite calling it a day just four days ago, after leading the MIC for 31 years.

Just like any other day, the former MIC president opened the new building for the Sangetha Sabah Tamil school in Ipoh today, and has been scheduled to travel up north later today and join a farewell party for him organised by the Kedah MIC.

Days before he announced his retirement from active politics last Monday, Samy Vellu had said it would be "work as usual" for him, and even described himself as a "diesel-powered engine".

Speaking at the Sangeetha Sabah Tamil school event, Samy Vellu said he would continue to serve the Indian community and that Tamil schools would still be close to his heart.

mic agm 110710 s samy vellu 3 During his tenure as MIC president since 1979, Samy Vellu had initiated several redevelopment projects for Tamil schools by securing government allocations.

According to his aide, Samy Vellu would have a busy weekend, culminating with the launch of his biography at the Mines International Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan, Selangor by the prime minister on Sunday.

The book, authored by renowned local writer, Bernice Narayanan was a life story of Samy Vellu from the day he was born until he became the leader of the third largest political party in the BN.

The aide said despite handing over the MIC presidency to G Palanivel, Indians were still seeking his assistance and to officiate their events.

He said Samy Vellu had also received many requests from the media for interviews.

"Of course, he would oblige interview requests as he has a close working relationship with them (the media)," he said.

He added that Samy Vellu was currently operating from his office at the Maju Institute of Educational Development located at the MIC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama