The death of the press secretary of Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam, 35-year-old Sivam Balan came as a shock to me as we were supposed to meet in Segamat on Saturday.

Sivam, who died in a fatal accident involving three cars near KM232 of the North-South Expressway near Rembau Thursday morning, was to help me obtain an exclusive interview with Subramaniam.

I still remember the excitement in Sivam’s voice when I told him of my intention, last week, to conduct the interview.

“That’s good. I will set up a special arrangement so that you will be able to see what Subramaniam does every week,” said Sivam.

“You can visit Segamat and I will guide you around and introduce you to the community leaders here.”

I initially planned to meet Subramaniam to ask him of his preparations for the upcoming 13th General Elections as he is the Member of Parliament of Segamat.

Right after I was informed of Sivam’s death, I contacted Subramaniam. Subramaniam was at a loss of words and was holding back his pain as he was suppose to meet Sivam at a function in Alor Gajah on Thursday.

“When I heard of the news, I rushed to the Tampin Hospital (where Sivam was brought).”

Subramaniam was unclear to what caused the accident.

My friends and I are deeply saddened by the tragedy as Sivam was a good man who was committed to his job.

As a press secretary, Sivam was always helpful in aiding journalists to obtain updates regarding the Ministry.

For that, I thank you Sivam.