FORMER senior federal counsel Datuk T.S. Sambantha-murthi passed away on Jan 2.

He will also be remembered for his contributions to the police force, especially as an officer of the Special Branch where he spent a significant part of his working life.

Those were the times when a successful career in the police was a coveted honour because rewards and recognition came to those who worked with paramount regard to their duties fearlessly, passionately and diligently.

Those were the days when the country was at war with communist terrorists who targeted members of the police and armed forces.

Sambanthamurthi’s assignments took him to unexplored and extremely dangerous areas.

Undaunted and with courage, he lived through these assignments which later earned him the prestigious British George Medal — a remarkable feat for an Asian police officer.

Of course, there were other comrades of his who also received this award for gallantry, some posthumously.

It is apt that he was awarded a Datukship, among others, for his service to the nation.

One side of Sambantha-murthi that was not widely known was his passion for magic, a hobby he picked up and used for entertaining whenever called upon.

Source: NST – January 7, 2008