NEWLY-appointed Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Visvenathan Tangavello, 42, is a testament to resilience and determination.
Despite being rejected 10 times during interviews for the MBPP councillor’s post, Visva, as he is fondly called, finally succeeded on his 11th attempt.
Taking the oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony of 24 MBPP councillors, Visva stood in the presence of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and other state leaders. The moment, he said, was both humbling and an honour.
“I’m deeply grateful to many people for their unwavering support. I’d like to thank the government and my party (DAP) for giving me this opportunity. Special thanks go to Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, my mentor,” said Visva, who has served as Ramkarpal’s personal assistant for 10 years.
Visva joined the DAP in 2010 and has been actively involved in politics ever since. Through his role as Ramkarpal’s assistant, he has gained valuable experience in addressing local issues and supporting the B40 community.
“People asked why I still wanted to become a councillor after 10 failed attempts. I told them I don’t give up easily. I am a determined person. Now that I’ve been appointed, I have a platform to do even more for the people,” Visva explained.
Voluntary work has been a part of Visva’s journey. As the coordinator of the Voluntary Patrol Squad (VPS) formed by the state government, he was among 168 volunteers arrested when the Federal Government banned the squad in 2014.
“I was detained for a day, but that didn’t deter me from serving the people. To me, the VPS played a crucial role in enhancing the safety of neighbourhoods,” he said.
An avid athlete, Visva once represented Penang in long-distance running events. However, after taking a break from the sport, his weight climbed to 85kg. Determined to reclaim his fitness, he embarked on a disciplined workout routine under the guidance of former Malaysian Olympian P.L.B.S. Peyadesa. Within six months, he shed 30kg and returned to competitive running.
In 2020, he achieved a personal best of 1 hour and 27 minutes in the Alor Setar Half Marathon, finishing in seventh place.
“I may go for the full marathon soon,” said Visva, who has also represented Penang in the MAKSA Games for local government athletes.
Visva’s journey from rejection to appointment is an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving the people of Penang. Now, he looks forward to being a full-time MBPP councillor to make a meaningful impact on the community.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting and courtesy of Visvenathan