The phrase "working your way to the top", probably fits Malaysia's double international Karu Selvaratnam appropriately. After his stint with the Royal Malaysian Navy and taking early retirement as Lt Cmdr, he was employed as General Manager of Royal Selangor Club (RSC). Was this the start of his journey of a thousand steps to be President of the Club?
To understand Karu, one has to appreciate his prowess in the field. He is a gold medallist at the 1961 SEA Games and a bronze medallist at 1962 Asian Games for the 400 meters hurdles. At the 62 Asian Games he was in the Malaysian quartet that won the silver in the 4x400, which included the young medical student Mani Jegathesan. For nearly 30 years Karu's 400 meters hurdles national record remained unbroken.
He showed his sporting skills in cricket too. He turned out for Malaysia in the 70s and also had the opportunity to Captain the National Team. His love for cricket, also led him to be involved in the revival of Malaysian Cricket Association and was its Secretary for well over a decade. This permitted him to come into contact with the international cricketing fraternity and his organisational skills are well appreciated even till today by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Back to RSC, he left their employment to join a local company involved in oil & gas and also defence business. Very much doing corporate public relations, Karu wanted his own freedom that he went out to become his own boss. This permitted greater involvement in RSC and became its Sports Chairman. His ability to organise never failed him and fittingly he was elected as RSC's Vice-President Over the years he has become a known face and a person "whose word is as good as his bond".
Such was Karu Selvaratnam's appeal that the post of RSC's President was one for him to occupy in a matter of time. This came his way when he was elected in June 2008 as RSC's President.
Congratulations Karu! Thank you for your years of service to Malaysian Sports and our wishes for your good health and happiness.
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