The late Panneer Selvam Punandy was born on 12 March 1961 in Teluk Anson to Punandy Subramaniam and Letchumy Karuppiah. Having schooled at the Sekolah Rendah St Mark Butterworth, he continued his education at the Sekolah Menengah Kampung Kastam Butterworth.
He spent most of his youth with a book in his hand and his favourite game was rugby, which he used to play with his friends in the evenings and whenever possible. Panneer Selvam also devoted his time in social work, such as giving free tuition to younger pupils, and was also active in youth movements.
He graduated with a LL.B degree from the University of London. Prior to this he worked with the Administration Division of the Department of Water Works for 9 years. Later, he worked as a lecturer and administrator at a language institution in Kepong. Upon his call to the Malaysian Bar on 12 April 1996, he joined Nordin Hamid & Co. in Klang as a legal assistant for approximately two years.
In 1997, he went into partnership under the name of Hakem Arabi & P.P. Selvam in Kajang. The following year, he took over the firm of Kumari Palany P.P. Selvam & S. Mohan. In March 1999, he established his own firm of Panneer & Co. in Kuala Lumpur. He was an articulate lawyer in both litigation and conveyancing and had appeared in the Court of Appeal.
He married Amutha Perumal and was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Monica Lakshmi Sri, four years old and Shereka Meenakshi Sri, two years old. He was a good family man who despite having a heavy workload, would always spend time with his family especially with his two adorable children. He was also a good friend which made him popular among those who knew him; a friend and a brother who was ever ready to offer his help and assistance to those who needed his guidance.
One of his dreams was to open a branch in Kulim, Kedah. Unfortunately due to ill health, he was forced to take a long absence from the job he loved.
He leaves behind his family and friends. We shall miss this good person, Panneer Selvam. His simplicity, his humility and his generosity will be missed by all. We pray that his soul rests in peace in knowing that we loved him dearly.