Dato’ Sri Punidanathan a/l Velupillai, fondly known in professional circles as Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan, was a distinguished Advocate and Solicitor of both Malaya and Singapore, practicing law with distinction from 1966 until his passing in October 2023.

Born into humble beginnings as the youngest son of five siblings on 5 March 1940 in Ipoh, Perak. After losing his father at a tender age Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan devoted himself to studies after being forced into carpentry classes. He worked his way to being admitted to the University of Singapore.

Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan devoted over five decades to the legal profession, earning his place as a leading authority in insurance law, both in advisory and litigation work. His career was marked not only by his legal excellence but also by his active contribution to the insurance industry. He served as Director, Vice-Chairman, and ultimately Chairman of People’s Insurance Co. (M) Bhd and Anika Insurance Brokers Berhad across several decades, offering his invaluable insight and leadership to the industry.

Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan was a member of the Motor Insurers Bureau of West Malaysia from 1981 to 1990, and an active member of both the International Insurance Society (since 1988) and the Commonwealth Law Association (since 1999). His involvement in these organizations, coupled with his leadership roles, fortified his reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader in insurance and commercial law.

As the Founder and Managing Partner of V.P. Nathan & Partners, Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan oversaw the firm’s expansion across Peninsular Malaysia, establishing offices in Kuala Lumpur (1968), Malacca (1968), Penang (1978), Kuala Terengganu (1997), Kuantan (2006), Johor Bahru (2020), and Kota Bharu (2021), ensuring the firm’s presence throughout the region.

Among his many notable cases, Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan’s firm acted in landmark decisions such as:

Ti Huck & Anor v Mohamed Yusof [1973] 2 MLJ 62
which distinguished between claims for loss of future earnings and loss of earning capacity;

Sumarni v Yow Bing Kwong & Anor [2008] 1 MLJ 608
setting precedent on the necessity of proving continued employment capability for loss of future earnings under the Civil Law Act;

Tune Protect Malaysia v Mohd Rosli Bin Tawang (Kota Bharu SCCA: DA-A53KJ-452-09/2018)
which affirmed that enforceability of insurance policies remains tied to public access to roads despite legislative amendments.

Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan’s commitment to the legal fraternity extended beyond the courtroom. He was a strong supporter of the Bench and Bar Games since their inception in 1969 and was a member of several esteemed clubs including the Royal Selangor Club, the Bankers Club, Club Aman, Club Perdana, Royal Shah Alam Club, Kelab Golf Negara Subang and the Raintree Club. Fluent in English, Malay, and Tamil, he was a man of wide interests, with a passion for travel and a lifelong belief in perseverance and hard work.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Datin Sri Rangini Gunaretnam, and their two sons, Dato’ Rabindranathan and Dato’ Devendranathan.

Dato’ Sri V.P. Nathan’s legacy is one of exceptional service, dedication, and leadership. His contribution to the legal and insurance sectors will long be remembered and revered.