He was a revered sports editor for The Star, and the now-defunct Echo in the 70s and 80s. His peers know him as one of the sharpest and most prolific sports editors of his time.
He was also editor and publisher of All Sports, one of the most popular sports magazines then. No football World Cup was complete without his special edition, a glossy magazine that came with in-depth information of the teams and eye-catching photographs.
These were collector’s items that flew off the racks almost as soon as they hit the stands.
Sadly, time has not been kind to the now 75-year-old Selva. He is battling Parkinson’s disease and struggles with his speech. He also has diabetes, and other problems such as high blood pressure have aggravated some of his symptoms.
His chequered past is something he struggles to recall. Asked about his past, he reminisced about the time he met famous Manchester United player and England’s 1966 World Cup-winning hero Sir Bobby Charlton.
Then, his words trailed off and he stared vacantly at the ground.
The combination of medicines Selva has to consume every day has led to bouts of disorientation and confusion, placing him in dire straits.
Recently, the newsman became news: Selva was the talk of social media when he collapsed in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, but was found by Jezemine Lim, wife of Malaysian funny man Harith Iskander.
He had gone to the bank to withdraw money but did not remember how he fell or where his phone was.
“My pants are very loose, my phone probably fell out,” he said, trying to make light of the situation.
But it was no joke. He had been lost and could not even remember where he lived. Harith and Jezamine had tried to send him to the address on his identity card but someone else was living there.
It was only much later, that police after inquiring from neighbours in his previous residence located his actual home.
Selva’s home is a small rented three-bedroom apartment in Bandar Utama; at first glance, one would think he has an extensive family, judging by the many photographs on display.
There are pictures of his Filipina wife, her children from a previous marriage and grandchildren. In reality, though, he has no one.
“My wife died four and a half years ago and so have my siblings. My wife’s children and grandchildren are in the Philippines, no one is here,” he said.
Nonetheless, he is not alone in the house. He opened his home to Indonesian couple Awang and his wife two years ago, until she returned to Indonesia with their newborn.
His furniture is tattered, and there are papers and medicine packets strewn on the dining table. Copies of All Sports can be seen under the pile. The fridge is empty of any real food and packets of biscuits appear to be his staple, probably explaining his frail look.
Although Selva has done so much for sports with his writing, he has little by way of income and almost no savings.
His bills and rent are long overdue, but he has been able to make some payments, with whatever money he had in his account, and the help of his friends.
He withdrew most of his money on the day he collapsed, to pay bills. “I gave most of it to Awang to send to his family in Indonesia. If I die, I don’t have anyone in my life. So, I wanted to give whatever I had to Awang and his family who have helped me around the house,” he told FMT.
Despite his failing health, and lack of income, Selva still has the spirit of giving. And Good Samaritans like Harith and Jezemin are now willing to give Selva a helping hand to alleviate his burden so that he can live more comfortably.
Old, frail Uncle Selva can soon be the proud RD Selva again.