Year One Malaysia: Karpal Singh 1940-2014

17 April 2014

Karpal Singh 1940-2014

Today, Malaysia lost a person who's larger than life, a household name, and a fearless politician and lawyer.

Karpal Singh aka Tiger of Jelutong, 74 years old, (1940-2014)

Karpal Singh at the Penang High Court in 1987. - Starpix/CHUAH YEW KHOON

The official photo of the new contender for the Alor Setar Parliament and State seats in 1974.

The president of the University of Singapore’s Dunearn hostel delivering a speech in 1963. – Photo courtesy of Karpal Singh and family

"WITH the passing away of Karpal Singh, the country has lost a great Malaysian, a great man and a great lawyer." - Retired judge Datuk K.C.Vohrah.

Karpal spoke up for all Malaysians, says retired judge

Some may say we have lost a good politician; he was an improbable politician, perhaps, and I often wondered how a patently honest man given to straight talking and straight thinking could have ever become a politician - but his effect as a politician was far-reaching nevertheless.

He made Malaysians aware of unvarnished truths, however unpalatable they were. He spoke loudly on the social ills of the country affecting all communities irrespective of race, religion, gender or creed. He spoke of the problems in the criminal justice system and the legal system and of serious issues of constitutional, administrative and criminal law that need to be addressed, especially in relation to fundamental liberties.

He spoke on issues most people dare not talk about in this country - where most people keep their views to themselves, for whatever reasons.

- http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/17/Karpal-Singh-Vohrah-remembers/

Penang to give Karpal state-level funeral
GEORGE TOWN: The funeral of Karpal Singh will be conducted with Penang state honours.

An emergency state exco meeting decided that the state flag would be flown at half-mast until Karpal's funeral on Sunday, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The ceremony, open to the public, will be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang in Light Street on Sunday from 9am to 11pm, and his casket will be draped with the Penang flag.

"Karpal's departure will an immense void, not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all Malaysians who have been inspired by his cause.

"With his passing, the DAP has lost an upstanding and outstanding leader, the nation lost a brilliant legal mind and the people a fearless 'tiger' with an indomitable spirit who stood up for the poor, weak, defenseless and dispossessed.

"He will forever be remembered as a Malaysian patriot who stood valiantly for justice, integrity and freedom without fear or favour," Lim said.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the party would postpone all party events and functions nationwide to a date after the funeral as a mark of respect.

We have also established the national funeral committee headed by acting national DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai at the national level, while Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow shall lead the Penang state funeral committee.

The wake is currently being held at Karpal's residence in 144A, Jalan Utama, beginning 3pm Thursday.

His cortege will leave for Dewan Sri Pinang on Sunday for the state-level funeral before cremation at the Batu Gantong crematorium.

Karpal's ashes will be scattered in the sea on Monday morning.

Karpal Singh: Lorry driver in crash tested positive for ganja

IPOH: Initial urine sample of the lorry driver, 45, involved in the accident that killed Karpal Singh has tested positive for ganja.

Perak police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani (pic) said the initial screening showed traces of ganja but it was not conclusive.

"The second sample has been sent to the pathologist to confirm it.

“Usually when we conduct such a urine screening, we will take two samples of the individual's urine, he told The Star.

“If the first screening comes back as positive, then the second sample will be sent to the pathologist for verification.

“The second sample has been sent to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital for verification,” he said.

"The lorry driver's statements have been taken and he has been released," he added.

When asked on the details of the accident, SDCP Acryl Sani said it was being investigated.

"We need to get all statements involved to check on the evidence to conclude what had happened," he said.

"We are in the process of getting statements from Karpal's driver," he added.

Sources also revealed that Karpal’s vehicle had about 15 outstanding summonses for speeding.

The source revealed that the Toyota Alphard accumulated a total of 29 traffic summonses, of which 15 had not been settled.

SDCP Acryl said the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The Bukit Gelugor MP and veteran DAP leader was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with a five-tonne lorry near Gua Tempurung on the North South Expressway early Thursday.

The impact of the crash at about 1am killed the prominent lawyer and his assistant, C. Michael, on the spot. Karpal's son, Ramkarpal, and the car's driver, C. Selvam, were injured.

Karpal's Indonesian domestic helper was also injured and is in critical condition.

He was on his way to Penang to attend a court case later in the day.

In 2005, Karpal was involved in an accident which left him paralysed and wheelchair-bound. He was returning to his home in Penang when a car hit his taxi at the rear.

Karpal graduated from University of Singapore and started his law practice before becoming a DAP politician in 1978.

He recently stepped down as DAP chairman pending his appeal against a sedition charge of uttering seditious words against the Sultan of Perak in 2009.