Funeral procession to make three 'significant stops'

The funeral procession of the late Karpal Singh on Sunday will make three 'significant stops' on its way from the Dewan Sri Pinang to the Batu Gantung crematorium, it was announced here today.

Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who heads the Penang funeral committee for Karpal Singh, said the stops would be at the Penang High Court complex, where Karpal Singh had practised law; the Penang State Legislative Assembly Hall, where Karpal Singh began his political career; and the St Xavier's Institution, Karpal Singh's alma mater.

The stops, decided by the funeral committee, were to allow for photography sessions as these had been significant places for Karpal Singh, he told reporters.

The procession would begin at the Dewan Sri Pinang at 11 am, he said.

Karpal Singh was killed at 1.10 am yesterday in a road accident involving the MPV he was travelling in and a lorry on the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung in Perak.

His personal assistant, Michael Cornelius, 39, was also killed in the accident.

The cortege of Karpal Singh is expected to leave at 8.15 am for the Dewan Sri Pinang from his residence, at 144A, Jalan Utama here, where the wake is currently being held.

At the residence earlier today, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang led a group of party members to drape the casket with the party flag.

Chow said members of the public could pay their last respects to Karpal Singh also at the Dewan Sri Pinang on Sunday.

He said Sikh prayers would be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang.

Jagdeep Singh Deo, Karpal Singh's eldest son, said the family was thankful to the state government for the state-level funeral.

"Penang's recognition will make my father proud as, in his life, he had never asked for anything from anybody after what he had sacrificed for the party and the country," he said.

He also said that the family house would be closed for public visits at 11 pm daily to allow family members to get some rest.

After the cremation, Karpal Singh's ashes will be scattered in the sea on Monday morning.