Karpal Singh: A fearless and outspoken individual

Karpal received his law degree from the University of Singapore and served as a lawyer before joining the political field as a DAP member in 1970.

The former DAP national chairman later contested for the Parliamentary seat in 1978 and had also served as the party’s Vice President and Deputy President.

Karpal, 74, who has been active in the political field for the past 36 years was also known as the “Tiger of Jelutong” as he was unbeatable while contesting for the Jelutong parliamentary seat before the General Election in 1999.

Also known as a fearless individual in the courtroom, Karpal was appointed to defend Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his sodomy case.

Karpal was married to Gurmit Kaur and was blessed with five children.

One of his son, Gobind Singh Deo was appointed Puchong MP after winning the seat during the 2008 General Election.

Karpal Singh, along with many other opposition politicians, were detained without trial under the Internal Security Act during Operation Lalang for "inciting" racial tension in the country.

In March, Karpal stepped down as DAP Chairman pending his appeal against his recent conviction under the Sedition Act.

In 2005, Karpal was involved in a in an accident which left him paralysed and wheel-chair bound.

Karpal was involved in an accident along Kilometre 301.6, of the North-South highway heading towards Gua Tempurung at 12.40am on Thursday.

Karpal who was believed to be on his way from Kuala Lumpur to Penang to attend a court case, died at the scene of the accident.

Also killed was Karpal’s personnal assistant, Michael Cornelius, while his son, Ramkarpal Singh and the driver was reported to be seriously injured.

The accident took place when a Toyota Alphard which Karpal was in lost control and hit the right side of a lorry.