"Karpal's ability has made him a formidable opponent" says PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak characterised the late Karpal Singh as a formidable opponent.

“In his career for the past five decades, Karpal’s ability has made him a formidable opponent," said Najib.

He added that, Karpal is a man with a strong stand in the political arena, and a committed lawyer in the legislation field.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, in these difficult times. I extend my condolences to the family. We pray that the other passengers recover fully,” said Najib who was surprised to learn of the demise of former DAP national Chairman.

Najib had earlier conveyed his condolences to Karpal’s family via his Twitter account at 3.44am on Thursday.

I have just landed at Ankara when I heard the news that YB Karpal Singh died in a road accident . My condolences to the family .
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) April 16, 2014

Najib received the news as soon as he landed in Ankara for a three day official visit to Turkey.

Karpal who was also Bukit Gelugor MP died in a fatal car accident at the North-South Highway, near Gua Tempurong, Gopeng, early Thursday morning.

Karpal, 74, and his personal assistant, Michael Cornelius, 39 died at the scene of the accident.

The news was confirmed by Karpal’s eldest son, Gobind Sing Deo through a Twitter message at 3.40am.

Karpal was reported to be on his way to Penang from Kuala Lumpur with his son Ramkarpal Singh for a case on Thursday morning.