Karpal Singh was an icon. He had made his mark at the corridor of justice in the jurisprudence of the country and also in many political battlefields. His passing today marks the demise of a warrior who will be remembered time immemorial.
Karpal, a son of a cow herdsman has always been a fighter — for justice, truth and fairplay. He has been a consistent voice in the sea of politicians who change their stance for political expediency.
After being involved in an accident in 2005, which left him wheel chair bound, Karpal’s fervour for justice never wavered but his resolve seemed stronger. At times it appeared that nothing could hamper his forthrightness either as a lawyer or a politician.
The man had character.
I remember as a young boy in Penang idolising him. He was a hero. His calm demeanour and his ability to stay the course made him stand out as a people’s lawyer and politician.
In his biography aptly named ‘Tiger of Jelutong’, it is noted that Karpal had taken seven years to complete his law degree in the University of Singapore when the normal time period to complete the degree was three years.
The initial drawback of his career never derailed him. Karpal was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1969 and that marked a brilliant career which catapulted his name in the legal lexicon forever. A young Karpal had managed to argue the famous Teh Cheng Poh vs Public Prosecutor at the Privy Council and that defining case on the issue of burden of proof had placed him as one of the best criminal lawyers that the country ever produced.
He later argued the issue in the case of S. Arulpragasan vs PP before the seven top judges of the country. He won the case. Arulpragasan was acquitted. A few more were acquitted in the following weeks and months. The law of the land on the issue of burden of proof changed forever.
In the Punjabi community in Penang , Karpal was well respected.Despite being a Member of Parliament (MP), he was a humble man who treated everyone equally. Karpal was first elected as a MP in 1974 when he won the Alor Setar parliamentary seat.
That marked a distinguished career as a formidable politician much feared by the incumbent ruling party. YB Tuan Karpal Singh a/l Ram Singh Deo would have no qualms in taking on anyone for the pursuit of justice and the truth. He was one fearless politician.
Then came the dark clouds of 1987 when justice was massacred in Malaysia. Through the draconian Internal Security Act, Karpal was condemned to 15 months in prison together with leading opposition members as they were perceived as threats to the government of the day. This would have dented the spirit of the faint hearted but not the ‘Tiger of Jelutong’. The tiger was wounded but will live to fight another day, another battle.
Karpal went on to fight many other battles and etched his name in Malaysian history. However, he was recently sentenced to a fine of RM4,000 for a sedition charge that would have seen him losing his seat as a sitting MP. Karpal will not be able to prove his innocence but what is more tragic of the episode is the Attorney General has cross appealed , probably seeking a custodial sentence for a wheelchair bound 73 old man.
Karpal Singh, you have proved yourself to be an illustrious son of Malaysia. As a Sikh,you have fought your battles gallantly and history will judge you accordingly. Res ipsa loquitor.
Ranjit Singh
Thu Apr 17 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.