Karpal fought for the weak and oppressed, he was a true friend, says Guan Eng

BY LEE SHI-IAN | TMI
April 17, 2014

Penang has lost one of its favourite sons today following the tragic death of Karpal Singh, a man who took up the baton and fought for the defenceless, the weak and the oppressed, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

“It is said that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, but there are permanent principles,” Lim told reporters at the Ipoh hospital.

“Integrity, honesty and decency, these were the principles which Karpal believed in and held firm throughout his life.

“DAP, Penang and Malaysians are all greatly pained and saddened by the loss of Karpal.

“He had contributed greatly throughout his political career and despite his age, had so much more to offer.”

He said the tears shed by Malaysians today are a reflection of Karpal’s deeds and accomplishments.

Lim was at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh where Karpal’s body was brought for an autopsy today.

“Karpal was the sort of person who would stick by you through thick and thin,” Lim said.

“When you are in difficult straits, that is when you know who your true friends are,” he said, adding that he last saw Karpal, who was Bukit Gelugor MP, in parliament.

Karpal, who would have turned 74 in June, was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang to attend a court hearing scheduled for this morning.

Police said the multipurpose vehicle in which he was travelling was badly damaged in the collision with a lorry on KM301.6 of the North-South Expressway at about 12.40am.

Police said Karpal died on the spot. There were four other occupants in Karpal’s Toyota Alphard, which has the iconic number plate KS9898.

His long-time assistant Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu also died on the spot while Karpal’s son Ramkarpal was injured on the forehead and knees.

Karpal’s driver and maid were also injured. The maid is said to be in critical condition.

The lorry driver was not injured in the accident. – April 17, 2014.