COMMENTARY BY THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER
April 21, 2014
The late DAP leader Karpal Singh’s funeral in Penang yesterday has been the biggest outpouring of grief in Malaysia since Tunku Abdul Rahman’s funeral in December 1990.
The crowd lining the George Town roads yesterday roared the prominent lawyer and politician’s name. Thousands others followed the cortege with Karpal’s body to the Batu Gantung crematorium for his final journey.
Penang wept for its favourite son, Malaysia cried for the loss of an influential lawmaker, lawyer and leader.
And those who tried to smear the late Karpal Singh’s character or make snide remarks found themselves in public odium and contempt – the Langkawi MP Datuk Nawawi Ahmad being one of them.
In short, the main conclusion that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his government can surmise from this outpouring of grief is simply this – Malaysians love their leaders and politicians who stand for something, to be men and women of principles.
It is not by accident that a multiracial crowd turned out, this was a politician who believed that everyone has a place under the Malaysian sun. Young, old – they were the people who have heard of Karpal Singh almost all their lives.
Everyone had a favourite tale to tell of the lawyer with the easy smile, the strong conviction and the sharp voice in court or Parliament – be they the hawkers in Green Hall or even his political foes in the Dewan Rakyat.
Perhaps some found themselves at the wrong end of the stick in Karpal’s 45 years in law and politics but the turnout yesterday showed the affection that many had for the lawyer.
Will there be such a turnout for the likes of Datuk Zulkifli Noordin, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, Dr Ridhuan Tee Abdullah or other leaders from both sides of the divide that only speak on behalf of their race?
Malaysia is in need of heroes – of principled people. The Tiger of Jelutong was one of them.
And the crowds’ lament for his loss reflects the need for more of such principled people to ensure equality and justice in Malaysia. – April 21, 2014.
#1 by Bigjoe on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 9:58 am
MAHATHIR himself won’t get this send off. Every BN leader passing since Mahathir came to power has been an affair of the beneficiaries of over-entitled and paid/bribed/fooled/forced poor/helpless typical of their elections campaign.
#2 by Bigjoe on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 11:49 am
Is it just affection? Or is it part GUILT? We don’t have Karpal to fight for us anymore, we can’t hide our weakness and failures behind him..
Karpal has his place in history and his legend will only grow with or without us – the world will do it if we don’t. Does the word Malaysia, the creature call Malaysian have our place besides him or do we dishonour ourselves?
#3 by cemerlang on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 3:40 pm
There is always a Karpal Singh.
#4 by winstony on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 1:09 pm
Yes, you’re right.
Leaders with integrity and conscience will always have a place with us.
#5 by cemerlang on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 3:41 pm
But when it comes to dealing with humans, it can be different.
#6 by winstony on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 1:17 pm
Looks like the goose of the UMNO/BN government will be royally cooked come the next GE!!!
#7 by Justice Ipsofacto on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 5:30 pm
Karpal Singh is one amazing fella.
He spent his lifetime fighting for our rights, a better nation and a brighter tommorrow.
And I am sure that his death will bring together a lot of people.
This is one factor umno never anticipated.
#8 by cemerlang on Monday, 21 April 2014 - 8:46 pm
They know. But it is the rakyat who vote. You will always depend on him but what about being one yourself ?
#9 by Noble House on Tuesday, 22 April 2014 - 2:08 am
It is time for old models to be discarded and a new reality rules. Those who subscribe to his philosophy believe in the singularity of all cultures and equal before the laws will usher in an era of deeper understanding and rapid advancement of the country.
It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.