Tribute to The Tiger of Jelutong

R.I.P to the man who brought a whole new definition to the legal proffesion. 

R.I.P. Tiger of Jelutong

R.I.P. Karpal Singh

Who is Karpal Singh?

Karpal Singh was a Malaysian lawyer and politician, who has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of Bukit Gelugor in the state of Penang since 2004. He was the National Chairman of the Democratic Action Party (DAP)

Born in Penang to an Indian Punjabi immigrant father, Karpal read law at the University of Singapore. He is one of Malaysia's most prominent lawyers, and has taken up numerous high-profile cases, including drug trafficking charges against foreign nationals, andsodomy accusations against former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. Karpal is a staunch opponent of the death penalty, especially in relation to drug trafficking offences.

In both courtrooms and parliament, he is known as a controversial figure. He has been suspended from parliament numerous times, charged for sedition, and has been detained under Malaysia's internal security laws. His reputation as a lawyer and opposition politician has earned him the nickname "the Tiger of Jelutong".

Karpal's political career began in 1970 when he joined the DAP. He won a seat in the Kedah State Legislative Assembly in 1974. He was first elected to parliament in 1978 as the representative for Jelutong, Penang, and held the seat for more than 20 years until losing it in 1999. He returned to parliament in the next general election, and led the DAP to its strongest ever performance in the 2008 general election.

A motor vehicle accident in 2005 has since left Karpal using a wheelchair and with neuromotor problems in his right arm. Despite this, he has continued his legal and political careers.

Singh died on 17 April 2014 after being in another motor vehicle accident. He was 73 years old.

Died with him was his assistant, C. Michael.

His son, Ram Singh and an Indonesian maid was severely injured in the car crash.

What is his "Wow-Factor"?

Definitely his confidence

- Karpal Singh was a minority in the minority. He was still classified as a Hindu, but he is a Sikh (let's not too deep about that) But, that did not stop him from standing on his roots and I don't think he never once felt that "This is not my job"

He is a lawyer by profession. Which automatically means he is great at persuasion and influencing. Maybe that is it, but, he will always remain in our thoughts as the current Penang will not be how it is now if it is not for himand Mr. Lim Guan Eng. The two most down-to-earth politicians in Malaysia.

Every year, during Thaipusam in Penang, the Waterfall road will be full withstall which will give free drinks to the devotees. Mr. Karpal Singh, who has a house o the road, will be outside of his house, sitting on a wheelchair. I have personally spoke to him more than 5 times. He was such down-to-earth.

All I want to say now is, we cannot get a tiger to you. You are truly a hero till the very end sir!

Thank you for all your deeds

You will truly be missed.

Till my next post, Cheers and let's all pray for this great soul

Thanks for reading

BrokenSpecs XoXo