Karpal best man to pilot DAP’s rocket

Party assemblyman M Manoharan lauds the decision to allow the veteran to spearhead DAP's general election campaign.

GEORGE TOWN: Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M Manoharan hailed DAP’s decision to let Karpal Singh take charge of the party’s next general election campaign.

Manoharan said it was the correct decision given that as party supremo, Karpal should have the final say on all party matters, especially on election campaign strategies and candidatures.

“He is the right captain to pilot DAP’s rocket to Putrajaya … it can’t get better than that,” he said.

Manoharan was commenting on DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s announcement that Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal would lead the party in the next polls.

A former detainee of the draconian Internal Security Act, Manoharan had worked for 15 years as a legal assistant for Karpal, the DAP national chairman.

Mentor and father figure

He said Karpal was not just a leader but also a mentor and a father figure to many present-day party leaders.

Manoharan said Karpal did not believe in factional politics and had always listened to grassroots’ views and opinions.

He added that Karpal had always been consistent and straight-forward in his political principles and stand.

“Karpal has been my mentor and father-like figure for both my legal profession and political career for over 20 years now. Karpal has also been the same to several current party leaders. Certain elected representatives owe Karpal a lot for their successful political careers in DAP,” he told FMT.

Being a party veteran and a grassroots man, Manoharan said Karpal would recognise the party’s loyal, hard-working and trustworthy members.

He said Karpal had consistently made political decisions to safeguard and enhance party interests above self interests.

“Karpal should have the final big say on all candidates in the next polls. He can identify any potential frogs among the candidates,” he added.

Manoharan said Karpal had been DAP’s pillar of strength, besides party advisers Lim Kit Siang and Dr Chen Man Hin, and other veterans for over 30 years.

He said the party cannot ignore, neglect and sideline veterans as their experience was needed “to make the correct decision at the right place and the right time”.

“Their political know-how is crucial and vital in our pursuit for Putrajaya. Karpal is the right man to lead us,” added the former Selangor DAP chief.