Karpal’s old foe has nothing but respect

The two leaders were like cats and dogs in Parliament, but Samy Vellu is deeply hurt with Karpal Singh's demise

PETALING JAYA: In the early 1980s, two fiery well known figures used to have explosive arguments in Parliament declaring themselves as Tiger and Lion, among other things.

The two were none other than former Works Minister and ex-MIC president S Samy Vellu and prominent lawyer and DAP diehard Karpal Singh.

One of the more memorable arguments in Parliament took place in 1982, when Samy Vellu told Karpal: “If you are a tiger (Karpal was dubbed the Tiger of Jelutong), then I am a Lion.”

To this Karpal with his usual wit replied:”I am a Lion by birth (Singh means Lion in Punjabi).

Samy Vellu not to be outdone shot back:”Never mind you be the Lion because there are no Lions in Malaysia.”

These were the kind of war of words between the two ever since anyone can remember.

But today, hours after Karpal perished in a motor accident, Samy Vellu has no other words but to say that the vocal lawyer cum politician was a great man who brought championed peoples issues.

“Karpal’s demise is a big loss for the country and the people. He is a man who highlighted the peoples issue.

“In parliament, he was strong advocating the peoples issues. He also believed in the democratic process.

“I have worked with him…in fact we had clashed on numerous occasion. He raised valid questions and I answered. Although we were at odds in Parliament, there was mutual respect between us.

“He was not like other politicians who like to say that and this outside the Dewan (Rakyat). He is always consistent and believed in the cause,” Samy Vellu told FMT when contacted today.

Repeating that Karpal’s demise was a great loss to the nation, Samy Vellu said Karpal was a great leader who understood the pulse of the people.

“I will also be attending his funeral. I want to pay my respects to a friend whose loss will be sorely felt,” said Samy Vellu.

The former DAP chairman and Bukit Gelugor MP died in a road accident at Km306.1 of the North-South Expressway, near Gua Tempurung, in Kampar early today, police said. He was 73.

Also killed in the 1.10am accident, involving an MPV and a lorry, was Karpal Singh’s personal assistant Michael Cornelius, 39.
Karpal’s remains would lie in wake until Sunday at his family home in Penang before cremation.