DAP to continue Karpal's legacy in party's struggle - Guan Eng

 

DAP will continue the legacy of the party’s former leader Karpal Singh in its struggle, said DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng.

He said in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Karpal’s death, the 58-year-old party would continue to uphold the Tiger of Jelutong’s principles which was to firmly adhere to the struggle based on the Federal Constitution.

"We must ensure the supremacy of the Constitution; that is our principle. Whenever Karpal dealt with any matter or made a decision, he would always ask if it was constitutional or not.

“So we use the same principle," he told the media after attending the Karpal Singh Tribute Forum in Georgetown yesterday.

DAP deputy chairperson Gobind Singh Deo said he hoped all parties, especially those in the coalition government, would embrace and continue Karpal’s fighting spirit for the sake of the country.

The second of Karpal’s five children said his father made a profound impact on the people, as evidenced by the many who still remembered his contributions.

"Karpal was indeed firm in his struggle... always appearing as a lawyer for those in need, sometimes doing it for free because they could not afford to pay (legal fees). His struggle must be continued," he added.

The digital minister said his father's struggle in politics and law, especially helping the underprivileged obtain justice, had become an inspiration for today's youth.

Support for coalition govt

Former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said he was confident that his father would support the establishment of a coalition government if he was still alive, as the latter always put his country and party first.

Karpal Singh’s sons Ramkarpal (left) and Gobind

“The country today is very different from what it was in the early 2000s but one thing I am very certain of is that he always put the nation first and his party.

“If you look into that context, perhaps he would approve the coalition government today. I think he would,” Karpal’s third child said.

Ramkarpal also hoped the coalition government would continue Karpal's noble efforts for the people despite facing several issues typically experienced by every new administration.

Also present at the event were former DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.

Karpal, 74, died in an accident on the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung, Gopeng, in March 2014, which also claimed the life of his assistant, Michael Cornelius, 39.

He served as the Jelutong MP from 1978 to 1990 and Bukit Gelugor MP from 2004 to 2014, Karpal was the third DAP chairperson from 2004 until his death.

- Bernama