Reaffirmed commitment to continuing Karpal’s legacy of fighting racism, religious bigotry and corruption.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the late political stalwart Datuk Seri Karpal Singh as a loyal friend until the end of his life, and not an “easy to deal with” companion.
He said this in a Facebook post after attending the “Reminiscing Karpal” event in George Town today with his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
“I attended to pay tribute to a friend, a people’s champion, and a lawyer, Karpal, at an event commemorating him, who passed away 10 years ago. Azizah and I are deeply moved because our family has a long history with Karpal.
“Recalling personal experiences with him, who was also my defence attorney, Karpal was indeed a loyal friend until the end of his life.
“He is also not an ‘easy to deal with’ companion as he could be very ‘direct’ in some matters and firm about them,” he said.
Anwar said the late Karpal, who once defended him in court, was a staunch advocate for the Constitution and deeply loved his country.
“Karpal remained a steadfast friend who stood by me during challenging times and was committed to the struggle until his last breath.”
Anwar also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing Karpal’s legacy of fighting racism, religious bigotry and corruption.
“Karpal had placed the rule of law, judicial independence, democracy, human rights and justice on a high pedestal. We learn in Cabinet that the challenge is tough but not insurmountable.
“I have said to (Tan Sri) Lim Kit Siang (former DAP adviser) that we are here for a purpose, and we are determined to make sure Malaysia matures as a democracy. We will continue to fight and defend the rights of every single citizen of this country, whether majority or minority,” he said.
Also present at the event were DAP National deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo, Karpal’s second son; Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and former deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh, Karpal’s third child.
Describing Karpal as a courageous and noble defender of fundamental liberties, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, believes that the “Tiger of Jelutong” would have been pleased with the current government but would nonetheless remain tough and critical.
“I believe Karpal would be happy, but if you think that even if he had been here (now) and would not grumble and protest, I disagree. He will continue to be tough and criticise the prime minister. That’s Karpal.
“We were good friends and on excellent terms, and Karpal was clear in his support, along with Kit Siang, for me to assume the premiership, but he was tough and so critical,” he said.
The PKR president also expressed his pleasure that Gobind, Ramkarpal, and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo continue their father’s legacy and commitment.