News of MP’s death ‘shocking’

PETALING JAYA: For Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pix), the news of Karpal Singh's death hit "like a lightning bolt" as it was only a day before that he had a lengthy chat with him.
Describing him as a man of "unimpeachable moral integrity", he said: "I just cannot express my profound sadness for the loss of a brother-in-arms for freedom and democracy".
"The nation has lost one of her most dedicated servants. The people have lost a selfless, courageous and noble defender of their fundamental liberties. The legal fraternity has lost one of its sharpest minds, and I have lost a true friend ... kind in words, noble in deed," he said, adding that cowards die many times before their deaths, but the valiant taste death but once.
"And so it was with our hero Karpal Singh, for there is none more valiant in life than this great mortal, whose body may have passed but his spirit shall live on with us."
Anwar said that his whole family is saddened by Karpal's death and expressed their condolences to his wife Gurmit Kaur and children Ramkarpal, Jagdeep, Gobind and the rest of his family.
"May you all remain strong in this great hour of tribulation," Anwar said.
DAP central executive committee (CEC) member Dr Tan Seng Giaw said Karpal had always been a courageous and outspoken man who often drew the government's ire.
"He has always spoken out without fear or favour on issues which are dear to him such as religion in a multi-religious country. Very often, the other side would not like it," he said.
Tan, who is Kepong MP, said Karpal is particularly passionate about human rights issues such as the rights of people who have been charged in court or sentenced to death.
Tan also recalled when Karpal was detained under the now defunct Internal Security Act (ISA) under Operasi Lallang from 1987 to 1988, where he showed incredible resilience.
"He showed that he could go through difficulties and obstacles as a detainee, and after he got out, he continued to speak loud and clear. That is why he is (known as) the 'Tiger of Jelutong'," he said.