Appeal of intensifying Karpal's charges should be dropped

SHAH ALAM: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) should drop its appeal to intensify the charges against the late Karpal Singh (pix), said Kampung Tunku MP, Lau Weng San.
Prosecutors had earlier appealed against the High Court's decision of slapping a RM4,000 fine against Karpal, as they sought a custodial sentence against the senior politician.
"Now they should show their sincerity by dropping their appeal for a heavier sentence since Karpal is no longer around," he said at the Selangor state assembly today.
"I hope and call on the AGC to drop its appeal against Karpal. At this moment, they should not add salt to the wound," he added.
"The Court of Appeal should proceed with Karpal's side of the appeal to reverse the conviction against him in the High Court," he said.
Lau said he worked with the former DAP chairman from 2004 to 2008 in the Opposition Leader's office in Parliament.
"The country had suffered a great loss with the death of the veteran lawyer. He's someone with a sharp mind, especially in the legal field," he said.
Other DAP members here also expressed their grievances and remembered Karpal to be a man of principles.
"When Karpal was slapped with the RM4000 fine after being charged for sedition, he said if as an MP you are fearful of speaking for the people, you might as well don't be a wakil rakyat (representatives of the people)," Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin said.
"I hope that as wakil rakyat of DAP, we will continue his legacy to speak for the people, stand for justice and stand for what is right."
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran also expressed his grief at the loss of the legendary lawyer and politician.
"It is a sad day, the loss of Karpal Singh will leave a huge void in Malaysia's political and legal front," he said
Karpal stepped down as DAP chairman two weeks ago after being fined RM4,000.