Politicians unite to pay respects to fighter for justice, rights

PENANG — Politicians from both sides of the divide were part of the long queue that formed outside the late Karpal Singh’s house in Penang as people from all walks of life paid their respects to the opposition veteran yesterday.

They all had a memory or anecdote to share. De facto Law Minister and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri recalled fondly her final dealings with the late lawyer in Parliament over the Judges’ Remuneration (Amendment) Bill 2013.

She said the Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament (MP) had conducted himself very professionally and never once mentioned his own sedition case, which was pending appeal.

“When he debated the Bill, he never said anything about his own case. That was why I made a point to praise him for his professionalism in my winding-up speech,” she told reporters after paying respects to the veteran Democratic Action Party parliamentarian at his home.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill, which entitled judges who resign before age 60 but have served for at least five years to pension benefits on April 9. The Bill also provides for an annual increment of 2 per cent on the pension.

Ms Nancy said she had always respected Mr Singh for his charisma and professional abilities as a lawyer and politician. “I hope there will be more like him,” she said, adding that she never got to know Mr Singh better, but she had the opportunity to speak to him casually during Parliament meetings.

Gombak MP and PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali will remember how Mr Singh defended him in the final Parliament meeting last Thursday.

He was ejected from the House by Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia after he tried to push for the motion to debate the actions of the judiciary.

“Karpal was a great leader who fought for human rights, justice and the sovereignty of the law. His struggles transcended political ideologies. He had inspired so many young politicians in this country,” he said. “I have always respected his conviction in struggling for the minority and all Malaysians. He had given me advice on our political struggle for 16 years ... we will miss him.”

Penang opposition leader Jahara Hamid, who paid her respects to Mr Singh together with several Barisan Nasional assemblymen today, said Mr Singh was never personal when he spoke on issues.

“He was well above it. That is why he was well-respected in the legal and political scenes. He will be missed by everyone. I never knew him personally but I looked up to him as a lawyer. As a law practitioner myself, I looked at him as a person who was always consistent in his principles,” she said.

“Penang has lost a renowned lawyer.” THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER