Church leaders pay tribute to Karpal
Church leaders paid tribute to the late Karpal Singh today, saying his fight for justice should serve as an example for others to emulate.
Malaysians should be proud of such an individual and pray for him and his family, said Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam, Archbishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, who visited Karpal's house to pay his respects to the political heavyweight and prominent lawyer.
“Look at all the people who have come to Karpal's house to pay their final respects, it is the answer to those seeking a genuine 1Malaysia.
"The tributes which have been flowing in are a measure of the esteem in which Karpal is held,” he said.
"We are all one family, and I hope that God will bless Karpal," said Murphy, who revealed he had taken time off from Easter preparations in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysians from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion and creed, have been making their way to Jalan Utama in Penang since Karpal's remains were brought back on Thursday.
Murphy said Karpal was a man who fought for justice and was firmly opposed to racial religious divides.
Penang Bishop Sebastian Francis said the veteran lawyer and DAP leader believed in a Malaysian Malaysia.
"Many of the well-wishers who have come to pay their respects feel that they are close with Karpal.
"He was always willing to help regardless of a person's racial and religious background," Sebastian said.
Murphy hopes that many more Malaysians would say that they wanted to be like Karpal and serve the people.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, who also visited Karpal’s house to convey condolences to the family, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of Karpal.
"On behalf of the Kelantan state government, I express condolences to Karpal's family," Ahmad told a press conference later.
He said Karpal was a great man who always defended Malaysians and fought for them. – April 19, 2014.
