The Economist hails Karpal as a rarity in politics
The Economist has described Karpal Sigh as a "rarity in the venomous world of Malaysian politics" for commanding respect from both his peers as well as his opponents.
In an obituary titled “Burning Bright”, the international politics and business weekly said condolences to Karpal's family have poured in from across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who had described the man popularly known as the Tiger of Jelutong as a "formidable opponent".
"Mr Karpal’s popularity was due to more than his tigerish courage and tenacity. His dignity, modesty, humour and courtesy, all played their parts.
"A BBC radio interview in 2011 demonstrated also the remarkable lack of rancour with which he accepted his life’s many travails – including an earlier road accident, in 2005, that left him in a wheelchair," it said in the tribute.
However, the weekly noted that the outpouring of sympathies and friendship was as rare as the man receiving it.
"It was also a reminder that, though his death has been received with respect and regret (some nasty political jibes notwithstanding), that is not how Malaysia's opposition politicians are treated when alive.”
Lawyer and Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal, 73, was killed in a car accident about 1am yesterday on the North-South Expressway near Kampar, Perak, when his Toyota Alphard multi-purpose vehicle collided with a lorry.
His long-time aide Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu also died in the crash while his son Ramkarpal and the driver escaped with minor injuries.
The former DAP chairman will be accorded a state funeral by the Penang government and its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will present the state flag to the family tomorrow.
On Sunday, the funeral procession will stop at important landmarks of Karpal’s life and illustrious legal career. – April 18, 2014.
