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We must carry on Karpal’s struggle, says Kit Siang

A light may have gone out in the country with the sudden death of Karpal Singh but his party comrade Lim Kit Siang said the best way to honour his memory is to continue with his fight for “justice, rule of law and democracy”.

The DAP adviser said Malaysians, including those who had never met Karpal, have taken his death as a personal loss, which was a testament to Karpal’s stature.

"Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region, most of whom had never met Karpal Singh, are in shock and mourning the sudden death of the Tiger of Jelutong as a personal loss," Lim said in a statement.

Lim and Karpal, both in their 70s, formed a formidable partnership and led DAP through many highs and lows since the 1970s.

Both were also detained for two years under the now repealed Internal Security Act in 1987 following the government’s clampdown on dissent during the notorious Ops Lalang.

In paying tribute to his colleague, Lim said the outpouring of grief which had been manifested in Facebook and Twitter was testimony of the veteran politician's indomitable fight and struggle for justice, rule of law and democracy that touched the lives of Malaysians for more than four decades.

Lim also recalled Karpal as a person who never allowed power and position or his personal trials and tribulations – including his persecution under the ISA – to undermine his commitment to what he stood for.

"With Karpal's death, a light has gone out in Malaysia.

“But the best tribute to the memory of Karpal is the mushrooming of more lights to brighten the national landscape of justice, rule of law and democracy,” Lim said, adding that Malaysia mourned with the great leader's family over the loss of a great son and patriot.

Early today, Karpal, the MP for Bukit Gelugor, died in an accident when the car he was travelling in collided with a five-tonne lorry near Gua Tempurung on the North-South Expressway.

Karpal, who would have turned 74 on June 28, was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang to attend a court hearing scheduled for this morning.

The impact of the crash which took place about 1.10am killed the prominent lawyer and his personal assistant, Michael Cornelious Selvam Vellu, 39, on the spot. Karpal's son, Ramkarpal, and the car's driver, C. Selvam, were injured.

Karpal's Indonesian domestic helper was also injured and is in critical condition at Ipoh Hospital. – April 17, 2014.