Sarawak leaders hail Karpal’s tenacity to fight until the end
If there is one thing that politicians on both sides of the divide in Sarawak agree on about Karpal Singh, it is his dogged tenacity “to fight until the end” to uphold his beliefs.
“We may not be on the same side of the divide but I admire his unwavering stand on certain political issues which he believed in,” Sarawak Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing said in his tribute to the veteran DAP politician who was killed in a car crash this morning.
“He dared to be different even with his party's stand if it was against his beliefs and principles,” added Masing, who is also president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
Malaysia, Masing said, has lost an honest and brave politician who dared to fight for a cause without fear or favour, referring to Karpal's stand in upholding the Constitution and keeping the country secular.
State PKR chief Baru Bian, in describing Karpal as a “fearless fighter”, said: “As a lawyer, I honour him for his fearlessness and dedication in upholding justice.
“As a politician, I salute him for his consistency in speaking for the rakyat and for upholding the Federal Constitution without fear or favour.
“He was true to his reputation as the Tiger of Jelutong.”
Baru said despite the persecution he endured over the decades at the hands of the authorities, Karpal held true to his principles and never faltered in his fight for human rights, justice and the supremacy of the Constitution.
“Here was a lawyer you could count on to lay down the facts and the law, and a man you could rely on to articulate the right from the wrong.
“His views at times may not have been pleasing even to those in his own party but he never held back from speaking his mind.
“His motivation was not the popularity stakes, but truth and justice.”
Baru said Karpal had taken his recent conviction for sedition, “merely for giving a legal opinion”, in stride, adding that he vividly remembered Karpal's last words on that conviction: ‘We must stay and fight’.”
“Indefatigable and relentless leaders such as Karpal Singh are few and far between.
“While we mourn his passing, I also offer a prayer in thanksgiving for his extraordinary life which was generously lived in the service of his people.”
Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen described Karpal as a politician who “had stood tall in a political environment which is full of vicious lies and racism”.
“We will continue his fight and his spirit to uphold the Constitution.
“He will be most remembered for that and to keeping Malaysia secular,” Chong added.
Chong also said Karpal struck him as a person who was serious but with a great sense of humour, he “can't see any other politician who can come close to him”.
“No authority could cow him into submission. His belief was unwavering.” – April 17, 2014.
