Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Dr M: Chinese are rich and Indians are lawyers
Disagreeing with US President Barack Obama, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Chinese and Indians are wealthy and successful in Malaysia.
"In Malaysia, despite our policies, Do you see the Chinese poor? The Indians are professionals, they are lawyers and doctors," he told reporters.
"Those who didn't come to Malaysia are not so fortunate," he added.
Mahathir also said that he agreed with American economist Joseph Stiglitz that there is huge inequality in the US.
Obama had ruffled the feathers of certain quarters, when he said that Malaysia would not succeed if non-Muslims are not given equal opportunities.
"I would like you to read Joseph Stiglitz’s book ('The Price to Pay for Inequality').
"He points out that there is no equality in the US at all. One percent owns all the wealth and the rest are poor. That is why there is a group calling themselves the '99' who wants to occupy Wall Street," Mahathir said.
He reiterated that Stiglitz spoke more truth than Obama, who was the first American president to visit Malaysia in nearly 50 years.
"In Malaysia, despite our policies, Do you see the Chinese poor? The Indians are professionals, they are lawyers and doctors," he told reporters."Those who didn't come to Malaysia are not so fortunate," he added.
Mahathir also said that he agreed with American economist Joseph Stiglitz that there is huge inequality in the US.
Obama had ruffled the feathers of certain quarters, when he said that Malaysia would not succeed if non-Muslims are not given equal opportunities.
"I would like you to read Joseph Stiglitz’s book ('The Price to Pay for Inequality').
"He points out that there is no equality in the US at all. One percent owns all the wealth and the rest are poor. That is why there is a group calling themselves the '99' who wants to occupy Wall Street," Mahathir said.
He reiterated that Stiglitz spoke more truth than Obama, who was the first American president to visit Malaysia in nearly 50 years.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Zahid praised, Najib mocked over Obama's views
Comparing Malaysia to Myanmar, Obama (right) had also said that there are times when non-Muslims find themselves being disadvantaged or experiencing hostility.Seeing red over these remarks, A Kadir Jasin criticised the US president for "interference and provocation" with regard to Malaysia's domestic affairs.
In a blog posting, the former New Straits Times Group editor-in-chief praised Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for rebutting Obama but took a potshot at Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
"Syabas Zahid (left). It was not a waste that the Umno delegates elected you as the most popular vice-president in the last party polls."Thank god, there are still some in Umno who have not been infected with the 'sindrom koro' (utter weakness)," he said.
The veteran editor also asked who is marginalised and prosecuted in Malaysia?
And in reference to the Christians, he added, "Who opened the Pandora's box in demanding that they too be allowed to use the term Allah?"
Stressing on the existence of religious freedom in Malaysia, Kadir said: "So what is the story with the scores of churches in Brickfields, Jalan Gasing and Sentul?"
"What is the deal with Hindu temples all over the place, at junctions, under trees and in caves?"What is the story with the Buddhist temples, Gudhwaras and Chinese temples everywhere? And who controls the economy?" he added.
Taking a swipe at Najib, who rode in Obama's official car, Kadir asked if the Malays and Muslims would remain quiet over this provocation "just because someone was very happy to ride in the car with him (Obama) or because the latter whispered praises in this person's ear."
Kadir, whose views are often critical of the prime minister, has been accused of working with certain elements in Umno who are engineering the ouster of Najib, a charge which he has denied.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261341
Why is Malaysia hiding MH370 report, asks aviation expert
While the world continued to wait for any evidence of the Malaysia Airlines flight, Malaysia had taken the “surprising” step of submitting a report to the United Nations agency, Clive Irving said yesterday in The Daily Beast.
“It’s not customary for air accident investigation reports to go to the ICAO. It’s the responsibility of each nation’s accident investigation agency to release the reports directly to the public as (it sees) fit, according to long-established protocols that demonstrate the independence of the investigators from both political and industry influence,” Irving said on the news portal.
Reuters yesterday reported that the chance of finding floating debris from MH370 has become highly unlikely, and a new phase of the search would focus on a far larger area of the Indian Ocean floor.
Irving said the greatest mystery in aviation history had eluded explanation despite the multination hunt in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean and this raised two questions.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Obama: Discrimination a hurdle for M'sia's success
"This is a Muslim-majority. There are times where those are non-Muslims find themselves, perhaps being disadvantaged or experiencing hostility...
"No country is going to succeed if part of its population is put on the sidelines because its population are discriminated against.
"Malaysia won’t succeed if non-Muslims don’t have opportunity,” he said during the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Town Hall at Universiti Malaya today.
He said this when responding to a question from a Myanmar participant asking for Obama’s advice on how should young leaders deal with the diversity within the Asean region.
Obama’s response included conflicts in many countries, including Malaysia, Myanmar, the US, and others, as examples.
"If you look at the biggest source of conflict and war and hardship around the world, one of the most - if not the most - important reasons is people treating those who are not like them differently," he said, whether those differences are of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
The US president also expressed concern for Myanmar’s democratisation efforts, as groups start to form political groups on basis of race or religion rather than principles such as justice and democracy.
'Speak out against discrimination'
He told the audience of about 600 youth leaders from across the Asean region that although people should be proud of their identities, this should not be used as a tool to look down and discriminate on others.
“You have to make sure that you are speaking out against that in your daily life and as you emerge as leaders, you should be on the side of politics that bring people together rather than drive people apart.
“That is the most important thing for this generation,” he urged the participants.
During the meeting of about 90 minutes, Obama gave a speech on the importance of the Asean region on the global arena, before taking questions from the youths.
These questions included advise for countries like Malaysia trying to become a developed nation, on Obama’s first community projects, what was he dreaming to become when he was 20 years old, whether he had any regrets, and “What does happiness mean to you?”
The US president also expressed concern for Myanmar’s democratisation efforts, as groups start to form political groups on basis of race or religion rather than principles such as justice and democracy.
'Speak out against discrimination'
He told the audience of about 600 youth leaders from across the Asean region that although people should be proud of their identities, this should not be used as a tool to look down and discriminate on others.
“You have to make sure that you are speaking out against that in your daily life and as you emerge as leaders, you should be on the side of politics that bring people together rather than drive people apart.“That is the most important thing for this generation,” he urged the participants.
During the meeting of about 90 minutes, Obama gave a speech on the importance of the Asean region on the global arena, before taking questions from the youths.
These questions included advise for countries like Malaysia trying to become a developed nation, on Obama’s first community projects, what was he dreaming to become when he was 20 years old, whether he had any regrets, and “What does happiness mean to you?”
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261192
Friday, April 25, 2014
PM: Report on MH370 will be made public
“I have directed an internal investigation team of experts to look at the report, and there is a likelihood that next week we could release the report,” Najib told CNN in an interview aired late Thursday.
The government was so far been tight-lipped about its investigation into the disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines jet, fuelling anger and frustration among the relatives of the 239 people aboard the plane.
The Boeing 777 vanished on March 8 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing and is now believed to have crashed in the Indian Ocean, where an Australian-led effort is under way to recover its flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
Malaysia’s government has come under fire for a seemingly chaotic initial response, while the scarcity of official information on MH370 has prompted questions over its transparency.
Malaysia’s transport minister pledged earlier this month that any data that is eventually recovered from the plane’s “black box” will be publicly released.
3,000 turn up at emotional memorial service for Karpal
There were tears, laughter, defiance, grief and above all, respect from those who begin arriving as early as 6pm to pay their respects to the late veteran lawyer and politician affectionately known as the "Tiger of Jelutong".
Young and old, Malaysians from all walks of life came to honour the memory of Karpal who died in a road accident last Thursday along with his trusted aide, Michael Cornelius.
At the main entrance of the premises a large screen had been erected, on which scenes from Karpal's state funeral on Sunday were depicted.
Another screen was set up inside the main hall where the memorial service was held.
Volunteers handed out flowers, posters and stickers of Karpal to people as they entered the hall. There were also donation boxes placed at the entrance.
Gobind: No need to withdraw conviction, I will fight for Karpal
KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 ― Gobind Singh Deo vowed last night to fight tooth and nail to clear Karpal Singh’s name, saying there was no need to ask the Attorney-General to withdraw his late father’s sedition conviction.
The Puchong MP said although there were calls to ask the AG to drop the sedition charge following Karpal's passing, he would fight the case “to the very end.”
“We don't need favours from the A-G,” Gobind said during Karpal's memorial last night at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
“If it was Mr Karpal, he would have fought it to the end,” he pointed out.
In February, Karpal was found guilty of uttering seditious comments against the Sultan of Perak in 2009 when he said during a press conference then that the Ruler’s decision to replace remove Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as mentri besar in favour of Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir was open to legal challenge.
He had previously been acquitted without having his defence called over the same charge, before the prosecution successfully appealed the decision.
Karpal, who was DAP’s MP for Bukit Gelugor, was killed after the Toyota Alphard MPV he was travelling in crashed following a collision with a lorry along the North-South Highway near Gopeng, Perak at about 1.10am on April 17.
Long-time aide Michael Cornelius was also killed, while their driver was seriously injured. Karpal’s son, Ramkarpal Singh and their Indonesian helper, sustained injuries.
Karpal was believed to be travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang for a court hearing that morning.
Born in Penang on June 28, 1940, Karpal graduated with a law degree from the University of Singapore and joined the DAP in 1970.
He ran for Parliament in the 1978 general election and won the federal seat for Jelutong, which he held for five terms. Karpal lost in Jelutong in 1999 national polls and contested in Bukit Gelugor for the first time in 2004 and in subsequent elections.
Karpal leaves behind a wife, five children and four grandchildren.
Source : http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/gobind-no-need-to-withdraw-conviction-i-will-fight-for-karpal
The Puchong MP said although there were calls to ask the AG to drop the sedition charge following Karpal's passing, he would fight the case “to the very end.”
“We don't need favours from the A-G,” Gobind said during Karpal's memorial last night at the Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
“If it was Mr Karpal, he would have fought it to the end,” he pointed out.
In February, Karpal was found guilty of uttering seditious comments against the Sultan of Perak in 2009 when he said during a press conference then that the Ruler’s decision to replace remove Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as mentri besar in favour of Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir was open to legal challenge.
He had previously been acquitted without having his defence called over the same charge, before the prosecution successfully appealed the decision.
Karpal, who was DAP’s MP for Bukit Gelugor, was killed after the Toyota Alphard MPV he was travelling in crashed following a collision with a lorry along the North-South Highway near Gopeng, Perak at about 1.10am on April 17.
Long-time aide Michael Cornelius was also killed, while their driver was seriously injured. Karpal’s son, Ramkarpal Singh and their Indonesian helper, sustained injuries.
Karpal was believed to be travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang for a court hearing that morning.
Born in Penang on June 28, 1940, Karpal graduated with a law degree from the University of Singapore and joined the DAP in 1970.
He ran for Parliament in the 1978 general election and won the federal seat for Jelutong, which he held for five terms. Karpal lost in Jelutong in 1999 national polls and contested in Bukit Gelugor for the first time in 2004 and in subsequent elections.
Karpal leaves behind a wife, five children and four grandchildren.
Source : http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/gobind-no-need-to-withdraw-conviction-i-will-fight-for-karpal
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Jika kerajaan sokong Sri Lanka, kami sokong Israel
PETALING JAYA: Masyarakat Tamil Malaysia akan terus membenci kepimpinan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak jika beliau terus menyokong tindak-tanduk kerajaan Sri Lanka, kata Presiden Tamilar
Progressive Team, A Kalaimugilan.
Tamilar Progressive Team, sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan isu pendidikan dan hak asasi manusia.
Kalaimugilan bertanya kenapa kepimpinan Najib dan kerajaan Barisan Nasional melihat Liberation of Tamil Tiger Eelam (LTTE) sebagai pengganas, sedangkan kerajaan Sri Lanka menghadapi pelbagai tuduhan pembunuhan etnik Tamil atau jenayah perang.
“Kenapa kerajaan masih menjemput Setiausaha Pertahanan Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa (Adik Presiden Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa) dalam satu majlis yang diadakan di Putrajaya beberapa hari lalu?
“Gotabaya kata LTTE terlibat dalam pengedaran dadah dan pengganas.
“Boleh tak Najib membuktikan dakwaan ini?
“Di Malaysia di kalangan masyarakat India 90 peratus adalah penyokong LTTE , termasuk saya sekali.
“Kami pernah menganjurkan pelbagai program termasuk ”Hari Pahlawan LTTE”.
“Kalau betul LTTE pengganas, kenapa kerajaan tidak mendakwa saya di mahkamah kerana menganjurkan program sedemikian? tanya Kalaimugilan.
Kalaimugilan berkata LTTE adalah pejuang bangsa Tamil dan juga wakil masyarakat Tamil sedunia.
“Najib sebagai pemimpin Islam dan memimpin sebuah negara majoriti Islam tidak ada perasaankah apabila masyarakat Islam di Sri Lanka turut ditindas oleh kerajaan Sri Lanka?
“Di mana maruah Najib sebagai seorang Islam apabila ada rakyat Sri Lanka beragama Islam turut ditindas di sana.
“Kalau kerajaan terus menyokong tindakan kerajaan Sri Lanka, maka kami akan menyokong kerajaan Israel.
“Kami akan menjemput Presiden Israel untuk program-program kami atau kami akan menyertai majlis-majlis dianjurkan oleh kerajaan Israel di luar Malaysia,” kata Kalaimughilan.
Kalaimugilan berkata sokongan masyarakat Tamil di Malaysia kepada LTTE samalah seperti mana sokongan masyarakat Melayu Islam Malaysia kepada pejuang Hamas di Palestin.
Source :http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/24/jika-kerajaan-sokong-sri-lanka-kami-sokong-israel/
Tamilar Progressive Team, sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan isu pendidikan dan hak asasi manusia.
Kalaimugilan bertanya kenapa kepimpinan Najib dan kerajaan Barisan Nasional melihat Liberation of Tamil Tiger Eelam (LTTE) sebagai pengganas, sedangkan kerajaan Sri Lanka menghadapi pelbagai tuduhan pembunuhan etnik Tamil atau jenayah perang.
“Kenapa kerajaan masih menjemput Setiausaha Pertahanan Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa (Adik Presiden Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa) dalam satu majlis yang diadakan di Putrajaya beberapa hari lalu?
“Gotabaya kata LTTE terlibat dalam pengedaran dadah dan pengganas.
“Boleh tak Najib membuktikan dakwaan ini?
“Di Malaysia di kalangan masyarakat India 90 peratus adalah penyokong LTTE , termasuk saya sekali.
“Kami pernah menganjurkan pelbagai program termasuk ”Hari Pahlawan LTTE”.
“Kalau betul LTTE pengganas, kenapa kerajaan tidak mendakwa saya di mahkamah kerana menganjurkan program sedemikian? tanya Kalaimugilan.
Kalaimugilan berkata LTTE adalah pejuang bangsa Tamil dan juga wakil masyarakat Tamil sedunia.
“Najib sebagai pemimpin Islam dan memimpin sebuah negara majoriti Islam tidak ada perasaankah apabila masyarakat Islam di Sri Lanka turut ditindas oleh kerajaan Sri Lanka?
“Di mana maruah Najib sebagai seorang Islam apabila ada rakyat Sri Lanka beragama Islam turut ditindas di sana.
“Kalau kerajaan terus menyokong tindakan kerajaan Sri Lanka, maka kami akan menyokong kerajaan Israel.
“Kami akan menjemput Presiden Israel untuk program-program kami atau kami akan menyertai majlis-majlis dianjurkan oleh kerajaan Israel di luar Malaysia,” kata Kalaimughilan.
Kalaimugilan berkata sokongan masyarakat Tamil di Malaysia kepada LTTE samalah seperti mana sokongan masyarakat Melayu Islam Malaysia kepada pejuang Hamas di Palestin.
Source :http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/24/jika-kerajaan-sokong-sri-lanka-kami-sokong-israel/
My last moments with Pa: Ramkarpal Singh
They left about 8pm from my father's office in Jalan Pudu Lama together with Michael Cornelius and driver V. Selvam. The four returned home (in Bukit Ledang, Damansara) about 10pm and had dinner.
Pa, Michael, Selvam, our maid (Selfiana Rengga) and I were to leave that night for Penang. Pa and I were to appear in court the following day to represent a client charged with murder.
The weekend stay in Penang was also for Pa to meet his Bukit Gelugor constituents and prepare the petition of appeal for Anwar's (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) sodomy case.
Before we left, Pa told Michael to take him to his garden. We moved into this house six months ago and Pa was in love with his garden.
Going around the garden is not unusual for my dad and he does that occasionally. We then left about 11.30pm.
Pa was seated in the front beside the driver (they were in a Toyota Alphard). Michael sat directly behind dad. I was seated beside Michael. The maid sat alone at the back of the vehicle.
We exited through the Jalan Duta toll around midnight and for the next 20 minutes or so, I spoke to Pa about some cases, including a matter he had attended in the Court of Appeal earlier in the day and political issues gripping the nation.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Karpal's family proud at 'unprecedented' crowd
"The unprecedented crowd came on their own volition, without us asking them to come, in recognition of the passing of a legend.
"We are so proud of that appreciation and recognition for Karpal. Even I was completely shocked by the response of the people,” Jagdeep Singh Deo (left) said at a press conference in Komtar today.Karpal, who is Jagdeep’s father, and his long-time aide Michael Cornelius Jayakrishnan, 39, were killed in a road accident in the early hours of last Thursday morning, near Kampar in Perak.
On Sunday, more than 15,000 people thronged the city to pay their respects to the late Bukit Gelugor MP at the Dewan Sri Pinang.
In total, state DAP chairperson Chow Kon Yeow estimated, at least 50,000 people attended the former DAP chairperson's three-day wake at his Jalan Utama home, his funeral at the Dewan and the cremation centre at Batu Gantung.
‘What was Sri Lankan leader doing here’
KUALA LUMPUR: Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy criticised MIC leaders today for keeping mum on Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa’s visit to Malaysia, especially when the island state had killed 150,000 Tamils.
Gothabaya had told Malaysia to be wary of Tamil terrorists in the country.
Ramasamy criticised Gothabaya for making the statement at a forum organised by the Defence Ministry last week. The report was carried by a daily in India, The Hindu.
“I’m baffled by Gothabaya’s statement. Since the Tamil Tigers are not present in Malaysia, we can assume that the phrase was used to refer to local Tamil community, said Ramasamy in a press statement today.
He said Gothabaya’s visit was an embarassment to Malaysian Indians because the Sri Lankan government had killed nearly 150,000 Tamils in the island in its 26-year military campaign which ended in 2009.
Gothabaya is the brother of Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
DAP MP M Kulasegaran urged the government to explain the motive of Gothabaya’s visit to Malaysia.
“Why did our government keep his visit a secret?” he asked.
Sungkai state assemblyman A Sivanesan criticised MIC president G Palanivel and his deputy, Dr S Subramaniam, for keeping mum on the matter.
“I am sure Palanivel and Dr Subramaniam are aware of Gothabaya’s visit since it must have been discussed in the Cabinet meeting.
“Being ministers representing the Indians, the duo should have objected to the decision,” he said.
Monday, April 21, 2014
More than 15,000 bid farewell to Karpal
Thousands, including members of Karpal's family, friends, politicians from various parties and the members of the public, whose lives have been touched by Karpal in one way or another, thronged his house on Jalan Utama, Penang, since his shocking death in the wee hours of the morning of April 17.Karpal, who would have turned 74 in June, died in a tragic car crash, along with his beloved helper J Michael Cornelius, 39, near the Gopeng exit of the North-South Expressway.
The Bukit Gelugor MP, who had an illustrious career in law and politics for 40 years, leaves behind his beloved wife Gurmit Kaur, five children and 10 grandchildren.
Here, we bring you the live reports from the funeral proceedings from Penang.
PHOTO GALLERY | VIDEO
LIVE REPORT
2.55pm: As the ceremony comes to a close, the crowd eventually disperses.
Gobind thanks all family, friends, and supporters for attending the ceremony.
Gurmit is being held up by her daughter Sangeet and several female relatives. She appears very distraught, and someone fans her from the back.
Gurmit is being held up by her daughter Sangeet and several female relatives. She appears very distraught, and someone fans her from the back.
Karpal's ashes will be collected tomorrow and scattered into the sea.
2.35pm: Karpal's coffin is moved into the furnace. Despite pleas from the family, the crowd refuses to leave.
2.33pm: Tempers flare as the crowded gathering does not want to make room for members of Karpal's family as they prepare to move the coffin into the furnace.
Karpal's youngest son, Man Karpal, is seen grabbing a mobile phone belonging to a woman and smashing it on a wall in frustration.
2.30pm: People who managed to get into the crematorium compound begin performing the final rites.
Jagdeep Singh sternly requests photographers to stop taking pictures, telling them that because Karpal's wife wants privacy in this final moment.Many refuse to leave the facility, although some people leave in anticipation of a traffic jam.
1.35pm: Lawyer Sukhindarpal Singh, who is waiting for Karpal's cortege to pass by Jalan Farquhar, says: "Today is the people's funeral. People from all walks of life have come to pay their respects.
"They are not paid (to come) or organised to come by buses,"Sukhindarpal quips.
He says he has known Karpal since they were both little boys, adding, "He was really down to earth. A people's man."
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Michael: Karpal’s hands and legs
The simple, quiet and ever smiling Michael Cornelius, who used to push the late Karpal Singh around in his wheelchair, loved his boss as he would his own father.
People who knew Michael, who died in the car crash with his boss on Apr 17, near Gopeng, Perak, said “he is with Karpal to take care of him".
At 9.30am today, a special prayer event will be held for Michael,
who is a staunch Catholic, at the Ipoh General Hospital’s Forensic Department.
His remains will be flown back to his family in Tamil Nadu, India,.
Michael was Karpal’s live-in nurse but more like a son to the veteran lawyer and former DAP national chairman, who would have turned 74 on June 28.
“More than a son, he was Karpal’s hands and legs," said Harvinder Singh, a Penang Municipal Councillor, who is close to Karpal’s family.
"He took care of Karpal’s every need, fed him, bathed him, turned him over on his bed, carried his bags, mobile phone and work documents,” he added.
“He held up documents, the iPad Mini or newspapers for Karpal to read. He answered the phone and held it near Karpal’s ear so that he could speak,” he said.
People who knew Michael, who died in the car crash with his boss on Apr 17, near Gopeng, Perak, said “he is with Karpal to take care of him".
At 9.30am today, a special prayer event will be held for Michael,
who is a staunch Catholic, at the Ipoh General Hospital’s Forensic Department.His remains will be flown back to his family in Tamil Nadu, India,.
Michael was Karpal’s live-in nurse but more like a son to the veteran lawyer and former DAP national chairman, who would have turned 74 on June 28.
“More than a son, he was Karpal’s hands and legs," said Harvinder Singh, a Penang Municipal Councillor, who is close to Karpal’s family.
"He took care of Karpal’s every need, fed him, bathed him, turned him over on his bed, carried his bags, mobile phone and work documents,” he added.
“He held up documents, the iPad Mini or newspapers for Karpal to read. He answered the phone and held it near Karpal’s ear so that he could speak,” he said.
Samy Vellu cries for Karpal, hugs Guan Eng
Even though the duo were from different political alliances, Samy Vellu (right) reached out and hugged Lim, as he expressed his condolences.Samy’s face clearly showed his pain, as he later said, “We were in Parliament together.”
“Karpal always raised issues for the benefit of the people,” added the former MIC president.
“I could do nothing but cry when I learned about Karpal’s death,” he said.
Samy and Karpal used to argue in Parliament during debates, but he describes the lawyer as a leader, a trusted person who does work to perfection.
It was Samy Vellu who first referred to Karpal as a tiger, calling the lawyer-turned-politician a “tiger of the court” while dubbing himself a “lion”.In response, Karpal had said that Samy Vellu could be the lion and he the tiger, but then was quick to point out that there were no lions in Malaysia.
Samy said the 74-year-old Karpal worked like a young man.
“In Parliament, he asked for information from my ministry and sometimes, he wanted more details. I would give it to him.”
Gerakan deputy president Dr Cheah Soon Hai came to Karpal’s house with a team of party leaders including state chief Teng Chang Yeow (right in photo) and state secretary Oh Tong Keong.Cheah knew of Karpal when he was a teenager in 1974, when the latter campaigned for a state seat in Bandar Alor Setar and won.
“Even then when we saw him, we knew he was someone special. He outshone most of his peers then, and leaves behind a great strategy not only in politics but law,” Cheah, the former Derga assemblyperson, said.
‘We can still have coffee in Parliament’
Later, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim appeared.
They met in 1986 in Parliament when both were MPs - Shahidan in Arau and Karpal in Jelutong.
“Despite our differences, we can still have coffee in Parliament. He is a friend,” he said.“We can be different but we can be together. This is an example of unity and respect for others,” he added.
“We hope this kind of politics continues. Karpal always come across as someone open-minded,” he stressed.
Karpal’s last journey to stop at 4 key spots
Penang executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow, who is in charge of Karpal's funeral arrangements, said this will be followed by DAP and other Pakatan Rakyat members, political parties, associations and family members.
"As Karpal's cortege will leave his home at about 8.15am for the state honour funeral at Dewan Sri Pinang, the public are urged to go straight to the venue to pay their last respects," Chow told a press conference yesterday."Traffic police will be escorting the cortege through 10 roads before reaching Dewan Sri Pinang where it will rest for two hours - from 9am to 11am," Chow said.
He said the cortege will proceed from Western Road, Macalister Road, Peel Avenue, Perak Road, Burmah Road, Pangkor, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Farquhar Street, Leith Street to finally stop at Dewan Sri Pinang.
"During the procession, it will stop at four locations - these are locations which are of significant to Karpal's legal and political career," he said.
The four stops are Penang High Court, the junction of Green Hall where Karpal's office is located, the Penang state legislative assembly where his early political career started, and St Xavier's Institution, his alma mater, said Chow.
The procession will be led by the St Xavier's school band.
"In the last few years, Karpal had contributed financially to the school," he added.
Karpal's cortege will be covered by the Penang flag to be presented to the family by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Come to venue early
Chow advised the public to pay their last respects between 9am and 10.30am, and to come to the venue, Dewan Sri Pinang, early.
"Parking is available at the Town Hall and City Hall. There are about 1,500 parking bays," he said.
"Associations and political parties which wish to pay their last respects during the state honours funeral may register their names at the counter at Dewan Sri Pinang," added Chow, who is state DAP chairperson.
"The cortege will leave the venue after Karpal's family perform the final religious rites for Karpal," he said.
Chow said Karpal's cortege will leave Dewan Sri Pinang for cremation at the Batu Gantung Collaborium at around 11am.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/260455
Friday, April 18, 2014
Karpal Singh: A perfectionist and people-centric person, says Samy Vellu
GEORGE TOWN: Former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu has described the late DAP chairman Karpal Singh as a people-centric person and perfectionist.
“He was only 74 but he worked like a young man, day and night, all with the people’s interests and betterment in mind.
“He was a man of action and could be trusted. He was very perfect in his work.
“Everything he did, he did it with perfection,” he said before paying his last respects to Karpal at his wake on Friday.
Recalling their ‘duels’ in Parliament, Samy Vellu said Karpal had always raised questions for the benefit of the people.
“I was in Parliament with him for many years. Everytime and everything he raised, it was for the benefit of the people.
“Whatever questions he asked, I would give him very satisfactory answers. I would provide him with more information should there be further clarification.
“I am very sad today because we have lost a very good friend.
“His demise is a great loss to the country. It was so sad that this had happened to him.
“We have lost a good Parliamentarian and a leader of our country,” he said.
Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said the country had lost once of her most formidable Opposition leader in history.
“The Gerakan Youth feels sad and is still in a state of shock when we heard the news. Every Malaysian feels the same.
“Karpal was a respected lawyer who had contributed immensely not only to the political arena, but to the legal aspect of this country.
“We salute his lifetime achievement and expressed our deepest condolences to the family of the late Karpal Singh,” he said.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/18/Karpal-Singh-Samy-Vellu/
“He was only 74 but he worked like a young man, day and night, all with the people’s interests and betterment in mind.
“He was a man of action and could be trusted. He was very perfect in his work.
“Everything he did, he did it with perfection,” he said before paying his last respects to Karpal at his wake on Friday.
“I was in Parliament with him for many years. Everytime and everything he raised, it was for the benefit of the people.
“Whatever questions he asked, I would give him very satisfactory answers. I would provide him with more information should there be further clarification.
“I am very sad today because we have lost a very good friend.
“His demise is a great loss to the country. It was so sad that this had happened to him.
“We have lost a good Parliamentarian and a leader of our country,” he said.
Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said the country had lost once of her most formidable Opposition leader in history.
“The Gerakan Youth feels sad and is still in a state of shock when we heard the news. Every Malaysian feels the same.
“Karpal was a respected lawyer who had contributed immensely not only to the political arena, but to the legal aspect of this country.
“We salute his lifetime achievement and expressed our deepest condolences to the family of the late Karpal Singh,” he said.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/18/Karpal-Singh-Samy-Vellu/
Deepa needs MIC’s help, but where are its top leaders?
QUICK TAKE: Where are MIC’s top leaders when you need them? Till today, none had come forward to defend S Deepa whose son was abducted by her Muslim convert ex-husband Izwan Abdullah.
Where are you Datuk Seri G Palanivel? Where are you, Datuk Dr S Subramaniam?
So far, we only saw your party’s subordinates coming to the defence of one helpless single Indian woman who could do with some serious help from MIC, the party which is supposed to look after the interests of the Indian community in the country.
Only MIC Youth, MIC strategic director Datuk Seri Vel Paari and the party Women’s wing had stepped forward in Deepa’s defence saying that if the police do not take action, it would mean they are condoning the act of abduction and that it is alright to abuse women.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had earlier suggested that Deepa and Izwan should settle their problems privately stating that the police was not worried over the fate of the son as he was with his father.
After receiving a lot of flak for suggesting the table talk, the IGP then changed his tune to say that Izwan was being probed for other offences and not on the civil court order to release the children to Deepa.
Where are you Datuk Seri G Palanivel? Where are you, Datuk Dr S Subramaniam?
So far, we only saw your party’s subordinates coming to the defence of one helpless single Indian woman who could do with some serious help from MIC, the party which is supposed to look after the interests of the Indian community in the country.
Only MIC Youth, MIC strategic director Datuk Seri Vel Paari and the party Women’s wing had stepped forward in Deepa’s defence saying that if the police do not take action, it would mean they are condoning the act of abduction and that it is alright to abuse women.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had earlier suggested that Deepa and Izwan should settle their problems privately stating that the police was not worried over the fate of the son as he was with his father.
After receiving a lot of flak for suggesting the table talk, the IGP then changed his tune to say that Izwan was being probed for other offences and not on the civil court order to release the children to Deepa.
Michael Cornelius literally ‘the man behind Karpal’
The name Michael Cornelius Selvam Vellu may not be as famous as the man he was serving - renowned lawyer Karpal Singh - but his sacrifice would remain in the annals of Malaysian history for his devotion to his master or boss.
It would suffice to say that Michael was literally the man behind Karpal since the 39-year-old, would push his boss around in his wheelchair wherever he went, including to the Parliament.
Bukit Gelugor MP and former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh, 74, died in a car accident on the North-South Expressway this morning near Gua Tempurung, Kampar in Perak together with his long-serving personal assistant Michael.
Karpal’s daughter Sangeet Kaur Deo said Michael was a 'faithful servant to his master’ and stayed with him even in death.
In a 1.10am road accident at Km306.1 of the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung in Kampar early today, involving an MPV and a lorry, Karpal and Michael died at the scene.
Hailing from Vellore, Tamil Nadu in southern India, Michael leaves behind a wife, a son and a daughter while his body is expected to be flown back to India for burial.
Karpal, who leaves behind a wife, five children and four grandchildren, stepped aside as DAP chairperson temporarily in March, pending his appeal against a sedition conviction.
Source- Bernama
It would suffice to say that Michael was literally the man behind Karpal since the 39-year-old, would push his boss around in his wheelchair wherever he went, including to the Parliament.Bukit Gelugor MP and former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh, 74, died in a car accident on the North-South Expressway this morning near Gua Tempurung, Kampar in Perak together with his long-serving personal assistant Michael.
Karpal’s daughter Sangeet Kaur Deo said Michael was a 'faithful servant to his master’ and stayed with him even in death.
In a 1.10am road accident at Km306.1 of the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung in Kampar early today, involving an MPV and a lorry, Karpal and Michael died at the scene.
Hailing from Vellore, Tamil Nadu in southern India, Michael leaves behind a wife, a son and a daughter while his body is expected to be flown back to India for burial.
Karpal, who leaves behind a wife, five children and four grandchildren, stepped aside as DAP chairperson temporarily in March, pending his appeal against a sedition conviction.
Source- Bernama
10 things about: Karpal Singh, The Tiger of Jelutong -
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — For many who had the pleasure of meeting him, the late Karpal Singh was an approachable statesman and lawyer who had a time for everyone who sought his counsel.The man has been dubbed "a friend to the oppressed and marginalised" was killed in a road accident in the early hours of Thursday. A previous road accident had already left him in a wheel chair.
Karpal was the MP for Jelutong for 21 years. At his death, he was the MP for Bukit Gelugor, having held the seat since 2004.
The DAP veteran left behind five children, four grandchildren, and his wife of over 40 years, Gurmit Kaur.
Here are ten choice quotes from his 44 years in the legal and political arena:
Opposition to Islamic state
- “An Islamic state over my dead body”
Karpal was quoted as saying in a political rally in Sungai Pinang in 1990, leading his detractors to brand him as “anti-Islam”.
- He has since apologised for the remark, and explained in an interview last month with DAP’s online news Roketkini the party’s stand on hudud and Islamic laws:
“The DAP’s stand against hudud is clear … The Federal Constitution provides for a secular state. So you cannot have in a secular state an Islamic law in the form of hudud. In a secular state, we cannot have laws other than secular laws.”
The life and times of Karpal Singh: A fighter to the very end
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Karpal Singh, the veteran opposition politician, died in a car crash early this morning on the way to a court hearing in Penang, forever defining the DAP chairman as a fighter for just cause to the very end.
Despite his reputation as a political institution, the Bukit Gelugor MP thought of himself as more of a lawyer than a politician, as noted in a media interview during his 70th birthday in 2010.
He was survived by five children, four grandchildren, and Gurmit Kaur, his wife of over 40 years.
Here are some of his defining moments in the Tiger of Jelutong’s illustrious career as a lawyer and statesman:
1970
Following the May 13 riots the year before, Karpal joined DAP citing the party’s multiracial political platform.
He had also started his own law firm after being called to the Penang Bar in 1969.
1977
As a staunch advocate against the death penalty, one of Karpal’s earliest victories was to successfully get a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a 14-year-old Chinese boy who had been sentenced to death for possessing a firearm under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
He is alleged to have told the King that the boy’s death would be “politically explosive”.
Despite his reputation as a political institution, the Bukit Gelugor MP thought of himself as more of a lawyer than a politician, as noted in a media interview during his 70th birthday in 2010.
He was survived by five children, four grandchildren, and Gurmit Kaur, his wife of over 40 years.
Here are some of his defining moments in the Tiger of Jelutong’s illustrious career as a lawyer and statesman:
1970
Following the May 13 riots the year before, Karpal joined DAP citing the party’s multiracial political platform.
He had also started his own law firm after being called to the Penang Bar in 1969.
1977
As a staunch advocate against the death penalty, one of Karpal’s earliest victories was to successfully get a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a 14-year-old Chinese boy who had been sentenced to death for possessing a firearm under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
He is alleged to have told the King that the boy’s death would be “politically explosive”.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Karpal’s old foe has nothing but respect
PETALING JAYA: In the early 1980s, two fiery well known figures used to have explosive arguments in Parliament declaring themselves as Tiger and Lion, among other things.
The two were none other than former Works Minister and ex-MIC president S Samy Vellu and prominent lawyer and DAP diehard Karpal Singh.
One of the more memorable arguments in Parliament took place in 1982, when Samy Vellu told Karpal:
“If you are a tiger (Karpal was dubbed the Tiger of Jelutong), then I am a Lion.”
To this Karpal with his usual wit replied:”I am a Lion by birth (Singh means Lion in Punjabi).
Samy Vellu not to be outdone shot back:”Never mind you be the Lion because there are no Lions in Malaysia.”
These were the kind of war of words between the two ever since anyone can remember.
But today, hours after Karpal perished in a motor accident, Samy Vellu has no other words but to say that the vocal lawyer cum politician was a great man who brought championed peoples issues.
“Karpal’s demise is a big loss for the country and the people. He is a man who highlighted the peoples issue.
“In parliament, he was strong advocating the peoples issues. He also believed in the democratic process.
“I have worked with him…in fact we had clashed on numerous occasion.
He raised valid questions and I answered. Although we were at odds in Parliament, there was mutual respect between us.
“He was not like other politicians who like to say that and this outside the Dewan (Rakyat).
He is always consistent and believed in the cause,” Samy Vellu told FMT when contacted today.
Repeating that Karpal’s demise was a great loss to the nation, Samy Vellu said Karpal was a great leader who understood the pulse of the people.
“I will also be attending his funeral. I want to pay my respects to a friend whose loss will be sorely felt,” said Samy Vellu.
The former DAP chairman and Bukit Gelugor MP died in a road accident at Km306.1 of the North-South Expressway, near Gua Tempurung, in Kampar early today, police said. He was 73.
Also killed in the 1.10am accident, involving an MPV and a lorry, was Karpal Singh’s personal assistant Michael Cornelius, 39.
Karpal’s remains would lie in wake until Sunday at his family home in Penang before cremation.
Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/17/karpals-old-foe-has-nothing-but-respect/
The two were none other than former Works Minister and ex-MIC president S Samy Vellu and prominent lawyer and DAP diehard Karpal Singh.
One of the more memorable arguments in Parliament took place in 1982, when Samy Vellu told Karpal:
“If you are a tiger (Karpal was dubbed the Tiger of Jelutong), then I am a Lion.”
To this Karpal with his usual wit replied:”I am a Lion by birth (Singh means Lion in Punjabi).
Samy Vellu not to be outdone shot back:”Never mind you be the Lion because there are no Lions in Malaysia.”
These were the kind of war of words between the two ever since anyone can remember.
But today, hours after Karpal perished in a motor accident, Samy Vellu has no other words but to say that the vocal lawyer cum politician was a great man who brought championed peoples issues.
“Karpal’s demise is a big loss for the country and the people. He is a man who highlighted the peoples issue.
“In parliament, he was strong advocating the peoples issues. He also believed in the democratic process.
“I have worked with him…in fact we had clashed on numerous occasion.
He raised valid questions and I answered. Although we were at odds in Parliament, there was mutual respect between us.
“He was not like other politicians who like to say that and this outside the Dewan (Rakyat).
He is always consistent and believed in the cause,” Samy Vellu told FMT when contacted today.
Repeating that Karpal’s demise was a great loss to the nation, Samy Vellu said Karpal was a great leader who understood the pulse of the people.
“I will also be attending his funeral. I want to pay my respects to a friend whose loss will be sorely felt,” said Samy Vellu.
The former DAP chairman and Bukit Gelugor MP died in a road accident at Km306.1 of the North-South Expressway, near Gua Tempurung, in Kampar early today, police said. He was 73.
Also killed in the 1.10am accident, involving an MPV and a lorry, was Karpal Singh’s personal assistant Michael Cornelius, 39.
Karpal’s remains would lie in wake until Sunday at his family home in Penang before cremation.
Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/17/karpals-old-foe-has-nothing-but-respect/
Karpal makes last journey home to Penang
Amid tears of sorrow, a coffin bearing Karpal Singh's body was loaded onto a van for his final journey back to Penang today.
The 73-year-old, popularly known as the "Tiger of Jelutong", died early this morning after the Toyota Alphard he was in collided with a five-tonne Mitsubishi Canter.
Karpal's body had been brought to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh at 7.25am today for an autopsy.
Besides the throng of photographers and reporters, there were many mourners who waited outside the mortuary to pay their last respects.
As the casket was carried towards the van, many people strained to touch Karpal's casket.
The van departed from Ipoh Hospital at 1.30pm accompanied by three police outriders and other vehicles bearing his family.
The police outriders escorted the van until the toll plaza before returning to Ipoh.
It is understood that the funeral is expected to be held on Sunday at 11am so that relatives abroad have sufficient time to return to Malaysia to pay their respects.
Karpal and his aide, Michael Cornelius Selvam Velly, 39, were killed in the accident which occurred about 1.10am near Gua Tempurung in Perak.
Police said they both died at the scene.
Karpal's son, Ramkarpal, and their driver were slightly injured but their maid is said to be in critical condition.
Police, however, said that the lorry driver, who was not injured in the accident, had traces of cannabis in his urine sample.
Perak police chief Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani had told The Malaysian Insider that the initial urine screening of the 45-year-old driver revealed traces of cannabis.
"We have sent the urine sample to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh for confirmation," Acryl said.
The Malaysian Insider also learnt that initial checks revealed that Karpal's driver is believed to have 15 outstanding traffic summonses for speeding.
Checks on the Toyota Alphard revealed that a total of 29 traffic summonses had been issued, of which 15 had not been settled.
Acryl said this was the result of initial checks and investigations which were conducted under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
There has been an outpouring of tribute and condolences from leaders from both sides of the political divide, the legal fraternity and netizens.
Many described Karpal's passing as a great loss and hailed him as a champion of the people who had constantly pursued justice.
DAP has instructed all its branches to fly the party flag at half-mast as a mark of respect for the party's former chairman. – April 17, 2014.
Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/karpal-makes-last-journey-home-to-penang
The 73-year-old, popularly known as the "Tiger of Jelutong", died early this morning after the Toyota Alphard he was in collided with a five-tonne Mitsubishi Canter.
Karpal's body had been brought to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh at 7.25am today for an autopsy.
Before the casket was taken out of the morgue, Karpal's wife and other family members were allowed in to view the body.
As the casket was carried towards the van, many people strained to touch Karpal's casket.
The van departed from Ipoh Hospital at 1.30pm accompanied by three police outriders and other vehicles bearing his family.
The police outriders escorted the van until the toll plaza before returning to Ipoh.
It is understood that the funeral is expected to be held on Sunday at 11am so that relatives abroad have sufficient time to return to Malaysia to pay their respects.
Karpal and his aide, Michael Cornelius Selvam Velly, 39, were killed in the accident which occurred about 1.10am near Gua Tempurung in Perak.
Police said they both died at the scene.
Karpal's son, Ramkarpal, and their driver were slightly injured but their maid is said to be in critical condition.
Police, however, said that the lorry driver, who was not injured in the accident, had traces of cannabis in his urine sample.
Perak police chief Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani had told The Malaysian Insider that the initial urine screening of the 45-year-old driver revealed traces of cannabis.
"We have sent the urine sample to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh for confirmation," Acryl said.
The Malaysian Insider also learnt that initial checks revealed that Karpal's driver is believed to have 15 outstanding traffic summonses for speeding.
Checks on the Toyota Alphard revealed that a total of 29 traffic summonses had been issued, of which 15 had not been settled.
Acryl said this was the result of initial checks and investigations which were conducted under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
There has been an outpouring of tribute and condolences from leaders from both sides of the political divide, the legal fraternity and netizens.
Many described Karpal's passing as a great loss and hailed him as a champion of the people who had constantly pursued justice.
DAP has instructed all its branches to fly the party flag at half-mast as a mark of respect for the party's former chairman. – April 17, 2014.
Source : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/karpal-makes-last-journey-home-to-penang
Outside Karpal’s Penang home, flowers and sorrow
GEORGE TOWN, April 17 — As news of Karpal Singh’s shocking death sent shockwaves throughout the country, well-wishers and reporters began gathering at his home along Jalan Utama here.
Some brought flowers to lay in front of the late lawmaker’s house. Others brought memories of how he touched their lives from before.
“Karpal was the one to save my brother from the gallows more than 20 years ago,” P. Kalaiyarasan, (left) 51, said.
He was among those thronging the area outside the home, bringing traffic to a crawl.
According to Kalaiyarasan, his brother was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to hang but Karpal took over the appeal against the decision and won his brother’s acquittal.
“Every year, especially during Thaipusam, we would come to visit Karpal at his house,” Kalaiyarasan said.
Political leaders such as Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow and Pulau Tikus state assemblyman Yap Soo Huey also turned up at the house today.
Karpal was killed after the Toyota Alphard MPV he was travelling in crashed following a collision with a lorry along the North-South Highway near Gopeng, Perak at 1.10am.
Long-time aide Michael Cornelius was also killed, while their driver is seriously injured. Karpal’s son, Ramkarpal Singh, sustained injuries.
The Bukit Gelugor MP leaves behind his wife, Gurmit, five children and four grandchildren.
Source : http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/outside-karpals-penang-home-flowers-and-sorrow
Some brought flowers to lay in front of the late lawmaker’s house. Others brought memories of how he touched their lives from before.
“Karpal was the one to save my brother from the gallows more than 20 years ago,” P. Kalaiyarasan, (left) 51, said.He was among those thronging the area outside the home, bringing traffic to a crawl.
According to Kalaiyarasan, his brother was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to hang but Karpal took over the appeal against the decision and won his brother’s acquittal.
“Every year, especially during Thaipusam, we would come to visit Karpal at his house,” Kalaiyarasan said.
Political leaders such as Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow and Pulau Tikus state assemblyman Yap Soo Huey also turned up at the house today.
Karpal was killed after the Toyota Alphard MPV he was travelling in crashed following a collision with a lorry along the North-South Highway near Gopeng, Perak at 1.10am.
Long-time aide Michael Cornelius was also killed, while their driver is seriously injured. Karpal’s son, Ramkarpal Singh, sustained injuries.
The Bukit Gelugor MP leaves behind his wife, Gurmit, five children and four grandchildren.
Source : http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/outside-karpals-penang-home-flowers-and-sorrow
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