An ode to Karpal Singh.- The Tiger of Jelutong.

"Thousands bade an emotional final farewell to Karpal Singh at the crematorium, where the last rites were performed for the prominent lawyer and politician also known as the Tiger of Jelutong"

The name Karpal Singh was made known to me by my late brother Gina who was on a few occasions was saved from the law by this attorney and this was in the early seventies and late sixties when my brother was one of the most wanted criminal in the city of Georgetown if not in the State itself. Gina told me of his narrow escapes with the law because he had Karpal Singh on his side hired by his drug lord bosses whenever Gina is is a fix.So whenever i hear the name Karpal Singh being mentioned i remember my brother's tales of his wild days in Penang. The other episode that comes to mind when I hear the name mentioned is how Karpal has been idolized as a people's fighter, for justice and freedom and for the integrity of the people's right to question authority. Karpal Singh was a "true Believer' just like the lawyer in San Francisco who I met and a movie being made based on his story entitled "True Believer" played by  James Woods as the lawyer.who battled to save the life of a Korean accused wrongly of murder.

"A massive crowd had gathered at the Batu Gantung crematorium hours before the hearse bearing his remains was scheduled to arrive at around noon..."
Well like all else in this beloved country of mine you are a hero to some and a villain to others depending from which side of the political divide one stands and look at him, Karpal Singh is most feared and hated by the pro government candidates and supporters and for a good reason, he was a thorn in the side of the ruling party from day one and has shaken a few foundations of authority in this land including the Royalties in their crystal palaces. Where none would dare, only fools and angels thread and Karpal was either a fool or and an avenging angel for those who are looking for a voice to stand up for them against the injustices they had to bear.
I have come to believe that to men like Karpal Singh, right or wrong is of no significance until justice is duly processed and delivered and as he grows older he has become a battering ram against the political system that has run this country almost to the ground. Hence to those who find safe refuge yet under the present system of governance, Karpal's demise is good riddance to a pain in the butt. Most Malaysians has yet to be able to reach out beyond their myopic vision to give credit where credit is due, to celebrate the passing of an icon and a man who has devoted his life in standing up against all odds to bring justice to faulty system of justice..
"The cortege arrived at the crematorium 1.35pm and the crowd took the opportunity to photograph the event as prayers were held..". 

The passing away of this Tiger who stood fearlessly in uplifting justice in this country is a tragic loss for all left and right, Malays, Chinese Indians and the rest of them, no matter their walks in life or if they realize it or not. Perhaps there is in his sons the stripes he has left behind and they will do honor to their father's name by carrying on his legacy in the judiciary field of this country. Perhaps by his demise there will be greater aspirations among the younger lawmakers to step into the old Tiger's Paws and walk his stride into the halls of Justice fearless and yet gentle to those in need.

"At 2pm, when his casket was carried to the furnace, the crowd erupted again, chanting his name to honour a remarkable life spent serving the people and fighting for justice" ..

So farewell to the great Karpal Singh as a Penang born I bid you an everlasting peace on your journey beyond and my respect to your family and condolences for their loss.

"Karpal's ashes will be scattered into the sea later this week. However, the exact time and location is not known yet."
The Malaysian Insider. ...  .    .