Penang to give opposition leader Karpal Singh state-level funeral

The funeral of Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Karpal Singh will be conducted with Penang state honours. -- FILE PHOTO: THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The funeral of Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Karpal Singh will be conducted with Penang state honours. -- FILE PHOTO: THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK

GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The funeral of Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Karpal Singh will be conducted with Penang state honours.

An emergency state exco meeting decided that the state flag would be flown at half-mast until Mr Karpal's funeral on Sunday, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The ceremony, open to the public, will be held at the Dewan Sri Pinang in Light Street on Sunday from 9am to 11am, and his casket will be draped with the Penang flag.

"Karpal's departure will leave an immense void, not only in his family's lives, but also in those of all Malaysians who have been inspired by his cause,'' said Mr Lim.

"With his passing, the DAP has lost an upstanding and outstanding leader, the nation lost a brilliant legal mind and the people a fearless 'tiger' with an indomitable spirit who stood up for the poor, weak, defenceless and dispossessed.

"He will forever be remembered as a Malaysian patriot who stood valiantly for justice, integrity and freedom without fear or favour," he added.

Mr Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the party would postpone all events and functions nationwide to a date after the funeral as a mark of respect.

Mr Karpal's ashes will be scattered in the sea on Monday morning.

The 73-year-old veteran opposition leader and lawyer died in an accident on the North-South Highway near Gua Tempurung, Perak, early on Thursday morning. Mr Karpal and his assistant C. Michael died at the scene.

Mr Karpal's son Ramkarpal and the car's driver C. Selvam were injured in the incident, which took place at 1am.

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