Najib: An implacable leader

KUALA LUMPUR: In his tribute to Karpal Singh, who was killed in a road accident today, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said that in a career spanning five decades, the former DAP chairman’s abilities made him a formidable opponent.
“In politics, he was an implacable leader; in law, a committed advocate,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by his office. He is currently on an official visit to Turkey.
Najib said he was shocked to hear of the Bukit Gelugor MP’s tragic passing.
Karpal Singh, 74, died in the accident on the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung in Kampar. Also killed in the 1.10am crash, involving an MPV and a lorry, was Karpal Singh’s personal assistant Michael Cornelius, who is in his 40s.
“At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of those who have died in the accident. I extend my deepest condolences to them. We pray that the other passengers make a full recovery,” Najib said.
Karpal Singh’s maid, an Indonesian woman, suffered serious injuries, including brain hemorrhage.
His son, Ramkarpal Singh, 38, and the driver of the MPV, C. Selvam, 27, were slightly injured.
Earlier, Najib said he heard the news about Karpal Singh’s demise on arrival in Ankara.
“I had just landed in Ankara when I heard the news that YB Karpal Singh died in a road accident. My condolences to the family,” the prime minister said on Twitter.
Najib’s visit to Turkey was at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Foreign Ministry said.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also offered his condolences to the family of the former DAP chairman.
“My condolences to the family of the late YB Karpal Singh. May the family members remain strong in their moment of grief,” said Muhyiddin in a Twitter message– Bernama