By Charles Santiago, MP for Klang

People say that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. But none of these mysterious unfolding of life prepared me for the tragic news of Karpal Singh’s passing.

A gutsy lawyer, fearless fighter, party leader and respected politician – I mourn his passing as I write this tribute to a leader, whose friendship I cherished.

It’s not easy to find a person like him. As a politician Karpal spoke out on issues without fear or favor, not caring two hoots about repercussions.

He has been slammed one too many times and branded anti-Islam for ferociously articulating his stand against the formation of an Islamic state of hudud. Karpal never once choose his words or cared about diplomatic niceties even when the sticky issue involved a coalition partner, PAS.

Karpal often clashed with ruling lawmakers and the Speaker in Parliament. His last words to the Speaker at the recently ended sitting were “Tuan Speaker, jangan main-main dengan perlembagan” ( Mr Speaker Don’t play with the Constitution”).

This is despite receiving a two-day suspension from Parliament, in October 2008, for calling Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia “not serious” and “playful”.

Karpal has also been at loggerheads for speaking out against the royalty. He once criticized the King, Sultan Iskandar, for assaulting two men who were brought to the palace by the police. He refused to apologize following an uproar by ruling Members of Parliament and instead filed a lawsuit against the King in 1986 on behalf of one of the men. Karpal lost the case but won the hearts of millions of people for his principles, integrity and dedication to upholding the law.

It’s the fearless outspoken character of Karpal, which led to a charge of sedition against him. He threatened to sue the Perak Sultan for acting above his constitutional powers by appointing Zambry Abdul Kadir as the Chief Minister of Perak.

His courage and consistency has earned him the respect of senior judges and lawyers.

I have been fortunate to be a part in his life’s journey. Karpal campaigned for me in Klang in 2008 and 2013. We had our moments of laughter and serious chats. These moments will be cherished forever.

I too have learnt a lot from Karpal’s grit and determination. Although a 2005 car accident left him paralyzed, never once did I see him let his immobility stop him from doing the things he wanted to do.

We have seen many disrespectful photos and tweets following Karpal’s passing. I have had many phone calls since morning from angry supporters and friends, who were livid with anger.

But I do believe the uncouth behavior of these individuals need not be publicized any further as it only demonstrates their upbringing.

Karpal’s passing is a loss to the nation, to politics and the legal fraternity. He stood tall with his principles and his dedication to fight for a better Malaysia.

I have seen the call from many for a state funeral in Penang. And I too believe it would be a befitting farewell to the Tiger of Jelutong.

Karpal is no more. But the roar of his unrelenting fight would continue to dominate Malaysia’s judiciary and politics.