COMMENT Karpal Singh was laid to rest yesterday in his beloved Penang. Malaysians from all walks of life, wearing different political stripes have come together to express our condolence to Karpal’s family.

Yet a huge gap remains in our hearts as Karpal exits public life in a tragic road accident. His battles remain a political mission left suddenly, unfinished and incomplete.

Perhaps, like all things Karpal Singh did in life, his passing is made more meaningful, precisely because his mission for a better and just Malaysia was left unfinished. The fight for a better life must always remain a mission incomplete, left for others to carry on.

In Malaysia today, too much is dictated by big personalities. In death, tragic as it seems, Karpal Singh reminds us that no single person should ever be entrusted with the collective fate of our country. In the case of justice, we cannot outsource our responsibility to others, even if he is Karpal Singh.

Perhaps the Tiger of Jelutong is telling us, in the most effective way possible, to put to rest the myth of the “big man” and grow up.

To honour him, we should look back at the causes close to Karpal Singh’s life and make them our own life mission. A fighter for the underdog, Karpal dedicated his life to the law for what better protection is there for the common man than the constitution.

Whether it was his opposition to the death penalty or defending those persecuted for political reasons, Karpal relied upon the law to defend his clients.

The constitution remains a piece of paper without citizens like Karpal to breathe life into it, preventing those in power from trampling upon the weak.

An inspiration to young and old

In life, Karpal was courteous to all. He may have been vociferous in his disagreements with political opponents, and even members of his own party, but no Malaysian can claim that Karpal was ever arrogant or rude. For civility and good manners are the hallmarks of a good person.

Those who have had the opportunity to be defended by him, or mauled by him in Parliament, all have come out to say that he was a man of principle. He maintained, throughout his life, that Malaysia is a secular state and that the constitution is the highest law in the land.

No single pronouncement by a sitting prime minister can alter this fact. It is therefore ironic that a man who dedicated his life to the defence of the law should have died having been convicted of sedition.

Thirdly, Karpal Singh reflected all the best of his alma mater St Xavier’s Institution. Our school was non-discriminatory when accepting students.

Its doors always open to the poorest and, like the school motto, Labour Omnia Vincit (Labour Conquers All), the very best future comes to those who work hard for it. Tireless to a fault, despite being wheelchair-bound, Karpal died on his way to put in a court appearance for a client in Penang.

Fittingly, the St Xavier’s Institution band played 'As the Saints Go Marching In' as Karpal made his final 'public appearance' at Dewan Seri Pinang yesterday. Living up to the school’s creed to always work tirelessly to distinguish oneself but always being humble, and putting others first, Karpal Singh has always been an inspiration to all Xaverians, young and old.

Conscience of the party

So, as we celebrate the life of Karpal Singh, let us not forget what issues were dear to him. To his party, the DAP, always remember that a non-racial Malaysia requires the highest sacrifice from individual members.

There can be no place for racial bigots in the party. It is also important to remember the darkest hours, when almost everyone distanced himself or herself from the party, except Karpal, who dedicated his life to the party.

Perhaps even more significant was when the party had achieved success and needed someone like Karpal to put the party right.

Without his physical presence, it will be up to the members to moderate officeholders going forward.

For the rest of us ordinary citizens, we must never forget that while we slept, Karpal Singh fought and died protecting our rights. For the common man, the law remains something we never fully comprehend. Why should there be one law for the elites and one for the rest of us?

Karpal made it clear that he would not tolerate such things. No one, not even our rulers, are above the constitution.

Those in the legal fraternity, especially those who came to Penang to honour him, should also emulate him. Take up constitutional cases and carry out your duties, pro bono publico.

It is the legal fraternity that helped define the legal safeguards of the country, but it will be up to each dedicated individual lawyer that the common man relies upon for the defence of their rights.

Finally, Karpal’s unfinished mission to make sure every Malaysian has an equal opportunity to better his or her life must now become our collective mission.

Each politician, from whatever party, should be evaluated based upon his or her commitment to safeguarding the rights of the common citizen.

Let us all rededicate ourselves to make Malaysia a better place for our future generations. This way, the Tiger of Jelutong lives forever.

PHOTO GALLERY

NEIL KHOR completed his PhD at Cambridge University and now writes occasionally on matters that he thinks require better historical treatment. He is quietly optimistic about Malaysia's future.