The opposition DAP has extended its condolences to its first party leader CV Devan Nair - and who was later appointed Singapore's president who passed away in Canada at the age of 82.

"Apart from a strung of distinguished parts in Singapore, Devan was also DAP's first MP for Bangsar, founder member of DAP and the party's first secretary-general when the party was registered on March 18, 1966," said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

He said that Devan Nair was "a warrior for democracy, a defender of justice, a fighter for freedom, a voice for the weak and underprivileged and a tireless member for the labour movement".

"His death shall be solely missed not only by his family members but friends of human rights, Devan was also a gracious and generous human being loyal and supportive of his friends, and those in need.

"Devan Nair left behind a legacy of democracy across Malaysia and Singapore and shall always be fully remembered as a friend of ordinary workers."