Principled to a fault

http://www.mmail.com.my/story/principled-fault-40859

IT has been seven years since Karpal Singh was confined to a wheelchair following an accident, but the 72-year-old DAP chairman still knows how to make himself heard in the cacophony of Malaysian politics. He has delved into many controversies, even going after members of his own party. He also took aim at PAS over the hudud issue. His outspoken nature may make his own colleagues uncomfortable, but Karpal contends he has and always will be principled — even to a fault. He talks to TERENCE FERNANDEZ and RAM ANAND.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 - 18:23
by Terence Fernandez
by Ram Anand

THE MALAY MAIL: What are the core issues to be discussed at your National Congress this weekend?

KARPAL SINGH: Of course the Kelantan issues, with gender segregation and what not. We need to discuss that, and of course, the forthcoming elections. We should come up with a resolution to address this matter as it is very serious you know.

The DAP has seen plenty of infighting or differences in opinion. Are you going to use the congress to tell members to close ranks?

Yes, I think whatever differences should be voiced out and resolved during the congress. It shoud serve as a rallying point for elections.

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Talking of young leaders, The late Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee Poh Lin had said that after becoming a politician, he realised he could do more for the community as a community leader than as a politician. As such, his son Simon Lee wants to contest that seat on an independent ticket so he could do more for the community. He felt his father was confined as a DAP member. What do you say to new batch of leaders who are as idealistic as Simon?

(Laughs) Hmmm … but that is politics you know. Once you come into it, things are different from what you thought of it from the outside. Unfortunately, that is what it is. It is not easy, I think. Here, sticking to principles count. There are a lot of people out there, you know, like this.

There is a compulsion to reward loyalty even though the person might not be the best candidate …

Misplaced (loyalty) ... yes. That also happens. Some good ones are just left out.

And it's endemic to every political party?

It is. On whose side you are and so forth, you know (laughs). 

Everybody has those factions, I think. You can't run away from that. Every party has it. But depends, to which extent, as long as it's done professionally.

Shouldn't DAP look at the Simon Lee's situation and say, this is Edward Lee's son, so ...

But that's a problem you see, for us not to contest a seat. Because we need the numbers, we can't take for granted, you know, that at the assembly we will have the majority. Anything can happen.

PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said that the US Presidential Election would be a good system for us to follow. Would you second that?

Ours (DAP) is different. We select out of the elect 20, and then these 20 elect the chairman. A lot of people think it's very undemocractic because it's not like other parties where the principal of this position is voted.

In 2008, we can say people just voted for anyone who was not from Barisan Nasional (BN).

Yes, that's what happened. It happened in 1969 too you know, same thing. But on a bigger scale this time.

But GE13 looks like people are going to look at the individual who is contesting.

Because that is what it should be also. Because the democratic system is not a good system if you really look at it. Like 2008, doesn't matter who was on the other side, any fellow on this side- it's a dangerous system. Of course, it depends on the electorate.

Other countries are okay, like England and all that, here our fellows, they go by sentiment.

And then they SMS something about you, and you are dead.

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