KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed his sympathy to the family of late DAP veteran Karpal Singh, and described him as a “formidable opponent”.

Najib, who had just landed in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday morning for a two-day working visit, extended his condolences via his Twitter account.

“I had just landed in Ankara when I heard that YB Karpal Singh died in a road accident. My condolences to the family.”

Najib described the former DAP chairman, who was a prominent lawyer, as an implacable leader.

“I am shocked to hear of Karpal Singh’s tragic passing.

“In a career that spanned five decades, Karpal’s abilities made him a formidable opponent.

“In politics, he was an implacable leader; in law, a committed advocate.”

He said he prayed for the injured victims full recovery and sympathised with grieving family members.

“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.”

In George Town, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Karpal was a member of parliament who had lived up to his role as an elected representative.

“Karpal’s views were respected and feared by many.

“I knew him for more than 20 years and he had always been serious and bold to raise the people’s voices,” he said after chairing a meeting with Penang Umno leaders here yesterday.

He said the “Tiger of Jelutong” was an expert on laws and the Constitution.

“Karpal was also one of the most senior MPs and although he was not well, he always tried to attend parliamentary sittings.

“I am saddened over his passing and on behalf of the government and Umno, we extend our condolences to his family,” he said, adding that Karpal would always be remembered.

Muhyiddin, accompanied by Penang Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman, visited the Bukit Gelugor MP’s home at 5pm yesterday to pay his last respects.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said despite subscribing to a different political ideology, Karpal had contributed much to the nation.

He said Karpal was critical of the government when he perceived things were not right.

“Some of his criticisms might not be correct, but some had basis.

“We have always needed opposition members who talk sense,” he said after delivering a keynote address at a business conference at Matrade yesterday.

-NST