Singh is king, says Karpal
(NST) – IT'S the title of a Hindi movie which has captured the imagination of every red-blooded Sikh — Singh is Kinng.
And Karpal Singh obviously takes delight in the title and used it to reinforce his image as a fearless person.
"Singh is King. I am not afraid. They made 100 police reports, sent me two bullets and demonstrated (near his law firm and house). Section 57 of the Internal Security Act says that anyone caught and found guilty of being in possession of live bullets will face the gallows," said Karpal, debating the Royal Address while defending himself against claims he had committed treason.
Karpal gave his take on who could have sent the bullets to him — instantly getting blood pressures up among backbenchers.
"Where did the celaka (damn) Pemuda Umno fellow get the bullets?" he asked.
Puad Zakarshi (BN-Batu Pahat), Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) and Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) immediately demanded a retraction.
Karpal: "No I am not accusing anyone in particular. Don't play the fool with me. I am speaking the truth here. They demonstrated in front of my home in Penang," he said, leaving little doubt who he thought sent the bullets to him.
"Singh is King. Umno Youth, don't play with me. Article 181(2) of the Federal Constitution clearly states no proceeding shall be commenced in a personal capacity, except in special court. Read the Constitution. I am clear," he said on his aborted plan to take the Sultan of Perak to court over the appointment of a new menteri besar for Perak.
By now the backbenchers were repeatedly demanding that Karpal stop using the term celaka against the Umno Youth.
"It is unparliamentary language. He should retract it," demanded Rahman, who is also the Umno Youth secretary
Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar instructed Karpal not to use the word.
He had to repeat himself several more times before Karpal agreed.
"Okay, okay I will retract, but that does not change anything about Umno Youth."
Karpal continued in the same vein and made known his views on the judiciary, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.
He rounded up by giving his oft-repeated warning remark in the house: "Don't play with me (Jangan main-main)."
Earlier, Karpal at the start of his speech, tried to clear the air over his recent remarks on Pakatan Rakyat and opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I don't have any misunderstanding with him. I accept him as a leader of Pakatan," he said.
He refused to entertain calls for clarifications from backbenchers as Karpal had previously called on Anwar to step down as opposition leader.
"That is none of your business," he said in his dismissive tone.
