Story by Chan Lilian
JUNE 28 would have been the late Karpal Singh’s 74th birthday.
His son Ramkarpal Singh, the newly-elected Bukit Gelugor MP, revisited the Ju Huat coffee shop in Air Itam where the late Karpal used to hold his weekly press conferences.
“It is my privilege to hold the first press conference after my election as MP of Bukit Gelugor in this coffee shop which was the late Karpal’s favourite kopitiam. Although my family cannot hold any celebrations at the moment, this is a sentimental remembrance of him,” Ramkarpal said.
Gurmit Kaur, who is Karpal Singh’s wife, brought some cherry and strawberry cakes to share with the media members.
“When Karpal was around, we used to celebrate his birthday with the elderly folks at the Little Sisters of the Poor. Even though he is no longer here, we are going there to share these cakes with them.”
Before the press conference, Ramkarpal did a walkabout of the Air Itam market.
Market traders who are very fond of the late Karpal cheered and greeted Ramkarpal. Some of the traders, who are familiar with Ramkarpal, exclaimed that it is good their MP can visit their stalls again as previously it was not convenient for Karpal to reach some of them when he was in a wheelchair.