GEORGE TOWN: DAP chairman Karpal Singh yesterday described Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call for the authorities to expedite investigations against him for questioning the powers of the Sultan of Perak as condemning him before he was even charged.

"I feel like I have been condemned, practically tried and punished in the context of the prime minister's statement through the media.

Karpal said he hoped Abdullah's statement would not have any effect on the A-G's decision whether to prosecute or not.

He said the A-G should act without fear or favour and should go by the evidence, and not be influenced by any extraneous considerations.

Abdullah had, on Friday, called for investigations into Karpal to be expedited and a decision made soon as to whether the senior lawyer and politician should be charged as the case had garnered much interest.
Karpal's son and Puchong Member of Parliament, Gobind Singh Deo, said it was not seditious for anyone to make a statement showing that any Ruler had been misled or mistaken.

"There was certainly no disrespect meant to any Ruler.

That we respect them is beyond question," he said.