PETALING JAYA: DAP has unveiled plans to set up the Karpal Singh Scholarship as a tribute to commemorate the late DAP stalwart's significant contribution and enduring legacy.
Its secretary-general Anthony Loke said an initial allocation of RM100,000 annually would be allocated to award scholarships, primarily targeting law students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"(This) I thought that would be the best way to honour his legacy.
"It is a practical approach to both honour his legacy and encourage more individuals to pursue law, hopefully to join public service as a law," he told reporters after attending the 10th year memorial event for Karpal.
Karpal, who was a prominent lawyer, died on April 17, 2014, in an accident on the North-South Expressway, near Gua Tempurung, Perak. He was 74 years old.
To oversee the scholarship programme, Loke has appointed Bangi Member of Parliament Syahredzan Johan to lead a committee.
He said they will subsequently devise guidelines for the selection process, including the establishment of a panel of public trustees and evaluation criteria for applicants.
However, Loke said there would be no requirement for scholarship recipients to be affiliated with DAP.
"There are no such stipulations. Anyone pursuing a law degree is eligible.
"I think the law degree (that is offered) is for obvious reasons. He was a famous lawyer, so we want to inspire more lawyers like him in the future," Loke, who is also the Transport Minister, said.
Meanwhile, during the remembrance event held today at PJ Live Arts Theatre, approximately 400 individuals gathered to reflect on the life, career, and advocacy for justice of the late Karpal Singh, both as a politician and a lawyer.
Attendees included notable figures such as DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and DAP vice chairman Teresa Kok.
Also present were the late Karpal's family members, including his son, Gobind Singh Deo, daughter, Sangeet Kaur Deo and wife, Gurmit Kaur.
During the event, three panellists recounted their memories of the late Karpal Singh.
These included former high court and court of appeal judge, Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus, former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, and human rights lawyer, Datuk Malik Imtiaz Sarwar.