FLAG OFF LEGACY WALK

SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
FLAG OFF LEGACY WALK
19TH MAY 2024

[Salutation list]

First and foremost, I would like to extend a warm welcome and thank you all for gracing us with your presence on this significant occasion, the Legacy Walk, as we honour the life and enduring legacy of the late Dato' Seri Utama Karpal Singh on the solemn 10th anniversary of his passing.

Karpal Singh's legacy is not merely a tale of political prowess, but a testament to unwavering commitment and integrity that spanned four decades of service to Penang, Malaysia, and its people. Whether as the esteemed Member of Parliament for Jelutong and Bukit Gelugor or as the revered National Chairman of DAP, he tirelessly advocated for the rights and freedoms of every citizen, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our nation's history.

Today, as we gather to honour Karpal Singh's memory, we are called not only to reminisce but to recommit ourselves to preserving his visionary ideals for Malaysia. He envisioned a Malaysia where the principles of harmony, prosperity, and freedom transcended barriers of race, religion, and background. His vision remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime, urging us to strive for a Malaysia where diversity is celebrated, and unity is our strength.

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) also holds and will always hold deep appreciation for our former leader, Karpal Singh, recognizing his unwavering dedication to our party's principles and the betterment of Malaysia. As we reflect on his towering legacy, the DAP pledge to continue his work, striving to uphold the values he championed and to build a nation that embodies the ideals he fought for throughout his life.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Karpal Singh once said, "You knock out one Karpal Singh, a hundred Karpal Singhs will rise." His words ring true as his legacy lives on within each of us who cherish his values and ideals. Therefore, as we embark on this Legacy Walk,

Let us draw inspiration from Karpal Singh's unwavering spirit;
Let us persevere in his relentless pursuit of a better Malaysia;
Let us never forget the sacrifices he made to safeguard our rights and freedoms;
And let us march forward together, united by our love for Penang, Malaysia, and our collective determination to realize the ideals that Karpal Singh fervently championed.

Though Karpal Singh may no longer walk among us, I am confident that his legacy will continue to serve as a guiding beacon, inspiring us to honour his memory not merely in words but in actions that perpetuate his fight for justice, democracy, and the rights of all Malaysians.

Having said that, I once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for gracing us with your presence today. May the resounding roar of the Tiger of Jelutong echo through the corridors of time, inspiring us with unwavering strength and resolve as we strive to fulfil the vision of a better, brighter Malaysia for generations to come.

Karpal Singh may be gone, but his legacy will live on in our hearts and in the actions we take to honour his memory. Thank you.