The Malaysian Insider – 9 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- DAP, acting for Karpal’s family, cannot offer legal aid to driver
DAP is unable to offer legal assistance to the late Karpal Singh’s driver C. Selvam who is charged with reckless and dangerous driving as the party will be representing the families of Karpal and two others, its national legal bureau chief Gobind Singh Deo said today.
He said it was unfortunate that some quarters have chosen to politicise the matter and condemn Karpal’s family and DAP for failing to assist Selvam in his trial.
"Those criticisms are sorely misplaced. One cannot assist or act for both sides in any court proceeding, what more in a criminal prosecution. This is basic," he said in a statement.
MCA political bureau deputy chairman Marco Yap earlier today said the DAP could desert the people if it was prepared to ditch Selvam.
"Voters are urged to take cognisance that if the DAP can abandon Karpal's faithful driver, imagine how easily the DAP can rocket down (pun unintended) its promises to constituents," he said in a statement.
The veteran DAP leader and former Bukit Gelugor MP and his personal assistant Michael Cornelius, 39, died on the spot after their multi-purpose vehicle was involved in a collision with a lorry.
Indonesian maid Selfiana Rengga, 26, who was in the vehicle was seriously injured, while Selvam and Ramkarpal Singh, Karpal's son, escaped with minor injuries.
Gobind, who is also Karpal's son, said what happened to the victims was most horrific and nothing could ease the pain and grief of the families and those affected in the incident.
The Puchong MP said the Attorney-General had thought it fit to prosecute Selvam and it was for the court to decide on the outcome.
"If Selvam is found to have committed no wrong, then he must be cleared. But if he is found to have committed an offence, he must like everyone else who are subject to the laws of Malaysia, face the consequences," he added.
Gobind said he will lead a team of lawyers in holding a watching brief and also file civil suits, if necessary.
The 27-year-old Indian national was charged in the Kampar Sessions Court on July 9, but has been remanded as he was unable to post the RM5,000 bail.
The court fixed August 8 for mention.
Selvam is alleged to have committed the offence at KM306.1 of the North-South Expressway near Gua Tempurung in Kampar at 1.10am on April 17.
Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty executive director Eric Paulsen said any individual could post bail for Selvam.
However, he said, when it came to legal defence, lawyers were bound by rules of ethics and the offer of legal assistance should not be done out of spite for the family and to score points against the DAP.
He said Selvam was entitled to a competent legal defence, just like any other accused person.
"The driver is innocent until found guilty by the court. Others could bail him so that he could remains free to stand trial," he said, referring to BN political parties offering assistance to Selvam.
Paulsen said Karpal's children, most of them lawyers, could also not get involved as they could also breach the etiquette rules of legal practice.
The charge carries a jail term of up to five years or a fine up to RM20,000, or both, upon conviction.
The court could also bar the convicted person from driving for a maximum 12 months.
Apart from Ramkarpal, lorry driver Abu Mansor Mohd has been summoned to give evidence.
The Gerakan and MIC have come forward to provide bail money for Selvam. – August 3, 2014
