The tiger sleeps. But his roar will be heard for generations to come. What more when his cubs, now ferocious adult tigers themselves, roam the political and legal jungles, striking fear in the hearts of their adversaries, just like their father.

It was a harsh and unforgiving political climate that he thrived in. And in an era where Malaysians had almost zero access to alternative information, he became one of the most respected, admired and recognisable politicians.

From kampungs, estates to the cities, be it the young or old, everyone knew Karpal Singh.

It was former MIC president S Samy Vellu who first referred to Karpal as a tiger, calling the lawyer-turned-politician a “tiger of the court” while dubbing himself a “lion”.

In response, Karpal said that Samy Vellu could be the lion and he the tiger, but then was quick to point out that there were no lions in Malaysia...