GEORGE TOWN – Penang Deputy Chief Minister Jagdeep Singh Deo said that he and his siblings do not harbour a sense of “entitlement” to positions in DAP by virtue of being the sons of the late party stalwart and revered lawyer Datuk Seri Karpal Singh, as he emphasised that more opportunities should be given to young bloods to rise up in the party.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Scoop, Jagdeep, who is Karpal’s eldest son, said that he and his siblings – Gobind Singh Deo, Ramkarpal Singh, Sangeet Kaur Deo and Mankarpal Singh – were not raised by their father to possess such a mindset in securing leadership positions in the party using Karpal’s name.
“No, we don’t do that as we were never brought up that way,” he said during the interview, when asked to confirm whether his siblings harbour such “entitlement” sentiment.
Jagdeep also said that his father had always instilled the value of hard work into them, which would bear fruit to them in their careers.
“Make sure you work hard and everything will just fall into place,” he invoked his father’s advice.
The Datok Keramat’s assemblyman’s comments came amidst the “anti-dynasty sentiments” appears to be emerging within the party – especially against the kin of Karpal and Kit Siang – which was hinted at in several scenarios occurring within the party, as it is gearing up for the upcoming central executive committee (CEC) elections on March 16.
In last year’s Penang DAP election, Jagdeep did not make it to the top 15 cut of the state committee, while Gobind lost the chairman position in the Selangor DAP elections last year after holding it for two terms.
Up to party to decide on our careers, not us
Asked about the emergence of the purported “anti-dynasty sentiments”, Jagdeep, while acknowledging the losses he and Gobind incurred, asserted that at the end of the day, the party members would decide on the longevity of their party careers, not themselves.
“It is not for us to stomp our feet and say: No, we want to be there (in the party leadership).
“As long as you can serve, let them (members) decide. I believe (in) that (principle), as my father has always said: serve the people and you will see the results,” he added.
Jagdeep also pointed out that despite the election losses, himself and Gobind continued serving as the Penang Deputy Chief Minister II and Digital Minister respectively and that Ramkarpal clinched the number one spot in the top 15 race in the Penang DAP elections, having won 1,247 votes.
Ramkarpal, who is also Bukit Gelugor MP, is currently serving as Penang DAP deputy chairman.
Karpal’s motto on leadership renewal
Commenting further, Jagdeep expressed his belief that the DAP should let the younger generation lead the party, echoing sentiments recently made by party veterans Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, Fong Kui Lun, Tan Kok Wai and M Kula Segaran as they announced their withdrawal from the CEC elections.
“It’s not just about my family you know? I am looking forward to the future generation actually.
“I am sure there will be many more Karpal Singhs out there, like what he (Karpal) used to say – when he is gone, “there will be 100 Karpals to take his place,” added Jagdeep. – February 28, 2025