TR EMERITUS

Article and Photos by Fang Zhi Yuan I drove straight to Mount Vernon after picking little Marcus up from the nursery together with my wife. As I turned into Mount Vernon, we were greeted by a huge banner of condolence to the family of JBJ. My wife, being wife, was still nagging me for making a long detour instead of returning home. "I still don't understand why you are so free to come and pay respects to a man we have never met" "Who says so ? We did meet him a few years ago, remember ?" I snapped. Well, it's not exactly a meeting. I first saw JBJ selling his books outside Orchard MRT with my girlfriend (now wife) during my undergraduate days. I had wanted to walk up and talk to him, but my wife pleaded with me not to jeopardize our future by being seen together with this opposition icon. I still recall her rather silly words till today: "What if somebody take a photo of us and send it to the government ? Then we will never be able to find work in the civil service and even in Singapore you know ?"  Perhaps not so silly after all if we realize quite a significant portion of Singaporeans actually share her irrational fears. The road leading up the parlors are lined completely with cars and I have to park further up. Of course, my wife kept grumbling all the way as we walked down towards funeral parlor 1 where JBJ's wake is held. The entire compound was filled with wreaths from JBJ's relatives, friends, supporters and well-wishers that we almost mistook it to be the Botanical Gardens.   Eugene and Siew Peng, who came before me had told me about the huge support shown by Singaporeans. It was not reported by the mainstream media at all and I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it with very my own eyes. There was a gigantic wreath embodied with the Chinese characters "Heavenly Kingdom" presented by WP's Secretary General Low Thia Kiang. Though I may disagree with Mr Low on his methods and style in politics, I genuinely believe that in spite of the differences he had with JBJ when he was still alive, there was never any bad blood between the two men. We went into the Chapel and said a silent prayer in respect of JBJ. His embalmed body lying serenely in the coffin, bereft of the passion which has driven him to devote his entire life in the service of Singapore. How I hate myself (and my wife) for not plucking the courage to listen to his words of wisdom when I had the chance to ! It was 6pm and the crowd started to swell. Singaporeans from all races, religions and walks of life lined up orderly and quietly to sign JBJ's condolence book - a testimony of JBJ's enduring charm and stature in the hearts of Singaporeans. As I was carrying Marcus in one arm, my hands are quivering as I wrote my condolence message in the half-filled book (in fact the 4th): "Dear JBJ, you are truly a hero for Singaporeans. Rest in peace !" I went over to the booth to buy JBJ's book "Make it right for Singapore". I enquired about the price and was pleasantly surprised to be told that the amount to pay is entirely voluntary and the proceeds will go to the Reform Party founded by JBJ in July this year. I took out a hundred dollar note and before I could put it into the donation box, my wife hit me hard on the wrist. "You crazy is it ? Got money to donate to political party, no money to bring the family out for a tour ??" Are Singaporeans as pragmatic as my wife ? Certainly not JBJ who paid a huge price to fight for the rights of Singaporeans. For once in my life, I felt proud to be a Singaporean because of a fellow Singaporean named JBJ who walked tall amongst us.  As I flipped through his book, my tears start to flow uncontrollaby as I read his anthem for Singapore - "Make it right for Singapore" which ends with the following stanza: "Singapore, Oh Singapore, how I love you my Singapore How I love my Singapore, Singapore, Singapore" I am so sorry, JBJ !! In spite of all the tribulations, torture and agony you have been put through by your adversaries, you had never stop loving Singapore !!"  You are not paid a million dollars of annual salary to serve Singaporeans, in fact you were just discharged from bankruptcy at the age of 81. Yet, you feel so much for us to continue to labor on at a age when most people would have retired. Had I known how much you love Singapore when I saw you on that fateful day, I would have rushed forward and HUG you ! My dear JBJ, though you may have disappeared from my life forever, because of your love for Singapore, I will stay on to spread my love to my fellow citizens. Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" Corinthians 13:4-7  Read More →

Written by Ng E-Jay 03 October 2008   My very first encounter with Mr Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam (JBJ) was at a small coffeeshop along Peck Seah Street in May 2007. JBJ had rallied friends, supporters, and other interested parties to come together to discuss the formation of a new political party. He spoke in great earnest, making sure everyone understood the urgent need to press on with the Opposition Cause. JBJ looked at me in the eye and told me with a voice filled with conviction what needed to be done to reform Singapore’s political system. He carefully explained why he wanted to campaign for power to be restored to the people, why the concentration of unbridled power in the Executive was detrimental to Singapore. That first encounter with JBJ was to become one of several, and each time I met him and each time he spoke at in-door seminars, I tried my best to learn something from him. His wisdom and his great many years of experience never failed to touch me every time I heard him speak. Over time, I realized that my previous impressions of JBJ that I had garnered from the mainstream media were quite distorted, and the mainstream media never quite conveyed to the public the real values that JBJ stood for. In real life, JBJ was a passionate man who was filled with purpose and conviction, and he believed greatly in human rights, democracy, and civil rights for all Singaporeans. He believed in the need for independent trade unions, a free and independent media, and an independent Electoral Commission. JBJ also believed in the need for a independent judicial commission which would have the power to appoint judges, and that this power should be taken away from the prime minister. In June this year, the Reform Party was officially registered, and the inauguration dinner was held on 11 July 08. The turnout at the dinner was very impressive, and all Opposition parties took part in the joy and the festivities. It was the most spectacular show of Opposition unity in a long time. Now, with JBJ’s passing, the Opposition must continue to strengthen itself and make that unity shown at the inauguration dinner become a reality and a permanent fixture in our political landscape. The Opposition should work hand-in-hand with NGOs to foster greater awareness of social, economic and political issues amongst the masses, and work to break the gridlock of fear generated by decades of high-handed PAP rule. The Opposition should also develop the competency to address national issues and formulate effective, workable alternative policies to replace the policies of the Government that pay scant attention to the needs of the working class. While JBJ has passed on to a better world, his work must continue. The legacy that he has left us will forever be an inspiration to us, a call for us to embrace the movement, to preserve and honour what has been done, and to finish what has been left uncompleted.   Source: sgpolitics.net  Read More →

Showing up at his wake are mourners from Singapore & Malaysian political sector and legal sector. Lots of wreaths arrived too. In my own opinion, had the LEEgime been removed / replaced in Singapore, a state funeral shall be held to honor Mr. JBJ. I call for a big send off for Mr. JBJ on this Saturday, at his funeral. Info Please come and take part in sending off Mr. JBJ, and bring your friends. on a white board written by Mr. Ng Teck Siong in Mr. JBJ's office, the highlighted court cases in progress. Read rest of article here  Read More →