Mr Jeyaretnam will not want us to remain silent

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Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Singapore Democrats

The SDP is deeply saddened by Mr J B Jeyaretnam's death. As we attended the wake and saw the body that lay serene and dignified, we are reminded of his courage and determination. We salute Mr Jeyaretnam and his life.

He had endured the cruel treatment of his enemies and continued to stand firm against those who would persecute him. The repeated defamation suits could not deter him from speaking up for Singaporeans. His principled stand never endeared him to his rulers.

From his early battles at Anson to his twilight years where he stood outside shopping centres, at train stations and below office buildings to hawk his books exhorting passers-by to make it right by Singapore, he has always done right by Singapore.

Today he lays still and his voice is silent. But Mr Jeyaretnam will not want us to remain silent. He wants us to continue to speak up against what is wrong about the system and to continue to work for what he lived for -- a democratic Singapore.

We, the Singapore Democrats, will honour the memory of a great patriot by continuing to raise our voices for justice and to do right by Singapore.

We bid Mr Jeyaretnam a final farewell but his voice remains with us.

Gandhi Ambalam
Chairman
Singapore Democratic Party

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ahsayman - Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:42 AM

Farewell, Godspeed. 'THE LION OF SINGAPORE.'

Bianca - Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:48 AM

My sincerest condolences to JBJ.

Till his last breath, he never gave up the idea of wanting to fight for justice. His selfless endurance leaves behind footsteps for us to follow on, and finish off from where he left off.

If there ever was a true hero for Singapore, I'd say JBJ is worthy for consideration surely.

Let us continue the fight for freedom against governmental confinement.

HK - It will not end until the Family is demolished Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:48 AM

LKY build the political infrastructure of Singapore on his Family!

This is not nepotism but this is talent. If LKY had not been around, his Fag of a son would have been Prime Minister earlier! ==> that's what the Old Dictator wants you to believe & repeated by his toilet paper, Shit Times.

His sidekick (the wooden side door) confirmed his idiocy & subservient status when he muttered, "They are a remarkable family!".

Mr JBJ has shown us that there are at least one person who would stand up to the hypocritical corrupt practices of the Family. People attend JBJ's wake to show respect. People attend LKY's wake to spit at him, curse him & make sure that he is really dead! Even when his wife is sick in hospital, many people are cursing her. That's the truth of the feeling of the people for the Family.

Pure evil and dirt proclaming to be good & fair. That Old Dictator now looks like a Gollum in Lord of the Rings. Evil has shaped his looks!

Ada Style - Thanks! Thu 02 Oct 2008 5:00 AM

Thanks for undertaking to carrying on his crusade.

KIM - Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:27 AM

Please do not let him die in vain. Continue his legacy. Its time that we all speak up, stand up for what is right, stand up for freedom, stand up for democracy, stand up against the injustice, stand up against human right abuses.

This maybe the catalyst for a brighter future.

Citizen - Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:46 AM

JBJ is a true patriot who believes in our freedom, our rights. He fought with his life for us till the last day of his life. He is a man of highest honour, integrity, whose character we shall emulate for our generations and all.

quantum - Thu 02 Oct 2008 7:10 AM

http://www.singaporelaw.sg/rss/judg/9713.html

Singaporean - PLEDGE Thu 02 Oct 2008 7:21 AM

To Kenneth and Philip,

I will attend your father's memorial at the Church. He deserves the highest honour from Singaporeans.

In memory of your father, may I sincerely request that one of you lead us to recite, WE THE CITIZEN OF SINGAPORE, PLEDGE OURSELVES AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF RACE......

Judgement - Heaven or Hell Thu 02 Oct 2008 7:33 AM

Soon after, the time of the other fella also due. He tried hard to reach the gate and was stopped by St Peter....

Peter asked, "Where are u going?" He replied, "Of course heaven... I have done so much for the people... high GDP, high employment, high foreign reserves..."

Peter said, "Well, its up to you. But don't tell me that I did not warn you... JBJ is inside...".

The other fella which his head down in shame... withdrew his steps and walked voluntarily into HELL....

Bernard Chan - Singapore Flag Thu 02 Oct 2008 8:02 AM

There should be the state flag in his funeral service.

In fact he deserves a State funeral. He was as great as Rajarathnman, the Presidents of Singapore. He was no ordinary citizen.

How I wish I can be in Singapore now to bid farewell to this hero whom I only had chance to meet once while in the bus in May 1991.

He was urging me to speak up but I disappointed him by telling him that I just sold my car(thus took public transportation) bec. I was immigrating to Canada. I told him I had to emigrate as my daughter had heart problem and learning disability and I could not afford the medical bills in Singapore.

It was an honour meeting him.

Husrin - JBJ. You da man. Thu 02 Oct 2008 8:03 AM

Thank you SDP..

For continuing his legacy for a bright future for us Singaporeans..

We shall always be behind you.

Always.

God bless.

Amin.

St. Marie aux Mines - Thu 02 Oct 2008 9:27 AM

Brave Heart, HE WILL WALK WITH YOU IN YOUR HEART to free your country

Clear eyed - Continuing JBJ's Mission Thu 02 Oct 2008 10:10 AM

Even as I grieve at the passing of Mr Jeyaretnam, a great Warrior and Defender of democrary, justice and truth, I am comforted by SDP's pledge to continue his mission. You have my full support. If enough of us raise our voices against what is wrong and strive to do right by Singapore, the dream of a democratic Singapore will become a reality.

Anonymous - Thu 02 Oct 2008 11:55 AM

I ran into Mr JBJ in 10yrs ago at City Hall MRT. I was 17 then. I truly admired his spirit and ideals. I am so sorry to hear about his demise and that I am unable to pay my last respects to Mr JBJ. You are truly a patriot of Singapore and true Fighter for Democracy. Your legend lives on in our hearts. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous - Thu 02 Oct 2008 3:19 PM

He sacrificed monetary gains to speak up for the people...
Going against PAP (especially Lee), made him a bankrupt that he had to be selling newspapers and books outside town when he was so much more.

I've read the local papers and even though PAP MPS send their condolences, I could infer that some, if not most of them is glad that he's gone.

G Chen - Thu 02 Oct 2008 3:54 PM

Yes JBJ was a great man indeed, a man who suffered tremendously under oppression; a man persecuted for trying to make Singapore truly democratic. When I see people paying tribute to him, on one hand it brings a sense of satisfaction that his sacrifices has finally been recognised but on the other hand I wonder how many of these actually supported his cause when he was alive or instead avoided him as though he was a leper when they saw him on the street. Then I saw the new paper headline "THE JBJ WE DIDNT KNOW", I laugh at the hypocracy of our media for the fact that they have never made any attempt to get to know him (or anyone deemed outcast by the PAP) at all in the first place. All they are interested in is to regurgitate whatever the government feeds to them. Therefore if there is any reason why Singaporean did not get to know JBJ, it is because we do not have journalists but stenographers in our media. Still, farewell and Godspeed JBJ, you have done much for Singaporean and now deserve a good rest.

Keep it up - Must do Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:01 PM

We, the Singapore Democrats, will honour the memory of a great patriot by continuing to raise our voices for justice and to do right by Singapore.

Yes pls continue to do that!

Just look at how the monsters Papees increase utility/transport costs as they like?????

Pls SDP/Dr Chee continue you tireless efforts !

Well Done!

Questions and Questions - Probe more and more Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:02 PM

With one mouth less to question the Lee Junta will do more as they wish!

Pls ensure check and balances and questions

More JB Jeyas - NO SILENCE AT ALL Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:04 PM

Let there be more J B Jeyas!

Hey Mr Seelan you remember me of JB J when he was younger!

Hope you would be groomed to take over his place!

STAND UP AGAINST - BE STRONG Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:05 PM

He had endured the cruel treatment of his enemies and continued to stand firm against those who would persecute him. The repeated defamation suits could not deter him from speaking up for Singaporeans. His principled stand never endeared him to his rulers.

It is tough! But we must all stand up against the REgime!

pLS aDVISE - PLS ANSWER Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:07 PM

IS MR GOPALAN NAIR ALLOWED TO PAY HIS RESPECTS TO SEE MR J B JEYA???

DID THE S.O.B AUTHORTITIES ALLOW ???

Anonymous - Thu 02 Oct 2008 4:09 PM

We bid Mr Jeyaretnam a final farewell but his voice remains with us.

Well said Chairman!

At the rate the govt is increasing costs and doing thing behind our backs we singaporeans must be his voice!!!!!!!

Voice of citizens by the Late - Well said Thu 02 Oct 2008 5:18 PM

THE PM IS HOPING THAT SINGAPOREANS WILL GO ON THEIR BENDED KNEES TO THANK HIM FOR THESE CONCESSIONS.
HE SEEMS TO FORGET THAT THE RIGHT TO MAKE POLITICAL FILMS OR THE RIGHT TO HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS ARE PART AND PARCEL OF HUMAN RIGHTS
ITS NOT A QUESTIONF OF FAVOURS BEING ASKED FROM THE GOVT! IT'S A QUESTION OF OUR RIGHTS"

The voice of the Late
J B JEYARETNAM, REFORM PARTY-

Pls Help us - What lies Thu 02 Oct 2008 5:32 PM

Pls let the ugly truth be known. I'm sick of this 'oh-it's-a-nice-clean-orderly-well-behaved-citizens-happy-country' fake crap. Nice on the surface, boiling below

More price increase ????????More big fat salaries or are the Ministers taking a pay cut????????????????

Pls SDP be our voice now that our dear Late Mr JB Jeya had left us!

Mike - What so great about JBJ? Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:12 PM

What so great about JBJ?

what did he do for Singapore?

Nothing..

Did he build anything?

nothing..

Suddenly he emerged from Johor Bahru recently to set up an opposition party in Singapore.

Then fate would have it that he must be gone...

For a good rest

Tan Tai Wei - Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:25 PM

I had thought we should remain silent awhile in mourning for this great man. I had written last night, in a heart on a page of that "book of life" spread open at the wake, "Rather, it's the crowning of a great life."

But Gandhi says we shouldn't remain silent, so perhaps I shouldn't wait to make some observations.

Certain things apparently could not wait to be said, also, in certain quarters, even as they tried to be appreciative of Jeya's life, where they can.

Even Low Thia Kiang has said Jeya had been "personal" rather than dwelling on issues. I think Low has confusedly interpreted the passion and strength, even "righteous anger", of Jeya's commitment to the moral right. Jeya had brought his whole "person" to bear upon his battle for respect for persons, human dignity and justice.

That former MP, a medical doctor whose name I can't recall now, said Jeya had concentrated, whilst in parliament, only on issues of human right and freedom. "Only"?? Isn't that what parliament and government and national interests are meant in the final reckoning to foster? Even if Jeya had really done only that, wasn't that the apt corrective an effective opposition in parliament should be when government, on its own admission, had been slanted towards material pragmatism, arguably at the expense of human concerns?

That Straits Times writer implied that Jeya had spoilt an emerging opposition by his style, and hindered the development of a reputable opposition as charactersied by such persons as Low Thia Kiang and Chiam See Tong. Rather, I think that it had been precisely Jeya's effectiveness at passionate, eloquent and intelligent debate that had forced the establishment to attempt to "divide and rule", raising the two "safe" opposition MPs to model opposition status.

Thinktok - JBJ A great fighter Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:30 PM

JBJ has charisma and I think he lived a good life and fight a good fight for his beliefs.
He has gone to heaven, and lets not play gutter politics.
He has great children, and their rise to the top of their profession was not inpaired in anyway. That means the PAP is gentleman and honourable. He is a lawyer and he would not term his enemies as cruel, just like a mountaineer will not say that Everest is cruel.
I truly salute him to continue fighting for his beliefs. One thing I know is that he is not fighting for himself, just like his "enemies"

RIP JBJ

maxChew - Dead silence from the coward of the century Thu 02 Oct 2008 6:47 PM

Not a word from that big coward who hounded and persecuted JBJ from day 1 . At least say something good or even something bad about your old nemesis who's just 2 yrs younger than you (btw, when's your turn?). JBJ is someone you can never be....he's for all the people including the have-nots and the disadvantaged. You are mainly for the haves and elites to fatten your and their largesse. Is there no limit to this unbridled greed? Reckoning day is coming soon....be afraid, be very afraid!

jeis - Thu 02 Oct 2008 7:01 PM

Let not JBJ’s death be in vain, He fought for true democracy in singapore and was villified for it. Let not his ideals of freedom and justice, the right to agree to disagree and a society where every singaporean truly matters, not be forgotten. Let His Life of resolutness & steadfastness against all insurmountable odds, give us hope for the future.

May God bless this Great Soul!

Tan Tai Wei - Thu 02 Oct 2008 9:09 PM

More;

I find Goh Chok Tong's revelation, that he had to write a letter, as Prime Minister, for Jeya's sons to show their prospective employers that government would not discriminate against them because they were Jeya's sons, very disturbing.

Here's open admission by government that such unfair, indeed irrational fears, of people appointed to positions of power, that lead to their unfairly discriminating against persons like Jeya and those associated with them, have been rife!

Many years ago, after Lee Hsien Loong stated that government did not abuse its power that way, I wrote a letter to the Straits Times, which they did not publish, pointing out that, whilst the top leadership might not do that, that did not mean that those lower down and given power would not go out of their own way to please the top by persecuting their underlings in that way.

Another thing worth observing. I find extremely distasteful those condolences sent by the establishment that say things to the effect that Jeya had the courage of his conviction even to undergo sufferings, as if the sufferings had been unavoidable natural disasters. The truth is that, whether really deserved or not, the sufferings did not need to occur, if not by a wider sense of justice, then by magnanimity and humanity.

Those either directly or indirectly responsible for deliberately making Jeya to suffer should not now commend him for the sufferings he underwent.

Albert Ng - RE : What's So Great About JBJ Thu 02 Oct 2008 9:09 PM

Mike, from your comment about JBJ, its crystal clear that you have sold your soul to S.A.TAN.

Be very careful with your words before you pass any judgement on others.

You may not comprehend about the 'intangible things' in life so please refrain from uttering rubbish about others.

The Day will come when all of us have to be accountable for what we did on earth. And when that Day comes, we will be judged accordingly to what we have done, every little details, secrets will all be open for scrutiny and there will be absolutely no escape!

Rachel - Thu 02 Oct 2008 10:23 PM

I always assumed I would have the honour of meeting him in the future.
His time came to soon.
Hope his ideals and fighting spirit would be passed on to the next generation.

Chong Vic - JBJ passing away Thu 02 Oct 2008 10:32 PM

My heart is still bleeding at his death.Truly a People's hero for democracy and justice.He has truly laid for the future by his actions and sacrifices the foundation and inspiration for a strong and vibrant democracy for Singapore.Let his sacrifice not be in vain.

Anonymous - Thu 02 Oct 2008 10:37 PM

I'm sure PAP is glad he's finally dead. Afterall, Lee did everything he could do to make his life hell while he was alive.
Now what is left is his family.. oh wait... they're obedient to PAP now.. Times have changed.. and so will people for profit. lol

A political coward - Thank you God for giving us an Angel Thu 02 Oct 2008 11:05 PM

Thank God for giving us LKY at the same time your angel JB Jeyaratnam to Singapore to keep him in check, so that the old fart won't turn into another Augusta Pinochet. Otherwise, there will be many innocent victims life will be at stake. Our country is truely blessed.

Jesus spirit is seen in the life of JB Jeyaratnam, who sacrified everything, including his life at the end, in the service of others. I am foolish for not been able to see that you are alive Jesus, throughout the centuries, and you existed in the life of JB Jeyaratnam and many others who have sacrified their lives for your Glory.

Jesus, your life is not about winning (okay other than souls) or losing, hatred, revenge or aggressions. In fact, you represent Agape Love, the unconditional love that you have showered upon us, even though we do not deserved it or don't even cared about it.

Like JB Jeyaratnam, who sacrified everything, yes everything, including his life at the end, because he cares for the freedom and democracy of the Singapore people, even though we don't deserved it or even cared about it. A few times, I have met you JB Jeyaratnam, I have seen you from afar, but fear to shake your hands because of potential implication. Oh, how I regretted those days. I am just a political coward myself. I am disgraced to be a Singaporean. I wished the clock could turn back, so that I could expressed what I really felt about you.

When you deal with the PAP, you were so ever gentle, like Jesus. You discussed with logic and facts instead of blowing up with anger. Oh God, Jesus spirit lived in you, JB Jeyaratnam.

I prayed to God that you could sit by Jesus side at His throne. You represent the Glory, the Grace, and the Love of God Jesus Christ.

Singapore is truly blessed, and God is Great, because everything fit so nicely.

Amen.

see the beauty - JBJ's sacrifice Thu 02 Oct 2008 11:10 PM

Two men with different values.
One was a true Patriot and the other a despot.
Both will forever be remembered for different reasons.

The despot lacks integrity and credibility, has great difficulty telling the truth, is self serving, extremely vindictive and has this insatiable lust for power. Serving the people of Singapore was the last thing on his mind.

JBJ was everything contrary to the despot.

I see beauty in JBJ, a man who departed with dignity.

Nesh - Hero Of Singapore Fri 03 Oct 2008 1:09 AM

The one and only father who fought all the way for human rights has left this sinful earth. He has lost everything for the people and still wanted to fight for justice at this age. I've never seen such a man in all these years. HATS OFF SIR. May God Bless Your Kind Soul. We Singaporeans must be proud to have a Father like him who didn't give up till his last days. I hope the government will do something for the young generation and the upcoming generation to know who was JBJ. He was defeated but he is always Singapore's number one HERO. And the best thing about him is, being nailed down so many times, he didn't migrate or went low profile. He was still standing strong. Dear Sir, I'll company you till the last rites.

Andrew Loh - A Great Patriot, indeed Fri 03 Oct 2008 1:55 AM

Hi Gandhi,

Words don't come anymore. I am numb. Regrets I have of not taking more time to know the man when I had the opportunity. Yet, gladness I feel too, for having spoken to him several times and shook his hand.

JBJ is a patriot - of that there is no doubt.

His life of passion and compassion is one we should - nah, must - learn to emulate.

JBJ was first and foremost, a servant - serving Singaporeans even when it cost his everything.

Yet, the servant has become the Master - leaving a legacy which we can go to when we are discouraged, to find courage in the spirit of the Lion of Singapore.

Passion, compassion, courage, humility.

He embodied all these.

My deepest respect to a man who fought for me - even though he did not know me.

Andrew Loh

Anonymous - Tribute to JBJ Fri 03 Oct 2008 3:04 AM

A dedicated space has been built for this great man at The Tranquil World...
Visit www.thetranquilworld.com to pay your last respects to this great man...

Anonymous - Fri 03 Oct 2008 5:04 AM

As I am making a living outside S'pore, forced by non-conducive environment back home, it's with much regrets that I am unable to pay my last respect to Sir JBJ on whom I believe many had pinned alot of hope for the next GE.
Hope fellow S'poreans who are more fortunate to be able to earn their keeps in S'pore will attend this Sat funeral of this great man!
God Bless!

ahsayman - Fri 03 Oct 2008 5:40 AM

I just came back from paying my respect
to JBJ at his wake. He looked very much at peace I'm glad to report. For those who wish to pay their respect as well and are taking the MRT/bus combo, I would like to humbly offer these directions.
Alight at Aljunied MRT station, follow the MRT track towards Aljunied Road.
Cross the overhead bridge over to the bus stop.
Take service no: 100 service interval 8
to 12 mins during off peak hours. Fare
$1 for 8 bus stops distance.
Alight after 8 bus stops. Cross the road carefully, wait for the traffic lights at Mt. Vernon Rd junction to turn red.
The big main gate of Mt. Vernon Columbarium does not lead to the funeral parlours. Walk further on for about 50 meters and turn into the road
that leads to the funeral parlour 1 on the right after the building that was once used for collecting the ashes of the cremated. Show your love to the man whose heart gave out because he had shared and gave so much of it to the Singaporeons he loved.

Disappointed Citizen - Mr JBJ - Our Forever Father of Justice & Democracy Fri 03 Oct 2008 5:55 AM

Dear All,

Sad news indeed to all Singaporeans, home and overseas.

Dropped my tears when I heard the news of the death of this couragous Fighter for Democracy for Singaporeans.

Though now overseas, Sir JBJ will will be remmembered by all overseas Singaporeans for his tireless and never say die to unjustice though the cruel men out there had torn his career and his future.

I will teach and tell my future childrens and grandchildrens about our heroic leader that had sacrified everthing for his countrymen, and also about the tyranic present ruling party has done to the Singaporeans.

You are not walking alone...SIR JBJ. Lord will take special care of you, SIR.

Disappointed Citizen

Mike - Yes Yes PAP Fri 03 Oct 2008 5:56 AM

PAP is great.

First it provided legalized prostitution.

Next it is providing legalized gambling dens.

What is next?

How about drugs?

How about sex-parties?

Sin-apore or Sin-Galore or Sin-City?

PAP is great like God.

I am fearful but happy .. ha..Ha..HA

Disappointed Citizen - My Last Respect To a Hero Fri 03 Oct 2008 6:21 AM

Dear SIR JBJ,

I will make a trip to Singapore to pay my last respect to the Real Hero and Father of Democracy of Singapore next week.

It's a business trip at first but to pay my last respect to you SIR is my miniumum I can do as a son of pride for your tireless effort to speak up and improve life of common citizens in Singapore.

3 bows to you, Sir JBJ.

Disappointed Citizen

V.Benedict - Confucius say Fri 03 Oct 2008 6:50 AM

"a heart set on love will to no wrong."

Sir JBJ, your love to singapore and singaporean is always cherished.

Mike - re: Yes Yes PAP Fri 03 Oct 2008 5:27 PM

Janar - Sat 04 Oct 2008 7:21 AM

My salutations to Singapore's true son,may your legacy live on!.

Anonymous - Mon 06 Oct 2008 8:54 PM

Without you JBJ, Singapore becomes unworthy. We miss you Sir JB, thank you for loving the unworthy Singaporean, we are shameful for the times we are quiet even when we agree with you. Sorry Sir, forgive us. We promise we will exercise our vote wisely without fear. This is our promise to you, Great JBJ.

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