Minister for Community, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, attended the wake for the late Mr JB Jeyaretnam on Tuesday. Dr Balakrishnan, who drove there himself and arrived at about 10pm, was greeted by Mr Jeyaretnam’s son, Philip.(See condolence letter from PM Lee and SM Goh to JBJ’s two sons, Kenneth and Philip below.)
Here is a short video :
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CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG ON DEMISE OF JB JEYARETNAM
30 September 2008
Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam
Mr Philip Jeyaretnam
Dear Kenneth and Philip Jeyaretnam
I was sad to learn that your father, Mr Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, has passed away.
Mr JB Jeyaretnam was a Member of Parliament for Anson constituency from 1981 till 1986, and a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament from 1997 till 2001. He used to engage in heated debates in the House. Perhaps it was because he and the PAP never saw eye to eye on any major political issue and he sought by all means to demolish the PAP and our system of government. Unfortunately, this helped neither to build up a constructive opposition nor our Parliamentary tradition. Nevertheless, one had to respect Mr JB Jeyaretnam’s dogged tenacity to be active in politics at his age.
However, our differences were not personal. In 1993, one of you (Kenneth) wrote to Mr Goh Chok Tong, who was then Prime Minister, to say that you found employers in Singapore reluctant to offer you a job, and your only explanation was that the employers felt the authorities would not welcome your employment because of your name. Mr Goh replied with a letter which could be shown to prospective employers, to say that the government did not hold anything against you, and that employers should evaluate you fairly on your own merits, like any other candidate, because Singapore needed every talented person that it could find. Mr Goh had previously made the same point to your brother Philip, whom he had invited to lunch. I am therefore happy that both of you have established yourselves in Singapore.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Yours sincerely
Lee Hsien Loong
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COMMENTS OF SENIOR MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA QUERIES ON THE DEMISE OF MR J B JEYARETNAM (link)
I was taken aback when I learnt this morning that Mr J B Jeyaretnam had passed away. I did not expect it as I had recently read of his formation of a new political party and his interest in contesting in the next General Elections. I send my condolences to his two sons, Kenneth and Philip.
My first encounter with Mr Jeyaretnam was in the 1981 Anson by-election, which he won. I was then the PAP’s Organising Secretary. His victory showed that it was possible for opposition MPs to be elected into Parliament.
We had many more encounters later, in Parliament, during elections and in the Courts. Politically, we were on different sides of the fence. I did not believe his brand of politics was good for Singapore. PAP leaders and he had many heated exchanges. But despite this, we kept up our personal relationship.
As Prime Minister, I did not allow the PAP’s fight with Mr Jeyaretnam to affect his sons’ place in society. In reply to a letter from Kenneth, I assured him that we valued talent, regardless of his father’s stand in politics and determination to oppose us. I had invited Philip for lunch, to tell him the same thing.
What do I remember or respect most about Mr J B Jeyaretnam? Even though I did not agree with his political cause, I respect his fighting spirit to advance it and his willingness to pay a price for it.
PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
SINGAPORE
30 September 2008
The insensitivity of SM Goh and PM Lee has led to their character demise to take this opportunity to politicse JBJ’s death for their cause. Clearly, when a government is out of reach with its people, it is time for them to go.
when someone has passed away, you can say anything since a.) the deceased cannot say anything and b.) the bereaved also cannot say anything. Not liberating at all for everyone and it is too late.
in life, this belongs to the category of rewriting history which a lot of people do so that the real truth will not surface.
It’s funny that Dr Vivian visited JBJ’s funeral and deliver SM’s and PM’s letters.
What about Dr Vivian’s letter?
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!
Rest in peace JBJ many will remember u….ur name will be in history book if…if the opp comes to power. So who is next to go ? u know who right ? he will never rest in peace, he wld rise if anything goes wrong.
I am indeed disappointed to read PM’s letter of condolence to Kenneth and Philip. From such a high office, the letter could have been graciously & tactfully written to a fellow SINGAPOREAN.
To Kenneth and Philip and all loved ones, my family’s deepest condolences.
Uncle JBJ, may you rest in peace. I will miss you. God Bless.
The Singapore Orchestra is playing well and why not ,even in funeral wake. But for PR, sorry to say that it is a disaster – human feelings should never be at the expense of the system when there is a tragedy like death in a family.
Are jobs opened for PR and letter writing work in all the high offices ?
A condolence must be a sincere condolence as it is more than a farewell – there should not be exploitation of agendas like “job discussion, etc “……
Two ministers in condolence letters, a third appeared to do the despatching and had to stay behind to wayang – what a show vis a vis the revealed contents of the condolences letters.
When will they ever learn ? Perhaps on judgement day.
“It’s funny that Dr Vivian visited JBJ’s funeral and deliver SM’s and PM’s letters.”
Given that Vivian is the only MP who attend JBJ’s funeral ? If he is not delivering the letter, will he be attending at all ?
Xiao Lee must sent his flying dagger one last time before JBJ’s coffin closes for the final time. How low can one stoop?
I can’t even fathom how JBJ’s 2 grieving children must feel at this time, having to receive a totally ungracious letter from PM (he is PM, lead by example, how to hope for gracious society if the top so ungracious?). They’ve just lost their father, the 2nd part of the letter talkc__k about not letting their father being opposition MP affect the children’s career. Veiled threat or forestall the threat they may pose? (that the sons will helm the Reform Party?)
Condolence letter supposed to talk about the deceased, his life, his work, his achievements/contributions. Letter speaks of JBJ like some low-life, but don’t forget he was elected twice by people of Anson to represent them in Parliament, he did it fairly, and didn’t become MP by cheating, gerrymandering, creating GRC etc…
Apparently, even in death PM Lee and SM Goh does not forgive JBJ.
Rest in Peace.
http://sunchair.blogspot.com/2008/10/passing-of-persistent-man.html
Don’t worry, the old man will join him soon. I will offer no such ‘condolence’ for him.
I am just wondering how much more “damage” can JBJ inflict on the PAP now that he is gone.
Does he or his family deserve this kind of “don’t forget that I have been kind to you before and done forget to say thank you (again)” letter?
*sighs*
This is the time (during a death) to put away bad feelings and come together. I wish LHL condolence letter could have just simply finished in two line. “WE ARE VERY SORRY TO LEARN JBJ PASSING AWAY. OUR THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOU KENNETH AND PHILIP” would have made more sense than that stupid letter saying why this and that nonsense. Grow up for God’s sake and be sensitive to people’s feelings than its all about ME! ME! ME! thing!! Stop being a self centered.
I have always admired our senior leaders, be it LKY, Devan Nair, Rajaratnam, Goh Keng Swee, JBJ, Chiam See Tong to name a few. It doens’t matter whether they are oppositions or not, everyone is entitle to their own opinions but but at the end of the day we are mere human beings. This is the time we should put away our BIG TIME EGO away and SWOLLOW PRIDE and show some respect to the dead. My hearts goes to Jeyeratnam’s family. I have seen him around at many places selling his books and sometimes had tears in my eyes telling what a determine person JBJ is. Ihave bought his book and even had him autographed, i did that to show my support for him and his book but that doesn’t mean i am an opposition person.
I admire both LKY and JBJ for their strength and dedication. Life won’t be fun without oppositions. There’s got to be balance in everything, especially in dirty politic world. I don’t think any of these young/new leaders will be like LKY, Devan Nair and JBJ. They will always be unique!
MR. J.B. JEYERATNAM, MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE AND BLESS US FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE!
I LOVE YOU SIR!
YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!
Best Regards
MNM
who want to destroy who ? Obviously Pap is afraid of the rise of WP. After Anson victory, Pap changed many rules to fix the oppositions. That we all know, when many lawyers supported WP in 1987/8, Maxist conspiracy was used as a disguise to intimidate them …. and many other events to stop opposition from advancing. Pap no need to shed crocodile tears.
regarding the letter of condolences: one bad turn deserves another -
I doubt even LKY would have written a condolence letter of such a nature – LHL seems to be sadly lacking in tact.
As for Dr.VB, I did think he was one of our more sincere politicians but he did make a pretty mean comment with regards to single mothers once, and that totally wiped out any good feelings I had about him as a politician and a person. =p
It’s not that I don’t want to support PAP, I support them, but I feel the leaders need to take a leaf out from JBJ, LTK and CST’s book and really get to know the people from the ground up – the every man. How can one be an effective MP if one has no idea what struggle the average Singapore goes through in their daily lives???
LKY at least had struggles as a youth and understands the heart of the Singaporeans of his era. Do our current leaders know where we are coming from?? Or have they grown up with too many golden spoons in their mouth??
A simply worded letter would have been more appropriate. Perhaps the drafters need to attend courses on letter writing.
JBJ has a place in Singapore history just as MM and the old guards.
LHL is very pretty, I remember when Ong Teng Cheong died he did not show much respect also. Ong TC was not given a grand wake from the state also.
how would he feel if his dad died?
the least u could is to respect your opponents when they are dead.
R.I.P
In his condolences, LHL choose to still jap a few more knife into JBJ even though he had died…how disgusting!!
Compared to LKY’s silence (at least he is not pretentious and superficial), LHL’s condolences speaks volume of the kind of political environment PAP will create for any and every opposition…you will not get a good ending if you go against PAP!
“Perhaps it was because he and the PAP never saw eye to eye on any major political issue and he sought by all means to demolish the PAP and our system of government.”
See what we meant by the kind of oppressive mentality PAP leaders have when dealing with the opposition…anyone that disagrees and never see eye-to-eye with them and the PAP government will be deemed as anti-Singapore.
WHY..because of the fact that PAP still believes and want everyone else to believe that Singapore belongs to them, not the people of Singapore. This I totally disagrees and I can better understand why JBJ had fight so hard till the last day of his life to overturn such notion within the PAP government.
Hence, he was not out to destroy PAP government…he was simply out to claim a place and ownership for each and every Singaporeans within their own land…SINGAPORE!
LONG LIVE THE JBJ SPIRIT!
redbean’ condolence to Phillip and Kenneth for the lost of their beloved father.
i have not known him personally, but as a politician that had given his all to serving Singapore in public service and in politics. his endeavour in politics could have been better in a more conducive and gracious socio political system.
jbj lost the political battle and paid an unduly high price that drew sympathy from many singaporeans. he lost not only his career as a judge, his legal practice, his wealth, and being cast aside from the main stream of society.
he could have it all, a good life, as a highly respected citizen, and two talented sons to be proud of. in defeat, he and his family took it in their stride, quietly like what is expected of gentlemen.
in the end, despite having lost all his material wealth and high offices, he is still highly respected by fellow Singaporeans as a good son of the country.
the man had left his mark in the history of Singapore.
It’s a good thing that we are able to see the despicable letter of LHL, now that we can see his true colors. It’s a big PR disaster for him.
LHL has a fixation, pardon the pun, with the “opposition”. Instead of having a hatchet like his father professed to have, LHL has his foot in the mouth instead. Father yields the weapon; the son got his limbs all messed up.
I am ashamed to say that I live in the son’s constituency, and I will need to quickly cobble up some excuses the next time he does his walkabout sessions.
The father, the son and the holy foot-in-the-mouth (syndrome)!
BL,
Reminds you of Bush Jr doesn’t he.. squandering the goodwill of their fathers.
What his condolence letter says is basically this :
Your father was practically a terrorist against the Singapore system of Government.
BUT ! we were merciful to you. His children.
The End.
There is so much local talents as evidenced in above scriptings.
JBJ in his untimely death brings up a lot of imagination, creativity and honesty in the people. May the rivers of blessings flow.
Several PAP MPs and Ministers were seen at the wake. Heard that even the president did not miss out.
I love scrolling down the comments to see so many people abolishing dear PM’s letter. I think Mr. Lee only wanted to reassure the sons that there are no hard (personal) feelings and goodwill is extended to them. He cited some facts (as usual, that’s his style), but still there is nothing shameful.
He did say at the beginning and the end that he is sad to learn of JBJ’s demise and sent them his deepest condolences. He even get a shining promising Mini-star to deliver this letter. IMO, I think some of you read too deep and think too wildly.
Nonetheless, you can rant and curse all you want here and now, but come 2011, please remember to “gui-gui” vote for the PAP to be in power again, since now there is really no more opposition leadership, and the economy in 2 years time really needs PAP, the real proven leader, to show us the way.
“There is so much local talents as evidenced in above scriptings.
JBJ in his untimely death brings up a lot of imagination, creativity and honesty in the people”
Now you know why we need to have freedom of speech otherwise how can Singapore be so vibrant and how can that attract you to this site ?
LKY and LHL have always been hell bent on controlling the citizens of Singapore similar to the Red Army of China. They have nothing but prejudice for people of color or of non-Chinese background. I recall when LKY was all out to destroy JBJ especially in the government controlled Singapore Straits Times. May this man rest in peace.
be realistic sounds like a loser and seems like he or she was being bribed to come here and say things to support PAP. Hey keep your dirty politics out of a HERO’S death. I am a PAP supporter but that doesn’t mean people can get away with silly acts.
People have their brains and have said what they felt should have been. Coime election time, we will be all given $600 to vote for PAP!! same old same old tricks!!
What a Joke!! Till toiday they can’t even win Potong pasir back another blow!! lol
so whoever you are be realistic, keep your lecture to PAP!! Liek i said i have always voted for PAP but the fact remains unchange that in death you act more civilise not immature!!
May JBJ rest in peace. He had a dream for Singapore that he fought relentlessly despite all obstacles. He is a hero and a true son of Singapore.
No PAP minister should attend the wake. Neither should any of them offer any condolence as whatever has been offered reflects the kind of mentality of the PAP.
Of course it is good that they have exposed themselves for all to know abou their inability to be appropriate, gracious and respectful.
It is obvious that an opposition politician should not see eye to eye with the ruling party. Otherwise he is not worth his salt as an opposition member.
The Lion has passed. May his soul rest in peace.
He fought an admirable fight against all odds, against a scheming lot. In the face of formidable and dubious adversity, he did not lose courage. On the contrary, it was the formidable adversary who lost courage and dislodged this great man with calculated and merciless tenacity.
The letters of condolence are a farce. They also expose the dictatorial poltical system. If one is an effective opponent, expect your offsprings/ family members to get a written letter of approval from the govt for employment/livelihood.
God bless this King with a lion’s heart. He shall be missed dearly.
Even at his death the PAP through their leaders would not let the poor man rest. They have to stick in their legs to give him one last kick.
The PM’s words have just set the standard for graciousness in Singapore.
And the fact that JBJ’s sons had to write to the then PM for a letter of clarification is in itself a great shame to the PAP government for creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Goh Chok Tong thought that by revealing the letter it would put him in good light. Well, he had just shot his own foot.
Such narrow-chested men…and to think that both were paid millions to govern…
Justin Timberlake has a song “What goes around goes around!” Not to worry JBJ history will remember you. We singaporeans will remember what you did for us at your own expense.
Time will come to past when all who have done misdeeds will be taken to task. You did not fear death for you know that you tried to do good for the benefit of all of us.
But there are those who fear death. You know who i am referring to. Need i say more. One day there will be one day when all singaporeans will rise up and speak the truth and the truth will prevail. I hope i will be round to see it. If I am not rest assured i will be celebrating will all of you wherever I am.
God bless you JBJ. Rest assured you will be seated with God in heaven!
Let me offer a bit of my poor insight, to the best of my ability, what LHL parotted GCT mentioned that his gahmen does not hold anything against JBJ’s son, Kenneth and employers should evaluate him on his own merit.
It bemuses thoroughly me why is there a need whatsoever the need to write this said letter in the very first place. Simple logic tells us that there is cause and effect, things dont happen like that on its very own.
Secondly, lets try to see what is not said or mentioned. True, employers are reequested to evaluate Kenneth on his own merit. But think of it, just simple conjecture, if you are an empoyer, do you think that your business would be affected, your business would be more or would be less, if you really have the gahmen’s most hated political adversary’s son on your payroll?? If you are dependent directly on the gahmen for projects, would you really be wise to have him as part of your organisation??
The conclusion is yours.
Ya right, Mas Selenium is correct. Many companies dare not donate or support opposition parties because they are worried of being blacklisted by the govt. Every one knows of this infamous Pap, they will find fault and destroy a person if you are against the old man as seen in many cases. so that is why we only have 2 seats out of 84, which is a laughing stock !!
I felt nauseated when ungracious remarks and uncivilized wishes were made on Mrs. Lee’s recent serious illness.
The condolence letter sent by a PM of a 1st World country is diabolically obnoxious and atrociously repugnant, revolting and revulsive. Even a decent ordinary person would not kick at a dead animal. Let the dead bury the dead as Shakespeare said, “The evil that men doeth lives after them, the good is interned with their bones”.
I wonder how LHL would feel when such ungracious and revengeful remarks were to be hurled at one of his similar occasions in future. It’s barbaric and unthinkable. It would be best for him not to say anything or offer any hypocritical condolences.
Singapore needs people of courage and dare to stand up for their convictions and beliefs of justice and international rule of law and human rights. It’s not easy to fight against corruption and violations of human rights, justice and rule of law in high places. SUCH A MAN WAS JBJ and I hope his sons will follow his footsteps.
My humble sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family.
I’m not an anti or pro any political party in Singapore but just fair comments as a civilized human being and a man in the street.