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
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I do not think that the contents of the letter is appropriate. JBJ is the representative figure of the opposition. This makes him an important person in the political structure of Singapore. It has nothing to do with his two sons
Can’t LHL leave politics out of his condolence letter? At this juncture, it seems that there’s still politicking going on in the contents.
Sigh.
a simple JBJ tribute on my website
“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”
Intentional or otherwise, I thought this statement was most inappropriate or at least very poorly worded. I can’t think of anything polite to say, other than that I sympathise with his sons for receiving such a letter at this time.
Ground sentiment is something that they either can’t fathom or chose to deliberately ignore. I’m just too emotionally spent to say more.
if he has nothing better to say like his senile old man…shut his bloody mouth!
“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”
I think many will agree that it was more like: that the PAP sought all means to demolish the WP and JBJ.
Seriously, LHL has made himself look very ungracious and petty with this “condolence letter” of his. Singaporeans are very unfortunate to have such vindictive and small-minded leaders running their country.
Some day there will be a time of reckoning, and I believe that history will judge JBJ far more kindly than it does the Lees.
JBJ played an important part in the political landscape of this country. He did what he thought was best. I respect him for that. He was a good man. I regret never being able to meet him in person.
I think what he stood for – as in allowing an opposing view is so fundamental to the long term future and happiness of the people. I think our current government is doing their best to answer the changing times and attitudes. This comes about from the democratic process and the right to an opposing view.
Passion in expressing one’s views can cause one to get carried away with words but I think JBJ always had the best interest of Singapore at heart.
I hope that Singapore will continue evolving in the future to become a better nation and people. Opposing views, debates, discussions will help thrash out a brighter future for all.
i must say i am surprised.. doesn’t the PAP employ people to script official exchanges like that? the PM’s letter was unnecessarily adversarial. as a letter of condolence i felt that it came across as rather petty.
the only way i can explain this is that the PM Must have written it himself; either that, or his speechwriter needs to be replaced. in any case,it doesn’t do his public image any good. but then again, they were never known for being gracious.
LHL’s letter saddens me. Democracy is about competing ideas, exchanged in newspaper forums, websites, public debates and in Parliament, with the interest of the people and country in mind. — it is not about demolishing opponents.
the letter is meant to belittle JBJ’s two sons, to prevent any likelihood of them joining the opposition.
PAP, their “journalists”, and the judiciary all have bloods in their hands.
not to forget those who dared not vote for him out of self interest.
now then pretend to say nice things about jbj? what a bunch of shameless, hypocratic dogs!
LHL’s letter was disgusting. He seemed more keen on pointing out what an “evil person” JBJ was rather than expressing any condolence.
Is it not better to respectfully leave the dead and their surviving families to some respectful privacy ; the last tilt is really unnecessary. We will all go too to meet our Creator one day – question is whether it is in heaven or hell.
LHL and GCT would not even let JBJ die in peace.
To think that they wanted S’poreans to be more gracious!!!!
The Straits Times is using JBJ’s death to showcase MIW members.
Utterly disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t help but the feel the PM’s letter lacks a personal touch. So corporate, so in your face, and a total “Hey let’s clear the air first …sorry your father passed away.” type of approach. So disrespectful …no big no small !$$@^&&!
What to do? This letter was from someone who wanted to find ways to “fix” opposition. I hope no ones writes a letter of this “touch” when your own father passes on.
PM Lee devoted the second half of his letter to congratulating his own predecessor, SM Goh, for being so magnanimous in not punishing JBJ’s sons for their father’s “sins”.
SM Goh must have really been a man before his time. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Kenneth and Philip Jeyaretnam both topped their classes in Cambridge with double firsts, and could have been a dangerous challenge to the PAP had they decided to follow their father’s footsteps into politics.
Perhaps SM Goh was also being generous in helping JBJ’s sons to find employment, as they needed to help pay off his crippling debts from numerous defamation lawsuits.
These are both great examples of “kindness and graciousness in Singapore”, which the Government and the Singapore Kindness Movement is trying to promote.
I wouldnt even consider that a condolence letter….
“not to forget those who dared not vote for him out of self interest.
now then pretend to say nice things about jbj? what a bunch of shameless, hypocratic dogs!”
Sure I voted the PAP in the last elections but it’s obvious, the opposition reps in my area was disappointing!
Now, should it have been true opp leaders (true Singaporeans in their own rights) like this great man JBJ, or Chiam or Low… I would have listened to what they have to offer.
Anyways, JBJ, rest in forever peace and serenity. Insha allah, you deserve it. Thank you for everything.
Condolence?
Offered to help?
Not personal?
Demolish the PAP?
On respect for his fighting spirit and willingness to pay the price?
Lunch invitation to son?
Employment help?
Never saw eye to eye?
Court encounters
Every talented person needed in Singapore?
It’s got about as much emotion in it as a mechanised fist.
That Condolence Letter was to express a final exasperation and show that the JB Jeyaretnam Juniors should be grateful and not follow their Fathers’ footstep in resolutely fighting the Regime for the wellbeings of the People and the Country.
It is also to show the Citizens that Ex Prime Minister Goh Chok Tongs’ magnanimity to the Jeyaratnam Juniors was noble of the PAP Leadership. At the same time, should Kenneth and or Philip Jeyaratnam follow the Political Convictions of their(his) Father, which was profoundly stoic, they should be seen as ingrates. Very shrewd indeed of whoever wrote that LETTER OF CONDOLENCES.
patriot
There is well-known term for it. It is called Stockholm syndrome
“Stockhol m syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in an abducted hostage, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger (or at least risk) in which they have been placed. ”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome
Thank Woody Pecker for his nobleness and graciousness for helping the JBJ’s children to repay the debt of his father that is unjustly convict of by the same INC you work for.
Thank Pinkish Clown for always been the clown you always been.
We are seeing new standards being set in being a gracious society.
How low can they get, to even use the excuse of a ‘condolence letter” to get even with a man who has passed away, and whose stature, morally and in the hearts of Singaporeans, they cannot even come near?
after reading the so-called condolence letter, for the first time in 8 years I am ASHAMED of living in Singapore…unbelievable…the 2 sons have lost their father and all the government can think about is their own position…
I would like to show my respects to JBJ, does anyone know if the funeral is a private family affair or can people who wish to say good bye attend as well?
I must say the Prime Minister’s letter is awful. There is a heap of criticism wedged in the words of a half-hearted praise; and a justification that seems to serve more as a promotion for his own people.
Even if he has no consolation to give (and to be honest, I think he may even be glad to have a tough opponent off the scene), the least he could do is to be politically correct and issue a letter appropriately worded.
the most DISGUSTING ungracious condolence letter I have ever came across!! I’m truly ashamed by these so-called “leaders” of our society
And to add on to my earlier comments (#29), PM Lee used the SM Goh’s letter to JBJ’s son to illustrate that their “differences were not personal”. Thinking about it, this example doesn’t even illustrate that. All it shows is that PAP’s attacks, if personal, do not extend to his children.
Moreover, analysing it logically, the statement “the differences were not personal, so the letter was written” does not automatically imply that “since the letter was written, the differences were not personal”.
What a bloody bunch of hypocrites ! What did we Singaporeans do to deserve this bunch ?
Those who serve the despot should not offer any condolences and turn up at JBJ’s wake. It is an injustice to what JBJ stood for.
Vivian ought to know better ! He chose who to serve.
As for the spineless PM, he is more than that. I have written him off from day one.
How can Lee junior ever understand what JBJ went through ?
What a load of crap !
LKY told the late Devan Nair at lunch after JBJ won the by election in Anson that he would make JBJ “crawl on bended knees”. Together with a compliant judiciary, he and his little helpers in the PAP sought to demolish JBJ over the next 27 years. JBJ was just too strong a person in spirit to be broken. Now even in death, LHL and GCT have the audacity to send insensitive letters to his children. It’s just a farce to show to the world that they are “magnanimous”. The letters reek of the usual PAP propaganda about what nice people they are, about how they sought to help Kenneth get employment in Singapore. Far from that, they’re nothing more than a bunch of bullies in the mold of LKY.
There is justice in the world and it’s a matter of time that LKY, LHL and GCT get their just deserts.
Bleah. Can’t say I’m surprised though.
Well, at least show some love to VB eh?
Although the condolence letter is “written” to be condolence letter, it is meant more like humilitaing letter. If you can’t humilitate JBJ when he’s alive and strong in spirit, humilitate him when he’s gone to the ground after all JBJ no longer have “right of reply”. Such a despisable act that only can be from these gahmen who are disconnected with the society and to think that they can continue to trample and mock the citizen.
I read the newspaper today, I were touched when it mentioned that JBJ actually prefer to use MRT to be with the commoner rather than take a cab. He could have afford a cab easily and lead a comfortable and materialistic life when he reinstated as lawyer and his sons been influence and wealthy. But no, his son said that he is man of principle and despite his advanced old age still prefers and happy each day to be with the commoners til the day he died. Such a great humble man. JBJ might be disappointed with Singaporean but he never lost hope on us still believing that we will wake up one day with dignity and pride as deserved citizen of Singapore.
It is only when we lost a great man that we start to appreciate him (dictator need not apply) … such a pity.
JBJ’s funeral wake will be held at Mount Vernon Funeral Parlour No.1, 121 Upper Aljunied Road from 30 Sep 2008 (7pm onwards) to 4 Oct 2008.
There will be a funeral service at the St Andrew’s Cathedral on 4 Oct 08, Saturday at 2:00 pm. The cortege will leave for the Mandai crematorium at 3:30 pm.
I have not read ST yet.
How is the coverage wrt JBJ?
do you even consider that a condolence letter? more like mockery and disrespect towards the dead and his grieving family.
those skunks who wrote that letter better pray they don’t get haunted by an honorable dead not just in their sleep but even in the day.
to those skunks: pple will write the same kind of letter to your family when your time is up and nobody will even remember you.
The letter is deplorable and one that is not fit for condolence at all.
But then again, old habits die hard, and we see the true colors of certain individuals.
Fellow citizens, go figure.
i respect JBJ as a great leader who fights with his strong will and mindset… in most singaporeans’ mind, he might not be viewed as great as his opponent, but he still managed to leave his name in one part of the singapore’s history…
i really admire his determination to fight till his last days… to me, his courage to stand by his view and dare to charge into the strong “oppose” current is very encouraging… to me, he is far more greater than his opponent in term of character and spiritual mind…
i strongly believe that his dreams (like Sun Yat Sen, Father of China) will come true… I really hope I can see that day during my lifetime… i encourage talent people to stand up like him to really fight for the rights and benefits of singaporeans… not to follow any big “wolf” who wears lamb skin as disguise…
may JBJ rest in peace….
I think it was a beautiful thing that Dr. Balakrishnan did. He’s a good loving person at heart, and I know that he sure wasn’t going on official business or just to show face.
A note to the wise; and this is not specifically referring to Dr. B. : Just coz you’re part of the PAP doesn’t mean it runs through your veins. Some of them like Dr. B and Ng Eng Hean are the real deal. They love their families and the people. I’d rather they take over the party.
Rest in Peace JBJ SIR.
I am sad that no one (before your departure) pays you such attention when you were making your rounds selling books…
Singaporeans are a very very pitiful and pathetic lot… I am glad I am out of that place.
Sigh
Sucker punch letters, drooling with sarcasm.
They can’t resist one last final dig and round it up with curtly PR.
Don’t blame them. You people chose them to be in power.
Poh,
Not all of us. I don’t recall consciously voting them into power.
chorus,
I suggest you read the chinese night newspaper which is more reflective and constructive than ShittyTimes which is mouthpiece for someone-you-know.
I think VB did the right thing, regardless whether it is a politically limiting move or not. He probably knew JBJ long before he joined politics…
I wish the reporters would respect the dead and not take so many pictures of people paying their last respects.
I too think the letter of condolences could have been better written, without mentioning how good PAP is, but instead focus on the good deed of JBJ. After all, he has gone, they should let bygones be bygones.
I’m saddened at JBJ’s sudden departure. He has fought the fight. Still fighting till his death. My condolences to his two sons and loved ones.
I’m extremely saddened at the sudden departure of our veteran opposition politician JBJ. It’s Singapore’s greatest loss. I remember seeing him selling his books. Despite so many adversities in life, he continued fighting, even till his death. My condolences to his two sons and their loved ones in this difficult time.
daniel:
Well, sadly, my proficiency in Chinese is not what it once was. Reading the Chinese papers will be a painful experience. Is ST’s coverage of “nation-building” nature? I might have a look just for the sake of it.
Tim W:
“I think it was a beautiful thing that Dr. Balakrishnan did. He’s a good loving person at heart, and I know that he sure wasn’t going on official business or just to show face.
A note to the wise; and this is not specifically referring to Dr. B. : Just coz you’re part of the PAP doesn’t mean it runs through your veins. Some of them like Dr. B and Ng Eng Hean are the real deal. They love their families and the people. I’d rather they take over the party.”
True, that.