Endoh’s Dungeon

Singapore received a shocking piece of news over the week, on the sudden demise of opposition pioneer Mr Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam - better known as J.B. Jeyaretnam. If you’re one those who are totally oblivious to the current/political affairs, he passed away at an age of 82 due to a sudden heart failure yesterday at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

It took me quite a while to consider writing this for him, for various reasons. I am not very well acquaintanced to this personality since I was relatively young during his active days. Subsequently, he had been silenced more or less as I grew into adulthood. It wasn’t really easy to catch him in action. Yet, as a Singaporean, the name is unmistakable. If you do not know such a person exist, I wonder which offshore island you have been living in total isolation.

I remembered watching him on TV as a child, during the 1970s to early 1980s. He’s a man with a strong voice, it was not difficult for him to step up and capture your attention whenever he spoke. Such confidence and faith in this man, he pitted himself against the ruling party. But as a child, what did I know? Perhaps, I had seen him somewhere in Singapore but was too young to recall.

How many man truly dare to speak up and lead the cause he believed in? How many man can mesmerize the crowd whenever he picked up the microphone? Please, do not put him by the side of CSJ. Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam is in a class of his own and always will be. That’s undeniable.

Over the years of bankruptcy, it’s a pity he couldn’t do more for Singaporeans as he wished. We know that burning desire in him to do good and serve the Singapore citizens. For every opposing statement from him, was a man made of flesh and blood, with a big dream. For him to take this responsibility upon his shoulders, it is certainly not easy.

J.B. Jeyaretnam’s biggest dream, was to re-enter parliament. He formed a new political front, the Reform Party. Unfortunately, he cannot watch the party blossom from its infancy now. What a waste I thought. We have just lost a person who was so focused and driven in his efforts towards a better Singapore. When will such a person like him to surface again? I dare not dream about it. This is a loss not only for political reasons, but also in hope, courage and perseverance.

We hope he’s in a better place now, free from the struggles of life and released from the injustices he had suffered. We wish his family well and we’re proud that this family gave Singapore one of the finest man we can ever ask for. He will be fondly remembered not only by his family, but also all of us.

I mourn him with this post, leaving you with one of his simple, yet inspiring words.

Come, walk with me,
let us walk together…
for peace, justice, truth…
fearing no one except God