Singapore Democrats

A very touching farewell article to a close friend . I hope that with the passing of JB that more singaporean will read about this great man,about his life, about his struggles and prosecutions by the government and hopefully a thousand JBs will rise up and bring this tiny singapore to a respectable country where not only foreigners heap praises on us for economics advancmeent but also on human right, democracy and a society of caring people.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. You have inspired an entire generation of Singaporeans and we will keep the fight going."

We are inspired but we are still scared.

Up close and personal with Chee and jbj.
That is a very nice article. Do write more of it. I sick and disguse of those rotten expensive Lee's memoir lying in the library and in bookstore.

Dr Chee..

I been holding back my tears since I received news of his demise early on Tues Morning. Now as I read your article on JBJ, I can no longer fight back my tears. You have shown me another side of JBJ which many of us don't get to know. The loving husband, a Uncle who bring toys to your kids, the friend whom you share a cramp room with in NYC..The fighter who at times felt crestfallen..

This is the Man who throughout his life, tries to fight for his fellow Singaporean to live in a democratic society..a society where people are the power not the government..

Given his background, he could have lead a luxurious life if he choose to be co-opted into the establishment, yet he choose the harder route to bring about more freedom for us..

I last met him on SDP's Hawaiian Nite dinner, I was elated when he could still remember me and shook my hands asking me how am I..That was also my last conversation with him..

Goodbye Mr JBJ, to those who thinks that you are "irrelevant", "not destiny to see through what you are fighting for", I am sure what you have been fighting will not be in vain..

There are people like me, who believe in what you have been fighting for, and will continue to carry on the fight.

I know Mr JBJ will bless us from where he is now..

Thanks for sharing the personal experience with Mr JBJ.

JBJ is at a better place now. Farewell, good sir.

A heart-wrenching account. Thank you.

Joshua is safe now with the Lord. No draconian tentacles can touch him now.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and perpetual light shine on him.

Dear Dr Chee

After reading this most touching article, I choose to write you here instead of speaking to you..to have something in writing to honour both of you gentlemen.

Despite all the things that have been written about JBJ and you over the years, to potray the bad guys image, I have always believed in and respected both of you and never wavered from that; and never belived what ever was written over the last 17 years or so.

I dont know you from adams. I first met you at Raffles Place, you were all alone selling your first book 'Dare to change" many didnt dare venture to you, I was one of the few that did. You autographed the book dated 19th Aug 1994...you signed "Together lets build the vision...Chee Soon Juan" I still have that book.

I first met JBJ, in the same manner. He too was selling his book, I still have his book too.

Since both that fateful days, My belief,respect and admiration for both you gentleman has grown by leaps and bounds, and no matter what is said and written about you both, I know that JBJ and you Dr chee are,...sincere, genuine, caring gentlemen, and nobody can take that away from me.

I know what you have expressed here comes straight from you heart, and I would like to join you in sharing this grief at this moment.

I last met JBJ at the SDP annual party on 31st August 2008, and I am glad I had the chance to chat with him for a while...and saw him again this 1st Oct, he looked rested and peaceful. I shall see him for the last time this sat.

Take care Dr Chee, and I am sure JBJ would want that too.

Jeff Goh

Thanks so much for this article. God bless.

It's ironical, just a week ago that area was busting with roars from the F1 event. Too recent for comfort. I hope that it would be peaceful this weekend.

Great letter, Dr Chee, I'm deeply touched

Sing to the tune of 'My Way'

So now, it's finally here
the passing of dear JBJ
So unexpectedly, so suddenly
at the end of September

My friends, let us all cheer
thru all our tears, he didn't suffer
He went so peacefully
To meet Magaret finally

**
Oh what a man! tho he had lost
political cases in our kangaroo
courts!
He was a saint who had never bent
To despicable acts by a heartless man
Let that be known
When our children'd grown
He did it for our sakes!

And now, to the people I say
you must repay his sacrifices
Recall the sad old man
standing all alone in the little corner
Beckoning to you to buy his book
So he can fight on
for us and our children too
He did it for our sakes!

Dear Dr Chee,

Thank you for sharing with us your encounters with the late JBJ. A very touching article indeed.

No words can described the enormous challenges, pains and sacrifices that both JBJ & you make during the course of your political life. I want to say a Big Thank You to both of you for making all the sacrifices.

The road is certainly long and narrow. I stood by your beliefs from Day 1, the day when you launched your 1st book 'Dare To Change' in 1994 selling them at Raffles Place. Since then, I have bought all of your books 'Singapore, My Home Too. To Be Free. The Power of Courage. Those Who Dare (Voices of Asia's Democrats) and the recently launched 'A Nation Cheated'. I have also bought books written by JBJ 'The Hatchet Man of Singapore and Make It Right for Singapore'.

I still remembered both JBJ and yourself told me to concentrate in my working career (I was in my late 20s) when I bought the book from you at Raffles Place and from JBJ at City Hall. From that encounter, I know you guys are genuine and possesses qualities of a true leader (that is so missing these days) to run a country.

In your own words Dr Chee, success will come. It is only a question of when and how.

I look forward to see a more open society in Singapore where one don't have to live in fear as a result of all your party's efforts and the late JBJ's efforts.

And when that day comes, I'm sure the late JBJ will be rejoicing up above.

I want to share some awesome words with everyone here on your website.

'It doesn't matter how long you live, it only matter how well you live'.

'The bridge you burn now, may be the ones you have to cross later'.

Thanks Dr Chee and blessings to you & your family.

This should be read by every single Singaporean via the Staits Times.

'It doesn't matter how long you live, it only matter how well you live'.

'The bridge you burn now, may be the ones you have to cross later'.

ALbert,

Thanks for sharing with us the above quotes...

Though Mr JBJ has left us, but the respect we have for him will not be taken away..

The path he has open up for us, will have to be continue.

I sincerely hope that with Mr JBJ's passing on, those who feels the greatness he has done for us, will help to keep the fight on, only then we will not let Mr JBJ down.

Come fellow Singaporeans, do join us in our fight towards a truly democratic Singapore.

Dr. Chee, it was so appropriate that you remember the man not just for his work, but also for his humanity. Your sharing makes the remembrance of JBJ a celebration, a victory. Whatever others say, to me Mr. Jeyaratnam is the father of democracy in Singapore.

Thank you for a beautifully-written eulogy, Dr. Chee. It was a pleasure to share your memories of the indomitable JBJ you knew. The simple little vignettes, the touching moments of joy and despair - these are what make us human.

The Bible has it that Joshua led the Israelites in the battle for the city of Jericho, so Joshua B.Jeyaratnam was indeed aptly named. I do not doubt that some day all Singaporeans will pay tribute to his selfless battle on their behalf.

Farewell and God speed you on your journey, JBJ.

g_e.

There is a Tamil saying 'righteous will win'.
Truth will prevail and the mighty will fall.

You are indeed a true friend of JBJ and we know you will not give up the fight.

Dear Sir JBJ,
In the Sea of Political Darkness,
You're a True Source of Light.
We'll miss you.

For the first time, it has taken many hours for me to write something here. For many days now, my feelings is still gloomy. I didn't understand what it was cause it has been surrounding me for days. Until I've read this letter.

I have now understood that some part of me, my hopes was dashed when I learned about his demise a few days ago. It's just that I'm not sure how to put it in words. I now understands that my spirit is trying to accept the facts that it was a great loss to many of us, for, we have lost one of the two pillars of hopes. It is time for me to let go and appease myself.

I have always been an optimistic person and I also know that I STILL HAVE THAT ONE MORE PILLAR OF HOPE ON YOU, DR CHEE. To free us from being oppressed by the PAP.

[size=x-large][color=red]悼一代英魂之隕落！[/color][/size]

[size=medium][color=maroon]一個領袖必須具有高尚的情操，不爲五斗米折腰，如果你是貪財的，又怎為民服務？領袖必須具有犧牲的精神，如果因爲從政而損失了金錢也在所不惜，這纔是真正的犧牲。如果眷戀權利錢利，那還是別從政好。當今社會從政而具有古人政治家情操的已經寥寥無幾，不失爲權就是爲利。因爲有權比有勢，有勢必有利。司馬昭之心，人人皆知，不管他們如何吹噓，人民知道他們是什麽居心。所謂被騙得多了，人也必定會變聰明了。
如果你是聖人，不必從你口中道出，天下哪有說自己好的好人？不必再愚弄人民的智慧。
我由衷敬佩那些鞠躬盡瘁，死而後已的真正爲人。
安息吧！你的犧牲與奉獻我們市井小民和老天都看在眼裏，你的付出不會白費，鮮血不會白流！歷史會記錄你無私勇敢的奉獻！[/color]
[/size]

A great and compassionate man has passed away and an inspiration for future generations that tyranny will not put down the personality of a moral man in the pursuit of freedom and democracy.Hid legacy will last forever.

Thanks for sharing your memory with us, CSJ. I'm deeply touched. Politicians and media can smear and demonize JBJ but truth needs no defense; it prevails. Once I was a believer of Singapore media and PAP. I misunderstood JBJ and feel like a jerk. I owe him an apology. From the very bottom of my heart, I'm Sorry.

Dear Dr Chee

Your letter embraces struggle among warriors against a unjust corrupt nepotism at its height of stink; and yet it shows me kindness among those who have been bullied & spat at.

But most of all, it reminds me of the kindness described by that clueless, idiotic, weak PM for his father. To this brainless clay idol, kindness was when the satay man served him less satay than he had ordered because the satay man thought he could not finish it. There you have it: thats the intellect of our PM. Thats what we get when we pay Million Dollars for his Father's Son.

When we say our goodbye to JBJ, please also give a smirk for that retart. We are richer as a human than him with his millions in the banks.

I laugh.

Dear Mr JBJ and Mr CSJ,

Actually, I was quite ashame of being a Singaporean... I had the belief that my life as a Singaporean was a waste...

Suddenly, I recovered my pride. Now I am proud to be a Singaporean... This is due to the great sacrifice by people like Mr JBJ, Dr Chee and etc...

Dear Dr Chee

Thank you for providing a close insight into JBJ's personal character and qualities.

We know that JBJ was a great politician who was able to instil fear in the so-called mighty PAP as it had to change electoral boundaries after each election, abuse the court system just to punish him and other opposition figures, make open threats to the electorate such as upgrading of flats and give cash payouts before elections.

Now we know that he was also really a devoted and humble man.

You write very well. It would be great if you could write a book on JBJ.

This is one of the most touching eulogies I have come across and I believe it is because it comes from the heart.

JBJ had indeed fought the good fight and till the very end. Where ministers get paid millions to "serve the people", he willing paid millions to serve the people.

Many of us, who knew JBJ for his passionate campaigning for the people and his fearless fight to the end did not get to know of the other side of him. The side that was a man, a husband and a friend.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

I wish you and your family well.

Rest well Mr JBJ, for you have fought the good fight and have earned your well-deserved rest many times over. Now its time for others to bring to fruition what you have started so long ago.

Do enjoy this little show(down) that we will be putting up with your blessings and memory!

There seems to be one 'sad'or 'sick' person out there who seems to be giving a 'thumbs down' for every comment made. May God have mercy on you when your time comes.

A very touching letter. Thanks Dr. Chee for sharing with us this account of Mr. JBJ's life together with yourself.

Mr. JBJ's life is a touching and true testimony. Since Tuesday morning, flashes of memories came into my mind involuntarily and would moved me to tears. I recall and remember the times he stood for elections, I remember the time when my father told me to stay up late with him to watch the poll results back in the early 80s and how excited we were when Mr. JBJ won. I remember the times when the Cheng San polls results were delayed, how late into the night me and my family stayed up in front of the TV, how upset and aggrieved we were to hear of the results. How much we felt unjustified for Mr. JBJ. Also Memories of the speehes made by Mr. JBJ during his many election speeches. As all these flashed back, I begin to realised how much I begin to miss Mr. JBJ as a great man, and honourable man whom I have looked upon as an important and great leader to the nation of Singapore.

I can't help it but my heart just feel so wrenched. Even afer Mr. JBJ's passing on, the papers and the PM and similar league still continue in their relentless blacksmearing at him. This is an extremely inhumane thing for any human to do. Perhaps they do not understand the meaning of the word "condolence". Mr. JBJ do not just deserve a sincere condolence letter, in fact he deserved a well justified eulogy, a well justified state funeral, a well justified monument in rememberace of him, etc.

Mr. JBJ, all these years, you have given me, given my family, given many Singaporeans that hope, that hope in believing that Change can come and Change is still possible. You have been an important anchor to allowing us to still believe in having a better Singapore. Your extraordinary tenacity and strength is indeed an exemplary testimony of your love to Singapore and your love to the people of Singapore. You gave up everything that you have in pursuit of social justice and political jsutice for the land of Singapore. Thank you Sir.

Rest in Peace Sir for your reward up there is great and your mansion up there will be permanent. For those who hoard wealth and gold on earth can never bring them along to their graves.

Dear Dr Chee,

I tried to translate your very moving letter to JBJ into Chinese. As this is your letter, you have the full prerogative to decide on its amendment and how to use it. If you think that the translation does not reflect your sentiment, you may decide not to publish or use it.

If the Chinese characters could be enlarged, would be better.

Singaporean…



别了，亲爱的朋友！

亲爱的惹耶勒南先生，

星期二，我最后一次探望您。我从没看见您那末安详。

这与咱俩多年合作的情况有很大的差别。记得1997大选后，我们在您甘林路的层楼时，心里受到极大的创伤。（这大厦已改建为一栋高档的服务公寓）。那时我们正在草拟一封致联合国的信，要求它监督以后新加坡的大选。


要重新追述所发生的事件将是繁重的工作。如，对邓亮洪的迫害，对选民的恐吓，部长闯入投票站。起草文件时，有机会品尝印度“瓦德”饼及和英国名茶，也换来些需的安慰。

我还问您哪本摆在茶几上，曼德拉写的“自由的漫长道路”。您说，“历史上时不时会出现不需伤害他人，也能成就大事的伟人。”

一次内人与我到您一间租赁的房子。在外头，瞧见您几件挂在窗边的衣服。看到您这把年纪还得亲自洗烫，她觉得痛心。

这又让我记起在实龙刚路，您下车，买了一束花。问起时，您说当天乃您的结婚纪念日。您的亡妻，马格烈会喜欢那束花。

记得咱们一块到美国纽约吗？我很惊奇您是首次到美国。我们住进一家小酒店。在阴按狭小的走廊托做行李箱。但国在找锁匙开门的当儿，听到您在自责，“怎么把自己搞成这样？”

听您这一说，我的心沉了下来。其实，我也有点颓丧，还想从您那儿得到些许鼓励。看到您的情况，我信心也有点飘摇。

但我了解，您的压力来自另外一件官司。当我们让疲惫的头颅放到枕头上后，您说，他们不单要在政治上取胜，更想进一步把您个人摧毁。

我俩当晚立誓，政治上可能斗不过他们。我们决不让他们把我们摧毁。。。待续

I hope somebody can write a biography of JBJ soon.

We have set up a blog in memory of JBJ at:

www.jbjmemorial.wordpress.com

We are also awaiting permission from RP to publish JBJ's book "Make it right in Singapore" on the internet.

Our children and grandchildren MUST NOT be misled and hoodwinked by the PAP and the state media anymore !

Why my child grow up, I want him to remember JBJ as a Singapore patriot, a fighter and a hero who had dedicated his entire life for the service of the nation FOC and not some "combative fireband" out to destroy the "PAP and Singapore's system of government" as alleged by our dear LOONY LEE's "condolence letter" !

Reading this account of events, it is so real. They are just ordinary Singaporeans doing extraordinary things...dare to speak opening against LKY.

I just wounder what would Francis Seow and Tang TL. write.

Just imagine. JBJ, Francis Seow, Tang LH, Dr Chee and Tan Wah Piow and together will the two opposition if there are all elected in parliament. And with LKY died. How would cancer LHL handles them? Just wounder.

The struggle against Lee Kuan Yew and his PAP ruling clique must go on until all Singaporeans are free from their autocratic rule.

singaporean - Friendship,

Splendid Chinese translation !

Can you please put this into
www.jbjmemorial.wordpress.com

Throughout his entire lifetime he had a mission, and this mission he fought hard for.

The older generation watched his every move, heard his every word; they cheered, they jeered.

The younger generation read about him, hear about him, and now as he lays himself down to sleep, it is hard to believe that a man strong-willed as him, brave as him, had disappeared like the wind.

Dr. Chee's farewell letter has deeply touched many of us; it paints many dimensions of JBJ. At the same time, it gave us a peek into the more personal aspects of JBJ. I am sure that as much as you (Dr. Chee) cherish these memories of JBJ, he equally valued these shared moments with you.

Friends and foes of sdp, supporters and adversaries, let go of your pro-or-anti attitude for a moment, clear your head, and see for yourself, this, is what a true modern hero is all about.

Not someone who, for their own gains, are willing to betray friends. Not someone who, for their own gains, suck blood for a living...

Live on, JBJ, in our hearts and lands..

why old man is so scare of JBJ ? until want to destroy him politically.Many people supported JBJ from where we can see the results of past GE . That is why old man is scare of him and the devil changed the rule by introducing GRC, what a shame old man.

Mr.J.B. Jeyaretnam will always be remembered as the Pioneer of genuine opposition. He worked tirelessly for the betterment of Singaporeans and democratic ideals.His steadfast commitment to build a better Singapore and a Caring Government has been unduly hampered by self-centered Elites and a muzzled media. With special regards for Dr. Chee's article, I hope more Singaporeans can access this website and hope the SDP can advertise this in the media.

how many of us have agreed and kept quiet.
how many of us have felt touched and yet cowered behind safe walls.
JBJ, may you rest in peace, and Dr Chee, may you continue the good fight, and not give up on Singapore, and Singaporeans, cowards and gutless though we are.
Surely, the tide is turning, and i know that People; not all, but some, know that we have a bright beacon in you, shining the way for us, and showing the filth that is covered underneath the skyscrapers and litter-free roads.

Persevere, Dr Chee, and you will reclaim Singapore for the people!

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with the man. It is good to be able to see a more personal view of Mr Jeyaratnam through your eyes.

The book "Lee's Law" by Chris Lydgate, 2003 from Scribe publication, http://www.scribepub.com.au makes interesting read. It is about the life of JBJ, and how Singapore crushes dissent.

I can best describe JBJ as a true Singaporean friend and care lover. History will always remember him as a real hero to Singaporeans.I recalled an autograph I got during my primary school dauntil his last breadth while his son is like ys which read " Once a fried, always a friend. True to be promised, right to the end." This is what JBJ is to Singaporeans.
Only when a person is dead, then we can conclude and comment of that person.
JBJ has indeed suffered fighting for the rights of us Singaporeans all his life until his last breadth while most Singaporeans like his son just keep quiet and dare not speak up.I felt very shameful and pray that Heaven will record his very good deeds that he has done for his people in Singapore.JBJ I will always remember your deeds in my heart.

Dear Dr. Chee.

Press on. History is a good reflection of what happens to tyrants. They will get their just desserts.

We may pretend not to know you when we see you selling books in the streets. We may shun you when you come forward to speak to us. But that's only because we are afraid. Deep within us, we know what you are fighting for and we long for the day you will succeed.

Press on, for the fate of our country rest on the important hands of those who dare. People like you and Mr. JBJ.

Thank you.

May JBJ rest in peace.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

[quote=andrew lee]..... hopefully a thousand JBs will rise up and bring this tiny singapore to a respectable country where not only foreigners heap praises on us for economics advancmeent but also on human right, democracy and a society of caring people.[/quote]

Will u be one of them?

Dear Dr Chee
I don't really know you much though i have been working in Singapore for the past 4 years. Recently only through the sudden death of JBJ and sharings of a friend cum colleague lead me to read this letter. Your letter is full of genuine human struggles, hopes and selflessness. I choose to believe the darker the night, the brigther the stars will shine! I salute you and the late JBJ for making Singapore a better place to live in where lives will thrive with full dignity!! God Bless!

Dear Dr Chee,

Tears welled up in my eyes as i read your farewell letter to Sir JBJ. You both have struggled along with your family and paid a heavy price just for the people of Singapore. I am ashamed that i was one of those who walked by Sir JBJ when i saw him at Cityhall. I was young and didn't really know much about the politics then. Your letter stating the hardship you both went through was really heartbreaking. Both your name and Sir JBJ name should be in the record of Freedom Fighters along with famous patriots such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King etc. It is sad that a hero had to go and then the people woke up. I know many of us would be thinking this "If only...."
Dr Chee, I wish to meet you someday and shake hands with you. I wish to be able to give the support that i never gave before when i should. I wish that you have the support you really need for your fight to go on. But i know you have the support of our late JBJ. The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.

A quote from Nelson Mandela's book
"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."

I am truly saddened by the loss of the great JBJ. He was a man of class and he delivered his messages and beleifs with great aggression, something i truly do admire. His passing is indeed a big blow, however, we must not let this dilute our spirits.

He has left his legacy behind and it is up to us whether or not we choose to ride on it. We might not be able to match up to this fine man's sheer quality, but our efforts will be no less than 100%.

I am an A level student and i am constantly trying to spread the word, be it word of mouth or through the school's forum. Though it might be at a micro level, we must all join hands and keep the fight going.

I remember when i was still young, i saw the great JBJ trying to sell his book, outside Centerpoint, Orchard. I did not even turn my head and i casually walked off. Believe me, till this day i am still kicking myself.

He has passed , but with bestowing upon us the true meaining of democracy. We will truly miss him.

I will also sit in the corner to save my rice bowl, hope and pray that Dr Chee will press on or take over what JBJ has been doing. Let others do the job.

A most touching account of gentlemen who know the value of living. I salute the bravery and commitment. God Bless.

Written by Ng E-Jay
05 October 2008

JBJ has passed on to a better world and Singaporeans have paid tribute to him. The memorial services for JBJ on Saturday ended on a somber but purposeful mood.

To me, the best tribute one can pay to JBJ is to continue the path of righteousness and honesty that he has laid out.

Now is the time for Opposition parties to unite in a common purpose, with the goal of giving Singaporeans a voice in the political arena, breaking the gridlock of PAP’s one-party dominance in Parliament, and achieving political plurality.

In my opinion, the best way to preserve JBJ’s legacy is to heed his call and step forward to serve the community in whatever capacity one is able and willing.

Let those who are willing and able, step forth now. May JBJ bless us all.

[quote=CaraBrown]I will also sit in the corner to save my rice bowl, hope and pray that Dr Chee will press on or take over what JBJ has been doing. Let others do the job.[/quote]

For those who don't get it, the person's post is meant to be sarcastic.

As in, he/she is trying to say that we should all come forward and get things changed rather than always depending on someone else to.

Let's help to see that Dr Chee will succeed, at least.

I have many friends & relatives living quite happily in Singapore & minding their own business. There's no reason for me to badmouth LKY & his brand of social engineering - though I could never make my home in Lee's Land of Positive=Thinking Androids! Ben Jeyaratnam and Chee Soon Juan are conscientious Winston Smiths in this chrome & steel Orwellian "model republic." I salute you for keeping the flame of organic humanity burning, burning through the decades against all odds. The day will come when the other androids will be liberated from their Confucianist anthill programming and rediscover their own long-suppressed profundity and spiritual potential. And on that day, JBJ will be recognized for who he was and what he represented - a Christ-like figure of resistance against the Deadly Machine of Business-as-Usual.

It is indeed a touching farewell. Despite all the imagery of 2 lonely men trying to make a difference I saw two liberated men trying to convince their fellow countrymen to have a taste of the freedom they themselves had experienced.

It may have begun as an ideal and as things heated up it was probably replaced by fear and despondency. And then a taste of the emancipation. The fear that had been planted by those who had sought to enslaved others is quickly replaced by this new found freedom.

While the path is a lonely one the air is fresh, invigorating and alive.

Those who had sought to enslave others will never understand or ever taste such freedom. Life is like a stick as Stephen Covey puts it ; when you pick one end of the stick, you pick up the other. Those who enslaved others are themselves enslaved. In their own loneliness their meanness and pettiness become accentuated.

We have here a gentlemen who had found his way out and spent his life sharing with his fellow men. Because he had truly lived he left a legacy for all of singaporeans to learn how to live.

I have heard of this great man and read a little about him. I respect him although I am not Singaporean. He is in the class of his own. He heard a different beat and responded it that way. It does not make him a baad guy.

His life is a model for not only Singaporeans but also also every person.

JB, wish you can take a well deserved rest for now.

Dear Mr/Ms Antares,

I agree with you post entirely except the word "Confucianist".

Do check through the book on confucianism. What is prractised in Singapore is a total oppositie of Confucianism. Do not give the present rulers a title which they do not benefit.

The highest goal of Confucinism is to achieve a state whereby the people are well fed, well educated... parents love their kids and kids take care of children... Government lead with a soft hand and subject to the will of the people....

Dear Dr Chee

Thank you for this moving tribute which gives us a glimpse into the human face of a great man whom most of us know only as a legend. You have been his steadfast partner in the fight, sharing a vision of a democratic Singapore. Mr Jeyaretnam is not here anymore to walk with us but you will not walk alone. I and others who have been watching in the wings, held back by fear, will cast off our fear and join you to reclaim the freedom and rights usurped from us. We will do right by Singapore and in so doing, by Mr Jeyaretnam too.

truly one of the finest son of singapores soil,

i hope more singaporeans will learn from the fight this man struggled against .... he fought an entire government system

god bless JB

Dear Dr. Chee,
Good article. Well written.

I recalled few years back, he(JBJ) was selling his hammers newspapers/books outside Centrepoint with several Workers party members. It was in the evening & I patted him on his back. I gave him a ten dollars note & he wanted to gave me back the change, I told him to keep it.

Immediately, he volunteered to sign his names on the book/papers.

Spore, politically will be very quiet without you, the voice of late JBJ.

We will miss you, my HERO. Rest In Peace.

but the government would not put this up...instead the pm's letter makes it to CNA!!

Any body writing the memoirs of JBJ ? As for the old man's memoir,vol one which I bought, I already throw into the karang guni bin.Not worth reading.Better to read Dr Chee's A nation cheated.

I am a Singaporean now working in the farest north on earth. It heartening and warm to feel the spirit, hope and friendship express in this letter. It changed my perspective of you and my respect for the believe you hold. In this coldest place on earth, it warm to to know and remember my home in Singapore and people like you that will make it a better place to live.

Posterity will remember late JBJ as a great man !