JBJ memorial service at Hong Lim Park, 5 January 2010
January 6th, 2010 | 
Author: By Koh Cheong Kiat
While you all are busy on the roads or doing overtime at your office, Temasek Review went down to the Speaker’s Corner at Hong Lim Park to attend a memorial service to remember the late Reform Party’s founder, Mr. Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam on the evening of 5 January 2010. This article is written for you to gain some insight on the event and remembers late Mr. Jeyaretnam as he is to his counterparts and supporters.
Upon reaching the venue, we were greeted by a group of representatives from the Singapore Democratic Party and the Reform Party. The main speakers of the evening are Mr. Kenneth Jeyaretnam, Secretary-General of the Reform Party, Dr. Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party and Mr. Leong Sze Hian, a Financial Consultant. We also managed to speak with Mr. Alex Tan, and other young representatives from both parties.
The issues that were being touched upon included the past actions and memories of the late Mr. Jeyaretnam that had touched the lives of the people and the impact it had on the future lives of them. No sad speeches were the prerequisites of this event even due to the gloomy roots but then again, jokes were also being said to lighten the mood and atmosphere of the event by Mr. Leong Sze Hian as the late JBJ had mentioned to him when he was alive that the HDB problem is predictable. Now, the problem has surfaced and the late JBJ is known to be able to foresee this happening way before its time.
Dr. Chee Soon Juan was up next. He shared his thoughts and feeling about the late JBJ’s inspiration and vision in reforming Singapore. Throughout the speech, he was like a voice for the late JBJ, voicing out his ideology as though he was there.
Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the son of the late JBJ was an economist by education and now is in politics. He was the right hand man to his father when he was still alive and had knowledge of the followings and procedures of the Reform Party. His father has taught him well and is now able and capable of continuing his father’s legacy, although he is not much of a politician than an economist.
During our short conversation, Mr. Alex Tan revealed how he thought of the late JBJ and how he was inspired by him. Representatives from the respective party also reviewed their encounter with the late JBJ and how his deeds have made an impact on them, which inspired them to be who they are presently.
All in all, this event is to remember the late JBJ, the things he had done, and the things he hasn’t which would be touched upon by his son and the Reform party. It ended with a vigil where the public burnt a candle and had a moment of silence. So now, let us all have a moment of silence after reading this article to remember the late Mr. Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam and his actions which have leave a mark in the Singapore’s history.
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6 Responses to “JBJ memorial service at Hong Lim Park, 5 January 2010”
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A much loved true blue Singaporean who will be remembered for his courage in standing up for justice and the well-being of fellow Singaporeans inspite of crippling obstacles.
This would be a much worse place without people like him. My heart cries out when I recall how much he had to sacrifice for us all.
A brave man indeed.
Many ever told me before, that in his days when he used to sell his books at places like Raffles Place, they wanted to approach him and give him encouragement or say thanks for voicing up for the people. However, they all FEARED as it was a public area.
Fear led to apathy.
There is no way out other than to Wait.
Thank god, humans, not matter how bad you are, are mere mortals.
this is the real model of a true blue son of singapore.
whilst his comtemporaries enrich themselves,he not only
gone to jail but was made a bankrupt for standing up for the
lowly voiceless citizens.
let’s show gratitude by putting his ideals in Parliament and what better way than to vote for the people who echo his sentiments.
just curious, did Workers’party send anyone there?
We also managed to speak with Mr. Alex Tan, CEC member of the Reform Party and other young representatives from both parties.
Please amend this as Alex Tan is not a CEC member of the Reform Party.
Thank you
Jermyn
For a few time, I saw him selling his book alone, there are very few who brought his book and most just stare at him, maybe wondering why there is such a person in Singapore fighting a losing war.
Who is he ? Why is he doing this ? For what ? For who ? Why ?
Mr. Jeyaretnam, I salute you. Singapore salute you. Thank you.