Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, popularly known as J. B. Jeyaretnam or JBJ, was a towering figure in Singapore’s political landscape. A lawyer by profession and a politician by conviction, he dedicated his life to advocating for justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
As the first opposition politician to break the one-party dominance in Singapore’s Parliament since independence, he became a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of political adversity. His journey was marked by triumphs, struggles, and an unwavering commitment to his principles, making him an enduring inspiration to advocates of democracy worldwide.
Early Life and Education of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 1926, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam grew up in Malaya and Singapore. His father, Victor Lord Joshua, worked in the Public Works Department, and his family instilled in him strong values of hard work and integrity. His education was disrupted by World War II, during which he learned Japanese to avoid forced labor and worked as an interpreter. After the war, he pursued law at University College London, graduating with honors in 1951. He was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn and returned to Singapore to serve in the legal service.
Legal Career: A Champion for Justice
Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam quickly rose through the ranks in Singapore’s legal service, serving as a magistrate, district judge, crown counsel, deputy public prosecutor, and Supreme Court registrar. However, his independent thinking and pursuit of justice often put him at odds with the political establishment. He eventually left the legal service in 1963 and established his own law firm in 1968. His legal career laid the foundation for his fearless pursuit of justice, both in the courtroom and in the political arena.
Political Journey: Breaking the One-Party Rule
Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam joined the Workers’ Party in 1971 and became its secretary-general. Despite numerous electoral defeats in the 1970s, he remained steadfast in his belief that Singapore needed a strong opposition to ensure accountability and democracy.
His perseverance paid off in the 1981 Anson by-election, where he won a historic victory, becoming the first opposition MP since Singapore’s independence in 1965. This victory sent shockwaves through the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and gave Singaporeans hope for a more diverse political landscape.
His tenure in Parliament was marked by relentless questioning of government policies, championing civil liberties, and advocating for the underprivileged. He was a voice of dissent in a political system that heavily favored the ruling party, and he fought tirelessly against policies he deemed unfair or oppressive.
Challenges, Convictions, and Perseverance
Jeyaretnam’s political success was met with severe pushback. In 1986, he was convicted of making false statements about the Workers’ Party’s accounts, leading to his disqualification from Parliament and imprisonment. His disbarment from legal practice followed, but he appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, which overturned his disbarment in 1988, calling the conviction a “grievous injustice.”
Despite these setbacks, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam never wavered. He re-entered Parliament in 1997 as a Non-Constituency MP after the Workers’ Party’s strong showing in Cheng San GRC. However, financial damages from defamation suits eventually led to his bankruptcy and political disqualification in 2001.
A New Chapter: Founding the Reform Party
Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam’s resilience shone through even in his later years. After being discharged from bankruptcy in 2007, he founded the Reform Party in 2008, aiming to continue his fight for democracy. Unfortunately, his journey was cut short when he passed away from heart failure on September 30, 2008. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire those who believe in justice and democracy.
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