serialdeviant.org(y)

Starting a Party, and Hoping to Crash Singapore’s Parliament Again:

Last month he was back after six years of political banishment, the grand old man of political opposition ready to joust again with Singapore’s immovable political establishment.

“We are just beginning!” he exclaimed at a small news conference announcing the formation of a new party, the Reform Party.

It was an unusual phrase to hear from an 82-year-old man who has been running for office — when the courts would allow him — since 1971.

But Mr. Jeyaretnam seems unable to stop pushing, a man at the mercy of his own force of personality, certain of his principles, uninhibited and seemingly immune to intimidation.

He paid his way out of bankruptcy a year ago, after having been convicted in 2001 of defaming members of the ruling party; ordered to pay damages; barred from the practice of law; and expelled for the second time from Parliament.

He says he has lost count of the number of times he has been sued for defamation for his political statements.

As I’ve said before, JB Jeyaratnam is a man totally worthy of respect. Where people sit and complain in coffee shops and bars about everything, he’s actually made it his life’s mission to do something about it. I don’t believe he is as much of a rabble rouser as Chee Soon Juan (who I think has a bit more of a martyr complex). I appreciate both their convictions and their efforts, even on the occasions when the publicity stunts turn out clownish and downright pointless.

I’m not sure why Chee Soon Juan went into opposition politics, and why he keeps doing what he’s doing. Opposition for opposition’s sake is stupid, but if someone has a real point to make, why not give them the time to state their case?

I think JBJ truly is disappointed in the system — he’s lived with it long enough. Whether or not the electorate agrees with his ideas or opinions, they are valid and should be heard. If the PAP argues with him like a mature adult instead of over-reacting every time he makes a claim, I think we would all find our politics more engaging and worthwhile.

If the PAP wants to find excellent young adults with a passion for public service (and so on), they have to make sure we think domestic politics are worthwhile. And they are only worthwhile if everyone gets a fair go and we get to debate things without being told what to think.

Blah, blah, blah.

Following the links on the Tomorrow post on JB Jeyaratnam, I was dismayed to see the sort of language and poor form displayed by many of the posters on Sammyboy (but why am I surprised). As Littlespeck said, it does more of a disservice to the original poster than it does to Mr Jeyaratnam. I don’t know all of Mr Jeyaratnam’s history in politics, but I do know that he is a nice man who has done a very thankless job over the last 20-plus years. We may not necessarily agree with his politics, but he has stood firm for what he believes in, despite all the hardship that has come his way. For that, he is admirable, and I will buy and read any new books he publishes should I see him on the streets of Singapore.

Those who choose only to belittle him because he has hit on hard times should be ashamed of themselves. They would not have the courage to stand up for ANYTHING that may go against the status quo. They are weasels. If Mr Jeyaratnam ever deigned to cross swords with them, it would be a total and complete massacre. I’d pay money to see some sycophant get cut down in public like that.