JB Jeyaretnam

I heard this morning over the radio that Mr JB Jeyaretnam passed away. This is not a political posting

Mr JBJ was a colourful political character in Singapore with his clipped English accent and trademakr mutton chop beard.

When I first started work as a lowly paid legal clerk in a defunct law firm many years ago, I would bump into him in court. I do remember going to his law office to exchange documents with his clerk. In those days, I think his office was either at Colombo Court or High Street Centre. I do remember the other legal clerks talking about him about his "garang" nature and how he would battle for his clients' rights and fight tooth and nail for justice. Even though JBJ had a "garang" nature, he was never rude or arrogant to all who approached him for help.

There are also memories of him selling the Hammer paper on Sunday mornings at Geylang Serai Market. I would greet him "good morning", buy a paper and go home to read his alternative views.

In later years, JBJ was "silenced" by circumstances. He had my sympathies but I would do nothing because I don't getting involved in Singapore politics by virtue of my foreigner status.

Singapore will be less colourful with the loss of JBJ.

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