The author had breakfast last Tuesday with an unsung hero of Singapore. A true veteran warrior with a fighting spirit matched by few and an inner determination stronger than steel. He is none other than Mr. Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, affectionately known as JBJ. At the age of 76, JBJ has fought for 30 years at great sacrifices to himself. Despite that, he has not lost sense of idealism striving towards a politics of balance in Singapore. The author here made a transcript abridge verbatim of what the man himself says.
"Shin Leong, do you know what's wrong with the society here? We the people here for too long have allow the government to sit on the shoulders of the people. When it should be completely the other way round! The government should carry the people on their shoulders! Hobbes once said, "It should not be the case of which the government telling the people where to go but the people telling the government where it should go!"
"In any democracy, the people are the masters. It should be, for the people, from the people, by the people. This is not a cliché nor is it a joke. This must be the cornerstone reality of any democracy!"
"As a result of all this wrongs in our society, there's a complete neglect of those in need. Quoting 1998 Nobel Laureate Economics prize winner Amartya Sen, he once said, 'In any true democracy, the people will not starve too long, because the government will not be able to face protest under demonstration. However in countries where protest is not allowed, the people will continue to starve and the government will continue to ignore the population.'"
"This leads to social questions such as medical healthcare. Why we the state of plenary is unable to afford healthcare cost? This is because we the people are not in control! Why are the elderly neglected? This is because we the people are not in charge!"
"In England, once there was this university fees hike, however after overwhelming protest from the student population, the fees hike was scrapped! See? This is a demonstration of the power of the people!"
"The liberty of the press is a cornerstone of democracy, but look at the state of affairs of our press now. Instead of speaking for the people, the press becomes mouthpieces for the government. Why again? Again this is because we the people are not in power!"
"As a result of all these, Singapore is now full of crawlers. An Oxford professor, specializing in Roman History, on empires and emperors once said, 'People find it easier to stand on their stomach facing the emperor than to stand on their feet.' However, Singapore is a democracy! Time has come to throw off this fear!"
"Idealism should not be seen as a destination, idealism is a process, a motivator that drives towards your goals. I am 76, but I am still idealistic! I encourage you young people to have your ideals, just like for me, what I wish to strive towards is prosperity, peace and democracy for all!"
I asked JBJ at this juncture for his comments with regards to critics who voiced their disapproval about the pending "Save JBJ from bankruptcy" citizens' rally. He replied, "Let them say what they want, this is a democracy, each individual is entitled to his/ her own views."
In totality, having personally heard JBJ's views and opinions, it hardened my resolve and beliefs that this man, Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam, is worth helping. Salvage his political life by saving him from bankruptcy. I urge you all, like-minded Singaporeans to step forward, heed the rally call and exercise your rights and power as Singaporeans.
WE THE PEOPLE, LET'S MAKE IT RIGHT FOR SINGAPORE!
