Singaporeans pay last respects to JB Jeyaretnam
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 October 2008 2205 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singaporeans from all walks of life attended Mr JB Jeyaretnam's wake on Wednesday. And online, several hundred people penned their thoughts on the veteran politician.

Many paid their last respects to a man described as "determined" and "dedicated". There were also several people from the legal fraternity at the wake, including Ms Indranee Rajah, MP of Tanjong Pagar GRC and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

She said: "He was a prominent opposition figure who made fiery speeches and obviously was a man of conviction. In the 60s, 70s period, he was always a larger-than-life figure."

Members of Singapore's opposition parties were also present, including Potong Pasir MP Chiam See Tong.

"Mr Jeyaretnam taught the opposition that it must change its strategy to unite and contest the PAP with a bigger force, instead of taking on the mighty PAP single-handedly.

"He is truly an opposition member; his life was devoted to the opposition. He had great ideals but his ideals may be a bit ahead of the times," said Mr Chiam.

A facebook group has also been set up in memory of Mr Jeyaretnam. So far, some 700 people, including Singaporeans living overseas, have signed up. Most on the website said they admire Mr Jeyaretnam's fighting spirit and tenacity.


- CNA/so