The Loss of a Great man. A True Son of Singapore

Today is a sad day for Singaporeans. Today we mourn the loss of, arguably the greatest “Freedom Fighter” in Singapore. A man who stood by his beliefs, never backing away or compromising the values he believed in. Even in the face of relentless persecution. He will be revered and remembered. Today we mourn the loss of a great man, Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam.

Heartfelt condolences go out to his family. He will be missed.

A Lawyer, a Judge, an Opposition Party Leader, a Patriot, a Martyr and an inspiration to many. Jeyaretnam was the leader of the Workers' Party of Singapore, challenging the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which had effectively ruled Singapore as a one-party state.

Representing the Workers' Party, Jeyaretnam defeated the People's Action Party's Pang Kim Him in the 1981 Anson by-election becoming the first opposition MP in Singapore. He was again re-elected in 1984.

Jeyaretnam served as an MP for the Workers' Party of Singapore from 1981-86, and again from 1997-2001. Having left the Workers' Party, he recently formed the Reform Party to challenge the more than 40-year rule of the People's Action Party.

He died from a heart attack at about 1:30am this morning.

Wikipedia Article on JB Jeyaretnam.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeyaretnam

Youtube tribute to the great man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svVij6V99SU&feature=related

Amnesty International- background of defamation cases

http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/singapore/document.do?id=7CC6320873957F2880256A92003CD0C7

'Come, walk with me, let us walk together... for peace, justice, truth... fearing no one except God,' Quote from Mr Jeyaretnam.

Thank you Sir, for your courage, strength and shining example. Thank you for standing up for truth, thank you for standing in the gap.