I was taken aback when I learnt this morning that Mr J B Jeyaretnam had passed away. I did not expect it as I had recently read of his formation of a new political party and his interest in contesting in the next General Elections. I send my condolences to his two sons, Kenneth and Philip.
My first encounter with Mr Jeyaretnam was in the 1981 Anson by-election, which he won. I was then the PAP's Organising Secretary. His victory showed that it was possible for opposition MPs to be elected into Parliament.
We had many more encounters later, in Parliament, during elections and in the Courts. Politically, we were on different sides of the fence. I did not believe his brand of politics was good for Singapore. PAP leaders and he had many heated exchanges. But despite this, we kept up our personal relationship.
As Prime Minister, I did not allow the PAP's fight with Mr Jeyaretnam to affect his sons' place in society. In reply to a letter from Kenneth, I assured him that we valued talent, regardless of his father's stand in politics and determination to oppose us. I had invited Philip for lunch, to tell him the same thing.
What do I remember or respect most about Mr J B Jeyaretnam? Even though I did not agree with his political cause, I respect his fighting spirit to advance it and his willingness to pay a price for it.
