Who Is J. B. Jeyaretnam? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, J. B. Jeyaretnam would have celebrated his 99th birthday, having been born on January 5, 1926. Jeyaretnam is a prominent Singaporean politician remembered for his significant contributions to the political landscape of Singapore. His legacy includes being the first opposition member to be elected to the Singapore Parliament in 1981 after the country's independence, famously representing the Workers' Party. Jeyaretnam's fierce advocacy for democracy and human rights, alongside his legal battles and political campaigns, has left a lasting impact on Singapore's political history.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1926 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Jaffna, British Ceylon |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Singapore |
| Date of death | 30 September, 2008 |
| Died Place | Singapore |
Popularity
J. B. Jeyaretnam's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding J. B. Jeyaretnam's physical attributes, such as height, weight, and specific measurements, may not be publicly available or relevant to his contributions as a politician. However, it is well-documented that he had a commanding presence that resonated with the people of Singapore during his political career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
J. B. Jeyaretnam was known to have a supportive family, including his wife, Madam Jean Jeyaretnam, who stood by him during his challenging political career. They had children together and were often described as a close-knit family. Throughout his life, Jeyaretnam was deeply committed to his family and his political ideals.
After the 1976 general election, Lee Kuan Yew demanded an unconditional apology from Jeyaretnam for making the following remarks in a speech during the lead-up to the election: ""Mr Lee Kuan Yew has managed his fortune very well. He is the Prime Minister of Singapore.
His wife is the senior partner of Lee & Lee and his brother is the director of several companies, including Tat Lee Bank in Market Street; the bank which was given a permit with alacrity, [a] banking permit licence, when other banks were having difficulties getting their licence.""
Net Worth and Salary
While J. B. Jeyaretnam's precise net worth is not widely publicized, he was known to have faced financial challenges due to ongoing legal fees arising from his political activities. His salary as a politician was modest, consistent with government standards for opposition party members. Despite these challenges, Jeyaretnam remained financially independent and continued to push forward in his political pursuits.
In January 1979, Jeyaretnam lost the case and was ordered by High Court judge Frederick Arthur Chua to pay Lee S$130,000 in damages and costs. He appealed to the Court Appeal and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council but lost both appeals and incurred up to S$500,000 in damages and costs. As a result, he had to sell his bungalow to pay the damages and costs, and move into a rental apartment.
Career, Business and Investments
J. B. Jeyaretnam’s career spanned several decades, primarily focused on his role in Singaporean politics. He founded the Workers' Party in 1957 and later became its leader, dedicating his life to championing the rights of workers and advocating for social justice. Throughout the late 20th century, Jeyaretnam played a pivotal role in Singapore’s political discourse, often standing in direct opposition to the ruling party. His business ventures were limited, with most of his efforts directed towards political activism and public service rather than personal entrepreneurship.
Born in Jaffna in 1926, Jeyaretnam grew up in Malaya and Singapore before he read law in London and qualified as a barrister in 1951. Upon returning to Singapore, he worked in the legal service from 1952 to 1963 before setting up his own law firm in 1968. He entered politics in 1971 and became the secretary-general of the Workers' Party.
Thereafter, he contested in the 1972, 1976, 1980 general election, 1977 and 1979 by-elections, but lost to the governing People's Action Party (PAP) in all of them.
Social Network
While J. B. Jeyaretnam is not active on social media platforms in 2025, his legacy continues to foster discussions among political analysts, historians, and civic groups passionate about democracy in Singapore. His contributions are most notably discussed in political forums and grassroots movements, celebrating the importance of opposition in a democratic society.
On 25 April 2019, former SPH journalist Bertha Henson revealed in a blog post that the police reports which Tang Liang Hong made in 1997 had been unofficially forwarded by the Singapore Police Force to The New Paper, which published them. After Tang and Jeyaretnam were sued for defamation, Henson and The New Paper editor P. N.
Balji realised that they had inadvertently spread the allegedly defamatory words to more people, meaning that the plaintiffs could have sought more damages if they had won the lawsuits.
Education
J. B. Jeyaretnam was educated at the prestigious London School of Economics, where he studied law. His education played a crucial role in shaping his views on justice, governance, and the rule of law. This foundation of knowledge equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of Singapore's political landscape effectively.
After the war, Jeyaretnam moved to Singapore, where he continued his education at St. Andrew's School. In 1948, he left for England to read law at University College London and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 1951.
