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James Puthucheary

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James Joseph Puthucheary
Born(1922-08-25)25 August 1922
Cochin, Kerala, India
Died3 April 2000(2000-04-03) (aged 77)
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Alma materUniversity of Malaya in Singapore (BA)
SpouseMavis Colleen Scharenguivel (m. 1959)
Children3

James Joseph Puthucheary (25 August 1922 – 3 April 2000) was a Malaysian lawyer, economist and trade unionist.[1] A founding member of the People's Action Party, Puthcheary left the party to join the Barisan Sosialis in 1961 and was detained during Operation Coldstore in 1963. After being released, he was banned from entering Singapore from 1966 to 1990.[2][3][4]

Early life and education

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On 25 August 1922, Puthucheary was born in Alwaye (now known as Aluva), a village located on the outskirts of Cochin in the Indian state of Kerala.[5] His father, Joseph Chacko Puthucheary, was a court interpreter and later a police officer, and his mother, Kunyum Marthri, was a Nasarani. Puthucheary was the eldest among the 10 children. In 1926, his family moved to Muar.[6][7][8]

Later, his family moved to Johor Bahru, and Puthucheary attended the Johore English College, before graduating with a School Certificate in 1941.[9][10][11]

From 1943 to 1945, during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, Puthucheary served as an officer in the Indian National Army.[12]

In 1948, Puthucheary was accepted for admission to Raffles College.[13] He was elected as honourary general secretary of the first executive committee of the student union council of the University of Malaya in Singapore, before forming the Malayan Students' Party within the university, with the aims of fostering Malayan civic responsibility and consciousness among students.[14][15] On 8 January 1951, under the suspicion of being involved with the Malayan Communist Party, Puthucheary was arrested during a raid carried out at the university.[16][17][18] Puthucheary was allowed to sit for his undergraduate examinations under the supervision of a Special Branch officer, but he was soon no longer recognised as a student by the university as he was unable to pay the school fees.[19][20] On 25 June 1952, after about 1.5 years, Puthucheary was released, and applied for readmissions to the university.[21][22] In 1953, Puthucheary completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 1954, he graduated with an honours degree in economics.[23][24][25]

Accused of publishing an allegedly seditious article named "Aggression in Asia" in the Fajar magazine published by the University Socialist Club, Puthucheary was one of the editorial board members that were arrested on 28 May 1954, and all members were bailed out by vice chancellor Sydney Caine.[26][27][28] During the trial, students Ong Pang Boon and Ngiam Tong Dow were called as witnesses for the prosecution.[29] Denis Pritt was the lead counsel, and with the assistance of Lee Kuan Yew as the junior counsel, the club won the case and all members were released on 25 August 1954.[30][31][32]

People's Action Party (1954–1961)

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On 21 November 1954, the People's Action Party (PAP) was formed, and Puthucheary was one of the founding members.[33] During the 1955 Singaporean general election, Puthucheary supported Devan Nair as a candidate in Farrer Park, but Nair lost to Labour Front candidate Anthony Rebeiro Lazarous.[34] After the election, Puthucheary was appointed as secretary of the Singapore Factory and Shop Workers Union, and participated in talks and supported strikes that fought for better treatment and benefits for workers.[35][36]

Following the Chinese middle school student riots, Puthucheary was detained along with trade unionists Devan Nair and Lim Chin Siong under Preservation of Public Security Ordinance Act for three years, before being released on 4 June 1959.[37][38][39] During his detention, Puthucheary was barred from seeing his lawyer Lee Kuan Yew and participating in the 1959 Singaporean general election.[40][41][42] He also published a book titled "Ownership and Control in the Malayan Economy" and passed the intermediate examination in law conducted by the University of London.[43][44][45] Puthucheary objected to the government's decision to transfer all political detainees to the detention centre located on Saint John's Island, and remained to be housed at Changi Prison.[46]

After being released in 1959, Puthucheary was appointed as manager of the Industrial Promotion Board (now known as Economic Development Board), leading the government's plan to set up a S$100 million economic development board for Singapore.[12][47] During his tenure, Puthucheary represented Singapore for economic-related conferences in New Delhi, Bangkok and London.[48][49][50] Puthucheary also succeeded Khoo Teck Puat as the chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board.[51]

Barisan Socialis (1961–1966)

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On 1 August 1961, Puthucheary announced his resignation from the government and that he would join the Barisan Socialis, a party formed by members expelled from the PAP. He also took on a job as assistant lecturer in economics at the University of Malay.[52] Minister for Finance Goh Keng Swee clarified in a statement that Puthucheary's resignation was arranged prior to the beginning of conflict within PAP.[53] Puthucheary was appointed as advisor of the Barisan Socialis.[54]

Under Operation Coldstore, Puthucheary was arrested and released on 28 November 1963, after declaring that he opposes communism and "want nothing more to do with" it.[55][56]

On 22 October 1966, Puthucheary and his brother, Dominic Puthucheary, were banned from entering Singapore, as the government had categorised their presence to be "undesirable in the interest of public security".[3] Subsequently, Puthucheary moved to Kuala Lumpur to practice law. His ban was lifted in 1990.[1][4]

Personal life

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Puthucheary met Mavis Colleen Scharenguivel when both of them were studying at the University of Malaya in Singapore, and remained as close friends after graduation.[57] On 8 June 1959, after Puthucheary was released from prison, he married Scharenguivel by a special licence granted by Minister of Home Affairs Ong Pang Boon.[58][59] However, Minister for Labour and Law K. M. Byrne announced that Mrs Puthucheary's appointment as assistant director of the Department of Social Welfare became temporary upon marriage, and terminated her duties at the end of September 1959.[60] After the termination, Mrs Puthucheary was appointed as assistant secretary at the Ministry of Education.[61]

In 1963, after Puthucheary was detained under Operation Coldstore, his wife was served with a notice of dismissal, citing security reasons. But, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew felt distressed that her dismissal coincided with her pregnancy and Puthucheary's detention, and decided to intervene, allowing Mrs Puthucheary to keep her role in the Ministry of Education.[62][63]

On 3 April 2000, Puthucheary died after suffering from a stroke.[33][64] Puthucheary had a daughter and two sons.[1][65][66]

Bibliography

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  • Puthucheary, James Joseph (1959). Ownership and Control in the Malayan Economy: A Study of the Structure of Ownership and Control and Its Effects on the Development of Secondary Industries and Economic Growth in Malaya and Singapore. Singapore: Donald Moore. ISBN 978-9-8396-0216-6.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Zuraidah Ibrahim (5 July 1991). "Puthucheary brothers visit Singapore". The Straits Times. p. 26. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  2. ^ Loheswar, R. (11 February 2024). "KL High Court slams 'fraudulent' property agent and fake lawyer for bid to cheat prominent Puthucheary family". Malay Mail. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b "S'pore bans entry of 19 people". The Straits Times. 22 October 1966. p. 1. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Entry prohibition order against nine lifted". The Business Times. 1 December 1990. p. 2. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  5. ^ "Key players in the party in its early days". The Straits Times. 11 May 1986. p. 2. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  6. ^ Puthucheary, Rosaly (2015). Under A Shadow. Singapore: Ethos Books. p. 8. ISBN 978-9-8109-6456-6.
  7. ^ Puthucheary, Rosaly (29 November 2021). My Father's Untold Story. Singapore: Partridge Publishing Singapore. ISBN 978-1-5437-6737-7.
  8. ^ "She earns her PhD at 69". The New Paper. 11 July 2006. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Malay Women A.R.P. Wardens In Johore". Morning Tribune. 29 November 1939. p. 15. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  10. ^ "MORE CAMBRIDGE PASSES CABLED FROM LONDON". The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. 26 May 1941. p. 9. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  11. ^ "JOHORE COLLEGE PRIZE WINNERS". The Straits Times. 9 November 1941. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Puthucheary gets key job". The Straits Times. 17 June 1959. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  13. ^ "RAFFLES COLLEGE ENTRANTS". The Straits Times. 11 September 1948. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  14. ^ "Students' Union". The Straits Times. 22 November 1949. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  15. ^ "STUDENTS PARTY TO BE FORMED". The Straits Times. 20 January 1950. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  16. ^ "Police Arrest 13 Red Suspects In All-out hwoop". Singapore Tiger Standard. 9 January 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  17. ^ "STUDENTS WATCHED ROUND-UP". Singapore Tiger Standard. 9 January 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  18. ^ "LAWYER, 4 TEACHERS DETAINED". The Straits Times. 9 January 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  19. ^ "Detained Students Take Exams". The Straits Times. 10 January 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  20. ^ "Varsity Disowns Six Students". Singapore Tiger Standard. 27 October 1951. p. 2. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  21. ^ "3 STUDENT DETAINEES RELEASED". The Straits Times. 25 June 1952. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  22. ^ "STUDENTS NOW LIKELY TO RETURN TO UNIVERSITY". The Straits Times. 26 June 1952. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  23. ^ "91 GET B.A. DEGREE-32 HONOURS". The Straits Times. 9 July 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  24. ^ "New Graduates At Convocation". Singapore Tiger Standard. 11 October 1952. p. 2. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  25. ^ "UNIVERSITY ARTS RESULTS". Singapore Tiger Standard. 7 July 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  26. ^ "POLICE RAID VARSITY". Singapore Tiger Standard. 29 May 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Arrested Varsity Students Charged". Indian Daily Mail. 29 May 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  28. ^ "The 8 varsity students get the details". The Straits Times. 3 July 1954. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  29. ^ "'There's no case to meet,' says Pritt: 'So free the lot' LAWYERS TANGLE ON QUESTION: SHOULD MR. BLADES BE CALLED". Straits Budget. 26 August 1954. p. 16. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  30. ^ "SEDITION TRIAL OPENS". Singapore Tiger Standard. 24 August 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  31. ^ "Q.C. says: Tremendous victory for freedom of speech". The Straits Times. 26 August 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  32. ^ "8 FREED STUDENTS DRINK TO PRITT". The Straits Times. 26 August 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  33. ^ a b Pereira, Brendan (8 April 2000). "PAP founder member Puthucheary dies". The Straits Times. p. 10. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  34. ^ "MARSHALL, LEE UNITE TO BACK ALLIANCE". The Straits Times. 31 March 1955. p. 2. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  35. ^ "Peace talks at strike plant". The Straits Times. 23 August 1955. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  36. ^ Abisheganaden, Felix (29 September 1956). "Deal with Boyd? 'It's ridiculous'". The Straits Times. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  37. ^ "ALL-DAY CURFEW". The Straits Times. 28 October 1956. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  38. ^ Ho, Olivia (21 August 2019). "From war memoirs to poetry: The seniors turning to book publishing in their 80s and 90s". The Straits Times. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  39. ^ "Unlocking The Gates". The Straits Times. 3 June 1959. p. 8. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  40. ^ "Detainees Barred From Their Lawyers — PAP". Singapore Standard. 14 November 1957. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  41. ^ "DETAINEES: LEE'S CHARGE". The Straits Times. 22 November 1957. p. 9. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  42. ^ "DETAINEES BARRED FROM POLLS". Straits Budget. 5 February 1958. p. 11. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  43. ^ "Political detainee has book accepted". The Straits Times. 2 April 1959. p. 8. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  44. ^ "Four pass law examination". The Straits Times. 10 September 1958. p. 7. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  45. ^ Mahadeva, A. (11 September 1958). "MAN IN JAIL PASSES LAW EXAM". The Straits Times. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  46. ^ "Home on St. John's island for Changi detainees". The Straits Times. 22 January 1959. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  47. ^ "EX-DETAINEE HEADS INDUSTRIAL DOARD". Singapore Tiger Standard. 17 June 1959. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  48. ^ "Puthucheary is off". The Straits Times. 29 November 1959. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  49. ^ "Two named for ECAFE talks". The Straits Times. 17 January 1960. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  50. ^ Campbell, William (1 July 1960). "S'PORE SEEKS AID". The Straits Times. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  51. ^ "Provident Fund job for Mr. P." The Straits Times. 18 July 1959. p. 4. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  52. ^ "Ex-detainee quits Govt for varsity". The Straits Times. 1 August 1961. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  53. ^ "Puthucheary's move: Dr. Goh's statement". The Straits Times. 1 August 1961. p. 14. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  54. ^ "LIM CHIN SIONG IS NAMED BARISAN LEADER". The Straits Times. 18 September 1961. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  55. ^ Ee, Boon Lee; Lim, Beng Tee (6 February 1963). "Who's who in the big round-up". The Straits Times. p. 10. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  56. ^ "THREE RELEASED". Straits Budget. 4 December 1963. p. 17. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  57. ^ "I WILL WED DETAINED UNIONIST, SAYS MAVIS". The Straits Times. 23 May 1958. p. 7. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  58. ^ "Released detainee weds at Registry". The Straits Times. 10 June 1959. p. 16. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  59. ^ "Ex-detainees: 'We won't be without jobs for long'". The Straits Times. 11 June 1959. p. 16. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  60. ^ "Mrs PUTHUCHEARY LEAVING JOB: BYRNE EXPLAINS". The Singapore Free Press. 9 September 1959. p. 1. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  61. ^ "New Ministry post for woman". The Singapore Free Press. 8 October 1959. p. 1. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  62. ^ "Lee steps in to keep wife of detainee in job". Straits Budget. 13 February 1963. p. 17. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  63. ^ "Lee steps in to keep wife of detainee in job". The Straits Times. 9 February 1963. p. 16. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  64. ^ Chua, Wei Yng (4 April 2000). "PAP rival dies in M'sia". The New Paper. p. 2. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  65. ^ "Baby boy for Puthucheary". The Straits Times. 5 May 1963. p. 8. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  66. ^ "Puthucheary out of jail to see son". The Straits Times. 11 May 1963. p. 5. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
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