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{{Short description|Singaporean politician (1915–2006)}}
{{For|Ceylonese lawyer|S. Rajaratnam (Ceylonese lawyer)}}
{{About||the Ceylonese lawyer|S. Rajaratnam (Ceylonese lawyer)|the Sri Lankan lawyer and Attorney General|Sanjay Rajaratnam}}
{{Tamil name|Sinnathamby|Rajaratnam}}

{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}} {{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Indian name|Rajaratnam|Sinnathamby}}
| name = S. Rajaratnam
{{Infobox deputy prime minister
| honorific_suffix = {{postnominals|list=]}}
|name = S. Rajaratnam
| native_name = {{nobold|சின்னத்தம்பி ராஜரத்னம்}}
|image = SRajaratnam smiling.jpg
| native_name_lang = ta
|office = ]
| image = SRajaratnam smiling.jpg
|term_start = 1980
| office = 1st ]
|term_end = 1985
| term_start = 2 January 1985
|primeminister=]
| term_end = 3 September 1988
|alongside = ]
| primeminister = Lee Kuan Yew
|predecessor = ]
| predecessor = ''Office established''
|successor = ]
| successor = ] (1990)
|office2 = ]
| office1 = 2nd ]
|term_start2 = 1985
| term_start1 = 1 June 1980
|term_end2 = 1988
| term_end1 = 1 January 1985
|primeminister2 = ]
| alongside1 = ] (1973–1980)
|predecessor2 = ''Office created''
|successor2 = ] | primeminister1 = Lee Kuan Yew
| predecessor1 = ] (1968)
|office3 = Minister for Labour
| successor1 = ]<br />]
|term_start3 = 1968
| office2 = ]
|term_end3 = 1971
| term_start2 = 16 April 1968
|primeminister3 = ]
| term_end2 = 4 July 1971
|predecessor3 =
| primeminister2 = Lee Kuan Yew
|successor3 =
| predecessor2 = ]
|office4 = ]
| successor2 = ]
|term_start4 = 9 August 1965
| office3 = ]
|term_end4 = 1 June 1980
| term_start3 = 9 August 1965
|primeminister4 = ]
| term_end3 = 1 June 1980
|predecessor4 = ''Office created''
| primeminister3 = Lee Kuan Yew
|successor4 = ]
| predecessor3 = ''Office established''
|office5 = Minister for Culture
| successor3 = ]
|term_start5 = 3 June 1959
| office4 = ]
|term_end5 = 9 August 1965
| term_start4 = 5 June 1959
|primeminister5 = ]
| term_end4 = 12 August 1965
|predecessor5 = ''Office created''
| primeminister4 = Lee Kuan Yew
|successor5 = ]
| predecessor4 = ''Office established''
|birth_name = Sinnathamby Rajaratnam
| successor4 = ]
|birth_date = {{birth date|1915|2|25|df=y}}
| office5 = Member of the ]<br />for ]
|birth_place = ], ]
| term_start5 = 2 November 1963<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parlimen.gov.my/files/hindex/pdf/DR-02111963.pdf |title=PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) OFFICIAL REPORT |work=] |access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
|death_date = {{death date and age|2006|2|22|1915|2|25|df=y}}
| term_end5 = 9 August 1965
|death_place = ]
| predecessor5 = ''Position established''
|nationality = Singaporean
| successor5 = ''Position abolished''
|spouse = Piroska Feher
| constituency_MP6 = ]
|party = ]
| parliament6 = Singapore
|residence =
| term_start6 = 30 May 1959
|alma_mater = ]
| term_end6 = 17 August 1988
|occupation =
| predecessor6 = ''Constituency established''
|profession =
| successor6 = Loh Meng See (])
| birth_name = Sinnathamby Rajaratnam
| birth_date = {{birth date|1915|2|25|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], ]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2006|2|22|1915|2|25|df=y}}
| death_place = ]
| death_cause = ]
| nationality = Singaporean
| spouse = {{marriage|Piroska Feher|1943|1989|end=died}}
|father = S. Sinnathamby
|nephews = S. Vijayaratnam & S. Jothiratnam
| party = ]
| residence =
| alma_mater = ]
| occupation = {{hlist|Politician|journalist}}
| profession =
}} }}
'''Sinnathamby Rajaratnam''', {{small|]}}, (25 February 1915 – 22 February 2006), was a ] of Singapore from 1980–85, a long-serving Minister and member of the ] from 1959–88 and a short story writer. He was one of the pioneer leaders of independent Singapore as it achieved self-government in 1959 and later independence in 1965. He devoted much of his adult life to public service, and helped shape the mentality of Singaporeans on contemporary issues. One of the schools of ], is named the ] in honour of him, as is the S. Rajaratnam block of his ''alma mater'', ].


]].]]
==Early life==
The second child of Sabapathy Pillai Sinnathamby and his wife N. Annamah, both of ] descent, Rajaratnam was born in ] (Sithankerny), ], Sri Lanka. His father had wanted him to be born there for auspicious reasons after the premature death of his older brother. He was then brought back to ] and raised in ] and ].


'''Sinnathamby Rajaratnam''' {{postnominals|list=]}} ({{langx|ta|சின்னத்தம்பி ராஜரத்னம்}}; 25 February 1915 – 22 February 2006), better known as '''S. Rajaratnam''', was a Singaporean statesman, journalist and diplomat who served as the first ] between 1965 and 1980, and 2nd ] between 1980 and 1985.<ref name=TGO>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/obituary-sinnathamby-rajaratnam|title=Obituary: Sinnathamby Rajaratnam|accessdate=November 27, 2024|work=]|date=7 March 2006}}</ref><ref name=TFSR>{{Cite web|url=https://temasekfoundation.org.sg/about-us/named-endowments/s-rajaratnam-endowment|title=S Rajaratnam Endowment|accessdate=November 27, 2024|work=]|date=}}</ref><ref name=DF1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.lk/columns/Generative-AI-powered-ChatBook-featuring-S-Rajaratnam-one-of-Singapore-s-Founding-Fathers/4-769685|title=Generative AI-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam, one of Singapore’s Founding Fathers|accessdate=November 28, 2024|work=]|date=26 November 2024}}</ref>
Rajaratnam studied in, ], ] in Kuala Lumpur, and later in ] in Singapore. In 1937, he went to ] to pursue a law degree. However, due to ], he was unable to receive funding from his family to continue his studies; instead, he turned to journalism to earn a living. He met his wife Piroska Feher, a Hungarian teacher while in London. In London, Rajaratnam also wrote a series of short stories which '']'''s J.B. Trend reviewed positively. Rajaratnam also gained the attention of ] who then worked in the Indian Section of the BBC’s Eastern Service based in London and recruited Rajaratnam to contribute scripts for the network. Rajaratnam's short stories and radio plays were later published by ] in (2011).<ref>{{cite web|title=The Short Stories & Radio Plays of S. Rajaratnam|url=http://www.epigrambooks.sg/the-short-stories-radio-plays-of-s-rajaratnam/|website=Epigram Books|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref>


Rajaratnam is widely recognised as one of the founding fathers of modern Singapore. He was also one of the founders of the ] (PAP), which has governed the country continuously since independence.<ref name=DF1/>
He returned to Singapore in 1948 when he joined the ''Malayan Tribune'' and stopped writing short stories. In 1954, he joined '']'' as a journalist. He was bold in writing about the way Singapore was governed by the British.<ref>{{cite web|title=1915-2006 Politician|url=http://www.viweb.freehosting.net/SRajaratnam.htm|accessdate=10 January 2015}}</ref> This incurred the displeasure of the colonial government. His column, "I write as I please", attracted so much attention that he was called for questioning by the government.

Rajaratnam was one of the pioneering leaders who led the ] from the ] in 1959 and the ] from Malaysia in 1965.

Rajaratnam was one of the five "founding fathers" of the ] (ASEAN) in 1967.

The ] at the ] and the S. Rajaratnam block of ] are named after him.

==Early life and education==
The second child of Sabapathy Pillai Sinnathamby and his wife N. Annamah, both of ] descent, Rajaratnam was born in ], ], ]. His father had wanted him to be born there for auspicious reasons after the premature death of his older brother. He was then brought back to ] and raised in ] and ]. His younger brother, ], was born in Seremban and was a founding member of the ] (DAP).

Rajaratnam attended ], ] in ], and ] in Singapore before going on to ] in 1937 to pursue a law degree. However, he was unable to receive funding from his family to continue his studies due to ]; instead, he turned to journalism to earn a living.

== Writing career ==
In London, Rajaratnam also wrote a series of short stories which '']'''s J.B. Trend reviewed positively. Rajaratnam also gained the attention of ], who then worked in the Indian Section of the BBC's Eastern Service based in London and recruited Rajaratnam to contribute scripts for the network. Rajaratnam's short stories and radio plays were later published by ] in (2011).<ref>{{cite web|title=The Short Stories & Radio Plays of S. Rajaratnam|url=http://www.epigrambooks.sg/the-short-stories-radio-plays-of-s-rajaratnam/|website=Epigram Books|access-date=17 September 2014|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920113659/http://www.epigrambooks.sg/the-short-stories-radio-plays-of-s-rajaratnam/|archive-date=20 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Journalistic career==
Rajaratnam returned to Singapore in 1948 when he joined the ''Malayan Tribune'' and stopped writing short stories. In 1950, he joined '']'' that was founded by ].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Singapore Lion: A Biography of S. Rajaratnam|first=Irene|last=Ng|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies|location=Singapore|date=2010|isbn=978-981-4279-52-9}}</ref>{{rp|119}} In 1954, he joined '']'' as a journalist. He was bold in writing about the way Singapore was governed by the British.<ref>{{cite web|title=1915-2006 Politician|url=http://www.viweb.freehosting.net/SRajaratnam.htm|access-date=10 January 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110102225/http://www.viweb.freehosting.net/SRajaratnam.htm|archive-date=10 January 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> This incurred the displeasure of the colonial government. His column, "I write as I please", attracted so much attention that he was called for questioning by ], who tried to cow him by showing him a gun in his desk drawer.<ref name=PMOPM>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/speech-mr-lee-hsien-loong-prime-minister-launch-rajas-biography-04-february-2010-715pm|title=PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Launch of "The Singapore Lion: A Biography of S. Rajaratnam"|accessdate=November 26, 2024|work=]|date=4 February 2010}}</ref>


==Political career== ==Political career==
In 1954, Rajaratnam cofounded the ] together with ], ], ] and others. He became popular among his supporters for being able to effectively follow the 'mood of the people'. He thought of a multiracial Singapore and envisioned her to be a 'global city'. He was also actively involved in organising major political campaigns against Singaporean groups on the far left. During his years in parliament, he served as Minister for Culture (1959), Minister for Foreign Affairs (1965–1980), Minister for Labour (1968–1971), Deputy Prime Minister (1980–1985) and was later appointed as ] until his retirement in 1988. Rajaratnam is remembered for writing the ] in 1966. In 1954, Rajaratnam co-founded the ] (PAP) together with ], ], ] and others. He became popular among his supporters for being able to effectively follow the "mood of the people". He thought of a ] Singapore and envisioned her to be a "global city". He was also actively involved in organising major political campaigns against ] political groups in Singapore.


Rajaratnam had served in the ] as ] in 1959, ] between 1965 and 1980, ] between 1968 and 1971, ] between 1980 and 1985, and ] between 1985 and 1988. Rajaratnam is remembered for authoring the ] in 1966.
Rajaratnam was Singapore's first foreign minister, following its abrupt independence in 1965. During his tenure as foreign minister, Rajaratnam helped Singapore gain entry into the United Nations and later the ] in 1970. He built up the Foreign Service and helped to establish diplomatic links with other countries and secure international recognition of the new nation's sovereignty. He carried out the foreign policy of international self-assertion to establish Singapore's independence during the period when the country faced significant challenges including the ] conflict in the 1960s and the withdrawal of British troops in the early 1970s. Rajaratnam was one of the five "founding fathers" of ] in 1967.<ref>{{cite journal|first1=Hongkai|title=Mr S Rajaratnam Contributions and his Background|journal=History Rockz!|accessdate=10 January 2015}}</ref> In this diplomatic arena together with UN he helped to draw international attention to ]'s invasion of ] in 1978.<ref>Chong Guan Kwa, Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, ''S Rajaratnam on Singapore: from ideas to reality''. World Scientific, 2006, p.9. </ref> Sompong Sucharitkul, an aide of Thailand's then foreign minister Thanat Khoman, conveys Rajaratnam's stance on ASEAN membership for ] in 1967:


<blockquote>I remember one was an economics minister. He waited there anxiously for a signal to join the discussion; but it never came. It was Rajaratnam of Singapore who opposed the inclusion of Sri Lanka. He argued the country's domestic situation was unstable and there would be trouble. Not good for a new organisation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/06/headlines/headlines_30043849.php|title=Asean's birth a pivotal point in history of Southeast Asia|publisher=The Nation|date=6 August 2007}}</ref></blockquote>


] Visits ] on 1967-10-21: Seen here, from left: Inche Rahim Ishak (]), Minister of State for Education of Singapore; Prime Minister ]; Secretary-General ]; S. Rajaratnam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore; and Ambassador ], Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations.<ref name=UN1>{{Cite web|url=https://media.un.org/photo/en/asset/oun7/oun7620127|title=Prime Minister of Singapore Visits UN Headquarters|accessdate=January 7, 2025|work=]|date=21 October 1967}}</ref> ]]
During his term as Minister of Labour, he implemented tough labour laws to attempt to restore stability in the Singaporean economy and attracted ] to invest in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|title=Remembering Mr S Rajaratnam|url=http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg/content.aspx?sid=11|accessdate=10 January 2015}}</ref> This important appointment emphasised the trust that the government had in him in overcoming the challenges Singapore faced.


Rajaratnam was Singapore's first Foreign Minister, following its abrupt independence in 1965. During his tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rajaratnam helped Singapore gain entry into the ] and later the ] in 1970. He built up the ] and helped to establish diplomatic relations with other countries and secure international recognition of Singapore's sovereignty. He carried out the foreign policy of international self-assertion to establish Singapore's independence during the period when the country faced significant challenges including the '']'' conflict in the 1960s and the withdrawal of British troops in the early 1970s. Rajaratnam was one of the five "founding fathers" of the ] (ASEAN) in 1967. In this diplomatic arena together with the United Nations, he helped to draw international attention to the ] in 1978.<ref>Chong Guan Kwa, Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, ''S Rajaratnam on Singapore: from ideas to reality''. World Scientific, 2006, p.9. </ref>
Throughout his political career, he played a key role in the successive pragmatic and technocratic People's Action Party governments that radically improved Singapore's economic situation, alongside huge developments in ] on the island with massive expansion of healthcare programmes, ], ] and extremely low unemployment. This is well underlined by his following statement:


] on March 16, 1975, during Singapore’s inaugural official delegation to China.]]
<blockquote>We believe in a democratic society by governments freely and periodically elected by the people... We believe, in the virtue of hard work and that those who work harder in society should be given greater rewards... We believe that the world does not owe us a living and that we have to earn our keep.<ref>Adapted from speech by S Rajaratnam, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at a dinner in honour of His Excellency Mr. Hans Dietrich Genscher, Minister for Foreign Affairs, 20 April 1977.</ref></blockquote>


Rajaratnam opposed the inclusion of Sri Lanka for ASEAN membership in 1967 based on the country's domestic situation which was unstable and not good for a new organisation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/06/headlines/headlines_30043849.php|title=Asean's birth a pivotal point in history of Southeast Asia|publisher=The Nation|date=6 August 2007|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614200718/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/06/headlines/headlines_30043849.php|archive-date=14 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Nonetheless, Rajaratnam did not believe in the need for a strong opposition in parliament, which he considered "non-communist subversion"; he was unapologetic about the dominant party system in Singapore saying:


During his tenure as Minister for Labour, Rajaratnam implemented tough labour laws to attempt to restore stability in the ] and attracted multinational corporations to invest in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|title=Remembering Mr S Rajaratnam|url=http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg/content.aspx?sid=11|access-date=10 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110101646/http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg/content.aspx?sid=11|archive-date=10 January 2015|url-status = dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
<blockquote>Given a one-party government, the capacity of such a government to act far more independently than if it were harassed by an opposition and by proxies, is obvious. In the game of competitive interference pawns which can behave like bishops and castles and knights can in certain circumstances be extremely inconvenient and very irritating.<ref>S. Rajaratnam. 1975. "Non-Communist Subversion in Singapore," in: Seah Chee Meow (ed.). ''Trends in Singapore: Proceedings and Background Papers''. Singapore: Singapore University Press, p. 118.</ref></blockquote>


Throughout his political career, Rajaratnam had played a key role in the pragmatic and technocratic PAP government that radically improved Singapore's economic situation, alongside huge developments in ] on the island with massive expansion of healthcare programmes, ], ] and maintaining an extremely low unemployment rate. This is well underlined by his following statement:
Rajaratnam was a strong believer in multi-racialism in Singapore, and when drafting the ] in 1966 just two years after the ], he wrote the words "One united people, regardless of race, language or religion." In the 1980s and 1990s, when the government began implementing several policies to promote the use of "mother tongue" languages and ethnic-based self-help groups such as ] (CDAC) and ], Rajaratnam expressed his opposition to these policies which, in his view, ran counter to the vision of establishing a common Singaporean identity where "when race, religion, language does not matter". He advocated for greater racial integration which he felt was still lacking in the country.


<blockquote>"We believe in a democratic society by governments freely and periodically elected by the people... We believe, in the virtue of hard work and that those who work harder in society should be given greater rewards... We believe that the world does not owe us a living and that we have to earn our keep."<ref>Adapted from speech by S Rajaratnam, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at a dinner in honour of His Excellency Mr. Hans Dietrich Genscher, Minister for Foreign Affairs, 20 April 1977.</ref></blockquote>
Rajaratnam also disagreed with then Prime Minister ] on the policy of giving incentives to women who are college graduates and have more children, as Rajaratnam felt that the policy was unfair. Despite their differences in opinion on certain issues, Rajaratnam was loyal to Lee and he remained as a member of the "core team" of Lee's government that include ],<ref>{{cite journal|first1=Cui Ting|title=Mr S Rajaratnam & Dr Goh Keng Swee|url=http://cuitinghistorywork.blogspot.sg|accessdate=10 January 2015}}</ref> ] and ], and they dominated Singapore political scene from 1959 to mid-1980s.


Nonetheless, Rajaratnam did not believe in the need for a strong opposition in Parliament, which he considered "non-communist subversion"; he was unapologetic about the dominant party system in Singapore saying:
==Later life==
Rajaratnam retired from political office in 1988 as part of the leadership transition. He then served at the ] as a Distinguished Senior Fellow from 1 November 1988 to 31 October 1997.


<blockquote>"Given a one-party government, the capacity of such a government to act far more independently than if it were harassed by an opposition and by proxies, is obvious. In the game of competitive interference pawns which can behave like bishops and castles and knights can in certain circumstances be extremely inconvenient and very irritating."<ref>S. Rajaratnam. 1975. "Non-Communist Subversion in Singapore," in: Seah Chee Meow (ed.). ''Trends in Singapore: Proceedings and Background Papers''. Singapore: Singapore University Press, p. 118.</ref></blockquote>
In 1994, Rajaratnam was diagnosed with ] and was unable to move or talk by 2001. He was assisted by six maids including his long-time maid of 21 years, ].


Rajaratnam was a strong believer in ] in Singapore, and when drafting the ] in 1966 just two years after the ], he wrote the words "One united people, regardless of race, language or religion." In the 1980s and 1990s, when the government began implementing several policies to promote the use of "mother tongue" languages and ethnic-based self-help groups such as ] (CDAC) and ''Yayasan Mendaki'', Rajaratnam expressed his opposition to these policies which, in his view, ran counter to the vision of establishing a common Singapore identity where "when race, religion, language does not matter". He advocated for greater racial integration which he felt was still lacking in the country.
==Death==
Rajaratnam died on 2006, 22 February of heart failure at his home in Bukit Timah,<ref>{{cite web|title=S. Rajaratnam|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_644_2005-01-10.html|accessdate=10 January 2015}}</ref> Singapore, 3 days before his 91st birthday.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/194463/1/.html|title=Former DPM Rajaratnam dies at age 90|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=22 February 2006}}</ref> As a mark of respect, ] channels ] and ] observed one-minute of silence that night. The State flag on all government buildings was flown at ] from 23 to 25 February 2006.


Rajaratnam also disagreed with Prime Minister ] on the policy of giving incentives to women who are college graduates to have more children, as he felt that the policy was unfair. Despite their differences in opinion on certain issues, Rajaratnam was loyal to Lee and remained as a member of the "core team" of Lee's government which included ], ] and ], and they dominated Singapore's political scene from 1959 to the mid-1980s.
The body of the late Rajaratnam rested at his home in 30 Chancery Lane from 22 to 23 February. Some of his former colleagues, ], ], ], ], ] and ] paid their last respects at his home. His body ] at Parliament House from 9:30am to 9:00pm on 24 February 2006.


==Personal life==
In recognition of his contributions as one of Singapore's founding fathers, Rajaratnam was accorded a ] at the ] on 25 February 2006. The coffin was carried from Parliament House to the Esplanade at 1:30pm on a ceremonial gun carriage, past the historic Civic District. The service was attended by ], Cabinet ministers, members of parliament and invited people from all walks of life.
He met his wife Piroska Feher, a Hungarian teacher, while in London.
Rajaratnam first met his Hungarian wife, Piroska Feher, while studying in London and quietly married in 1943. Feher's grandmother was a member of the wealthy ] who had lost their fortune due to the dissolution of the ] after the ]. Piroska, disgruntled by the rise of ], moved to the United Kingdom where she worked as an ] and teacher and eventually met Rajaratnam. Former ] ] is her nephew.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tribute to my aunt, Mrs Piroska Rajaratnam|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/tribute-to-my-aunt-mrs-piroska-rajaratnam|work=]|date=7 December 2015}}</ref>


The couple moved to Malaya at the conclusion of the ] but Rajaratnam's parents disapproved of their new daughter-in-law, even telling her that they would not accept "half-caste" descendants.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Singapore 'Herstory': From Sophia Raffles to Kwa Geok Choo and Beyond|url=https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/CO10128.pdf|work=RSIS Commentaries|publisher=]|date= 6 October 2010|first=Emrys|last=Chew}}</ref> They did not have any children and remained married until her death in 1989 from ] at the age of 76.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lest we forget Raja and his ideals|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100201-195785.html|work=]|publisher=]|date=1 February 2010|first=Zakir|last=Hussain|access-date=8 March 2016|archive-date=7 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107124540/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100201-195785.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
During the funeral, Prime Minister ], ] ], Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh and Dr. V K Pillay, an orthopaedic surgeon, delivered their ]. Minister Mentor Lee ] and melted down while delivering his eulogy, and the ] and the ] which was draped on the casket was given to ] and later to S. Vijayaratnam & S. Jothiratnam (nephews & Rajaratnam's closest relatives). The ] was recited by the mourners in honour of Rajaratnam, who penned down the National Pledge against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s to inculcate in all Singaporeans his vision of building one united Singapore regardless of race, language or religion.


], at the state banquet hosted by President ] and Mrs. Wee at the ], on January 4, 1992.]]
The ] was ] live on ]. The programme, called "Farewell to S. Rajaratnam", aired from 1:30 to 3:15 pm (SST) on 25 February 2006. His body was cremated at 5:00 pm, at ].


After Rajaratnam retired from politics in 1988 as part of the leadership transition, he served at the ] as Distinguished Senior Fellow from between 1989 and 1997.
Organizations with which Rajaratnam was associated in life published obituaries in ''The Straits Times''; these included The Institute of South East Asian Studies, Ceylon Sports Club, Singapore Ceylon Tamils' Association, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, Nanyang Technological University, Old Rafflesians' Association, Raffles Institution, Raffles Junior College, and Raffles Girls' School. The Institute of South East Asian Studies noted:


In 1994, Rajaratnam was diagnosed with ] and was unable to move or talk by 2001. He was assisted by six maids, including his long-time maid of 21 years, Cecelia Tandoc.
In the words he himself chose, {{cquote|"We are sorry that he has left the Earth."}}
<ref>The Straits Times, Friday, February 24, 2006, pp. H25-26</ref>


==Personal Life and Legacy== ==Death and legacy==
Rajaratnam died on 22 February 2006 of heart failure at his residence at Chancery Lane in ].<ref>{{cite web|title=S. Rajaratnam|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_644_2005-01-10.html|access-date=10 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/194463/1/.html|title=Former DPM Rajaratnam dies at age 90|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=22 February 2006|access-date=22 February 2006|archive-date=23 February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060223203203/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/194463/1/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a mark of respect, ] ] and ] observed a minute of silence that night. State flags at all Government buildings were flown at ] from 23 to 25 February 2006.
Rajaratnam first met his ] wife Piroska Feher while studying in ] and quietly married in 1943. Feher's grandmother was a member of the wealthy ] who had lost their fortune due to the dissolution of the ] after ]. Piroska, disgruntled by the rise of ], moved to the UK where she worked as an ] and teacher and eventually met her future husband. Former Hungarian ] ] is her nephew.<ref>{{citenews|title=Tribute to my aunt, Mrs Piroska Rajaratnam|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/tribute-to-my-aunt-mrs-piroska-rajaratnam|work=]|date=7 December 2015}}</ref>


Rajaratnam's body rested at his home in 30 Chancery Lane from 22 to 23 February. Some of his former colleagues, ], ], ], ], ] and ], paid their last respects at his home. His body ] at ] from 9:30am to 9:00pm on 24 February 2006.
The couple moved to Malaya at the conclusion of ] but Rajaratnam's parents disapproved of their new daughter-in-law, even telling her that they would not accept "half-caste" descendants.<ref>{{citenews|title=The Singapore ‘Herstory’: From Sophia Raffles to Kwa Geok Choo and Beyond|url=https://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/CO10128.pdf|work=RSIS Commentaries|publisher=]|date= 6 October 2010|first=Emrys|last=Chew}}</ref> They did not have any children and remained married until her death in 1989.<ref>{{citenews|title=Lest we forget Raja and his ideals|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100201-195785.html|work=]|publisher=]|date=1 February 2010|first=Zakir|last=Hussain}}</ref>


In recognition of his contributions as one of the nation's founding fathers, Rajaratnam was accorded a ] at the ] on 25 February 2006. The coffin was carried from Parliament House to the Esplanade at 1:30pm on a ceremonial gun carriage, past the historic ]. The service was attended by President S. R. Nathan, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and other invited guests.
===Namesakes===
The Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) at the ] was renamed the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies|url=http://www.rsis.edu.sg}}</ref> after his death in recognition of his contributions to Singapore's foreign and diplomatic policy.


During the funeral, Prime Minister ], ] ], diplomat ] and orthopaedic surgeon V. K. Pillay delivered their eulogies; Lee Kuan Yew cried while delivering his eulogy. The state flag and the ] conferred to Rajaratnam, draped on the coffin were given to President S. R. Nathan and later to S. Vijayaratnam and S. Jothiratnam, Rajaratnam's nephews and closest relatives. The ] was recited by the mourners.
In memory of S. Rajaratnam, the then-unnamed newly constructed 7-storey building in Raffles Institution, his alma mater, was christened as the ].


Rajaratnam's state funeral was broadcast live on ]. The programme, called "Farewell to S. Rajaratnam", aired from 1:30 to 3:15 pm on 25 February 2006. His body was cremated at 5:00 pm at ].
Launched on 21 October 2014, the S$100-million S. Rajaratnam Endowment was set up by ] to support programmes that foster international and regional cooperation.<ref>{{cite web|title=S Rajaratnam Endowment|url=http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg}}</ref> Its chairman, ], said that the values that Rajaratnam stood for as Singapore’s first foreign minister are even more relevant today.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=Kelly|title=S Rajaratnam Endowment to foster international, regional cooperation|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s-rajaratnam-endowment-foster-international-regional-cooperation|accessdate=21 October 2014|agency=TODAY|publisher=MediaCorp|date=21 October 2014}}</ref>

Organisations with which Rajaratnam was associated in life published obituaries in '']''; these included the ], Ceylon Sports Club, Singapore Ceylon Tamils' Association, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, ], ], ], ] and ]. The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies noted: In the words he himself chose, {{cquote|"We are sorry that he has left the Earth."<ref>The Straits Times, Friday, February 24, 2006, pp. H25-26</ref>}}

== Legacy ==
The Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) at the ] was renamed ]<ref>{{cite web|title=S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies|url=http://www.rsis.edu.sg}}</ref> in recognition of Rajaratnam's contributions to Singapore's foreign and diplomatic policy.

In memory of Rajaratnam, the then-unnamed newly constructed seven-storey building in ], his alma mater, was christened as the ].

Launched on 21 October 2014, the S$100-million S. Rajaratnam Endowment was set up by ] to support programmes that foster international and regional cooperation.<ref>{{cite web|title=S Rajaratnam Endowment|url=http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg|access-date=10 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110110723/http://www.srajaratnamendowment.org.sg/|archive-date=10 January 2015|url-status = dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Its chairman, ], said that the values that Rajaratnam stood for as Singapore's first Foreign Minister are even more relevant today.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=Kelly|title=S Rajaratnam Endowment to foster international, regional cooperation|url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/s-rajaratnam-endowment-foster-international-regional-cooperation|access-date=21 October 2014|agency=TODAY|publisher=MediaCorp|date=21 October 2014}}</ref>

===Film appearances===
Rajaratnam is a central character in ''Two Meetings and a Funeral'', a film about the ] by ]. Rajaratnam's call for developing economies to become technology sufficient, rather than depending on the technology of the west is featured in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metropolism.com/en/features/34367_two_meetings_and_a_funeral_naeem_mohaiemen|title = Two Meetings and a Funeral - A Conversation between Naeem Mohaiemen and Hendrik Folkerts - Features - Metropolis M}}</ref>

=== Books on S. Rajaratnam ===
Former Singapore Parliamentarian ] authored two books on Rajaratnam, '']'' in 2010 and '']'' in 2024.<ref name=ST1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/singapore-cannot-exist-other-than-as-an-island-city-state-connected-to-the-world-pm-wong|title=Singapore cannot exist other than as an island city-state connected to the world: PM Wong|accessdate=November 25, 2024|work=]|date=23 July 2024}}</ref>

* {{Citation
| last= Ng | first= Irene
| year=2010
| title= The Singapore Lion: A Biography of S. Rajaratnam
| publisher= ]
| isbn= 978-9-8142-7951-2
| url= https://www.google.lk/books/edition/The_Singapore_Lion/Zezti4yBF3gC?hl=en&gbpv=0
}}

* {{Citation
| last= Ng | first= Irene
| year=2024
| title= S. Rajaratnam, The Authorised Biography, Volume Two: The Lion’s Roar
| publisher= ]
| isbn= 978-9-8151-0465-3
| url= https://www.google.lk/books/edition/S_Rajaratnam_The_Authorised_Biography_Vo/Vy4UEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
}}

==ChatGPT featuring S. Rajaratnam==

]-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam at the ]; ] founding president and a relative of Late S. Rajaratnam, Rajkumar Kanagasingam while exploring the ChatBook.<ref name=DF1/>]]

The ] displayed a ]-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam from October to November 2024.<ref name=DF1/>

The showcase was inaugurated by ], the ], during the launching of the second volume of the biography of S. Rajaratnam, ''The Lion’s Roar'', authored by ].<ref name=DF1/>

Singapore’s Senior Minister and former Prime Minister, ], who attended the showcase, noted:<ref name=DF1/>

::“Raja belonged to the core group of Founding Fathers who shared fierce conviction of what Singapore should be, and defied the odds to build a united, successful, and confident nation. It is befitting that NLB has made this ChatBook prototype publicly available with Raja’s materials.”


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
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<references />


==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|title=The Singapore lion: A biography of S. Rajaratnam|publisher=]|date=2010|first=Irene|last=Ng|author-link=Irene Ng (politician)|isbn=981-4279-50-1}}


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Latest revision as of 04:08, 8 January 2025

Singaporean politician (1915–2006) For the Ceylonese lawyer, see S. Rajaratnam (Ceylonese lawyer). For the Sri Lankan lawyer and Attorney General, see Sanjay Rajaratnam. In this Tamil name, there is no surname or family name. The name Sinnathamby is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Rajaratnam.

S. RajaratnamDUT
சின்னத்தம்பி ராஜரத்னம்
1st Senior Minister of Singapore
In office
2 January 1985 – 3 September 1988
Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byLee Kuan Yew (1990)
2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
In office
1 June 1980 – 1 January 1985Serving with Goh Keng Swee (1973–1980)
Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew
Preceded byToh Chin Chye (1968)
Succeeded byGoh Chok Tong
Ong Teng Cheong
Minister for Labour
In office
16 April 1968 – 4 July 1971
Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew
Preceded byJek Yeun Thong
Succeeded byOng Pang Boon
Minister for Foreign Affairs
In office
9 August 1965 – 1 June 1980
Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byS. Dhanabalan
Minister for Culture
In office
5 June 1959 – 12 August 1965
Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byOthman Wok
Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Singapore
In office
2 November 1963 – 9 August 1965
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPosition abolished
Member of the Singapore Parliament
for Kampong Glam
In office
30 May 1959 – 17 August 1988
Preceded byConstituency established
Succeeded byLoh Meng See (PAP)
Personal details
BornSinnathamby Rajaratnam
(1915-02-25)25 February 1915
Jaffna, British Ceylon
Died22 February 2006(2006-02-22) (aged 90)
Singapore
Cause of deathHeart failure
NationalitySingaporean
Political partyPeople's Action Party
Spouse Piroska Feher ​ ​(m. 1943; died 1989)​
Parent
  • S. Sinnathamby (father)
Alma materKing's College London
Occupation
  • Politician
  • journalist
Bust of S. Rajaratnam at the ASEAN Garden with the excerpt from his statement at the inauguration of ASEAN.

Sinnathamby Rajaratnam DUT (Tamil: சின்னத்தம்பி ராஜரத்னம்; 25 February 1915 – 22 February 2006), better known as S. Rajaratnam, was a Singaporean statesman, journalist and diplomat who served as the first Minister for Foreign Affairs between 1965 and 1980, and 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore between 1980 and 1985.

Rajaratnam is widely recognised as one of the founding fathers of modern Singapore. He was also one of the founders of the People's Action Party (PAP), which has governed the country continuously since independence.

Rajaratnam was one of the pioneering leaders who led the self-governance of Singapore from the British Empire in 1959 and the independence of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965.

Rajaratnam was one of the five "founding fathers" of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967.

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technological University and the S. Rajaratnam block of Raffles Institution are named after him.

Early life and education

The second child of Sabapathy Pillai Sinnathamby and his wife N. Annamah, both of Jaffna Tamil descent, Rajaratnam was born in Vaddukoddai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. His father had wanted him to be born there for auspicious reasons after the premature death of his older brother. He was then brought back to Malaya and raised in Seremban and Selangor. His younger brother, S. Seevaratnam, was born in Seremban and was a founding member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

Rajaratnam attended St. Paul's Institution, Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, and Raffles Institution in Singapore before going on to King's College London in 1937 to pursue a law degree. However, he was unable to receive funding from his family to continue his studies due to World War II; instead, he turned to journalism to earn a living.

Writing career

In London, Rajaratnam also wrote a series of short stories which The Spectator's J.B. Trend reviewed positively. Rajaratnam also gained the attention of George Orwell, who then worked in the Indian Section of the BBC's Eastern Service based in London and recruited Rajaratnam to contribute scripts for the network. Rajaratnam's short stories and radio plays were later published by Epigram Books in The Short Stories & Radio Plays of S. Rajaratnam (2011).

Journalistic career

Rajaratnam returned to Singapore in 1948 when he joined the Malayan Tribune and stopped writing short stories. In 1950, he joined Singapore Tiger Standard that was founded by Aw Boon Haw. In 1954, he joined The Straits Times as a journalist. He was bold in writing about the way Singapore was governed by the British. This incurred the displeasure of the colonial government. His column, "I write as I please", attracted so much attention that he was called for questioning by Gerald Templer, who tried to cow him by showing him a gun in his desk drawer.

Political career

In 1954, Rajaratnam co-founded the People's Action Party (PAP) together with Lee Kuan Yew, Toh Chin Chye, Goh Keng Swee and others. He became popular among his supporters for being able to effectively follow the "mood of the people". He thought of a multiracial Singapore and envisioned her to be a "global city". He was also actively involved in organising major political campaigns against far-left political groups in Singapore.

Rajaratnam had served in the Cabinet as Minister for Culture in 1959, Minister for Foreign Affairs between 1965 and 1980, Minister for Labour between 1968 and 1971, Deputy Prime Minister between 1980 and 1985, and Senior Minister between 1985 and 1988. Rajaratnam is remembered for authoring the Singapore National Pledge in 1966.


Prime Minister of Singapore Visits UN Headquarters on 1967-10-21: Seen here, from left: Inche Rahim Ishak (Abdul Rahim Ishak), Minister of State for Education of Singapore; Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew; Secretary-General U Thant; S. Rajaratnam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore; and Ambassador Wong Lin Ken, Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations.

Rajaratnam was Singapore's first Foreign Minister, following its abrupt independence in 1965. During his tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rajaratnam helped Singapore gain entry into the United Nations and later the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970. He built up the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and helped to establish diplomatic relations with other countries and secure international recognition of Singapore's sovereignty. He carried out the foreign policy of international self-assertion to establish Singapore's independence during the period when the country faced significant challenges including the Konfrontasi conflict in the 1960s and the withdrawal of British troops in the early 1970s. Rajaratnam was one of the five "founding fathers" of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967. In this diplomatic arena together with the United Nations, he helped to draw international attention to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1978.

S. Rajaratnam meets Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai on March 16, 1975, during Singapore’s inaugural official delegation to China.

Rajaratnam opposed the inclusion of Sri Lanka for ASEAN membership in 1967 based on the country's domestic situation which was unstable and not good for a new organisation.

During his tenure as Minister for Labour, Rajaratnam implemented tough labour laws to attempt to restore stability in the Singapore's economy and attracted multinational corporations to invest in Singapore.

Throughout his political career, Rajaratnam had played a key role in the pragmatic and technocratic PAP government that radically improved Singapore's economic situation, alongside huge developments in social development on the island with massive expansion of healthcare programmes, pensions, public housing and maintaining an extremely low unemployment rate. This is well underlined by his following statement:

"We believe in a democratic society by governments freely and periodically elected by the people... We believe, in the virtue of hard work and that those who work harder in society should be given greater rewards... We believe that the world does not owe us a living and that we have to earn our keep."

Nonetheless, Rajaratnam did not believe in the need for a strong opposition in Parliament, which he considered "non-communist subversion"; he was unapologetic about the dominant party system in Singapore saying:

"Given a one-party government, the capacity of such a government to act far more independently than if it were harassed by an opposition and by proxies, is obvious. In the game of competitive interference pawns which can behave like bishops and castles and knights can in certain circumstances be extremely inconvenient and very irritating."

Rajaratnam was a strong believer in multiracialism in Singapore, and when drafting the Singapore National Pledge in 1966 just two years after the 1964 racial riots, he wrote the words "One united people, regardless of race, language or religion." In the 1980s and 1990s, when the government began implementing several policies to promote the use of "mother tongue" languages and ethnic-based self-help groups such as Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) and Yayasan Mendaki, Rajaratnam expressed his opposition to these policies which, in his view, ran counter to the vision of establishing a common Singapore identity where "when race, religion, language does not matter". He advocated for greater racial integration which he felt was still lacking in the country.

Rajaratnam also disagreed with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on the policy of giving incentives to women who are college graduates to have more children, as he felt that the policy was unfair. Despite their differences in opinion on certain issues, Rajaratnam was loyal to Lee and remained as a member of the "core team" of Lee's government which included Goh Keng Swee, Hon Sui Sen and Lim Kim San, and they dominated Singapore's political scene from 1959 to the mid-1980s.

Personal life

He met his wife Piroska Feher, a Hungarian teacher, while in London. Rajaratnam first met his Hungarian wife, Piroska Feher, while studying in London and quietly married in 1943. Feher's grandmother was a member of the wealthy Csáky clan who had lost their fortune due to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after the First World War. Piroska, disgruntled by the rise of Nazism, moved to the United Kingdom where she worked as an au pair and teacher and eventually met Rajaratnam. Former Member of the European Parliament Gyula Hegyi is her nephew.

The couple moved to Malaya at the conclusion of the Second World War but Rajaratnam's parents disapproved of their new daughter-in-law, even telling her that they would not accept "half-caste" descendants. They did not have any children and remained married until her death in 1989 from pulmonary pneumonia at the age of 76.

S. Rajaratnam is greeting the President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, at the state banquet hosted by President Wee Kim Wee and Mrs. Wee at the Stamford Ballroom, Westin Plaza, on January 4, 1992.

After Rajaratnam retired from politics in 1988 as part of the leadership transition, he served at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies as Distinguished Senior Fellow from between 1989 and 1997.

In 1994, Rajaratnam was diagnosed with dementia and was unable to move or talk by 2001. He was assisted by six maids, including his long-time maid of 21 years, Cecelia Tandoc.

Death and legacy

Rajaratnam died on 22 February 2006 of heart failure at his residence at Chancery Lane in Bukit Timah. As a mark of respect, Mediacorp Channel 5 and Channel 8 observed a minute of silence that night. State flags at all Government buildings were flown at half-mast from 23 to 25 February 2006.

Rajaratnam's body rested at his home in 30 Chancery Lane from 22 to 23 February. Some of his former colleagues, Toh Chin Chye, S. Dhanabalan, Othman Wok, Lee Hsien Loong, S. R. Nathan and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, paid their last respects at his home. His body lay in state at Parliament House from 9:30am to 9:00pm on 24 February 2006.

In recognition of his contributions as one of the nation's founding fathers, Rajaratnam was accorded a state funeral at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay on 25 February 2006. The coffin was carried from Parliament House to the Esplanade at 1:30pm on a ceremonial gun carriage, past the historic Civic District. The service was attended by President S. R. Nathan, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and other invited guests.

During the funeral, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, diplomat Tommy Koh and orthopaedic surgeon V. K. Pillay delivered their eulogies; Lee Kuan Yew cried while delivering his eulogy. The state flag and the Order of Temasek conferred to Rajaratnam, draped on the coffin were given to President S. R. Nathan and later to S. Vijayaratnam and S. Jothiratnam, Rajaratnam's nephews and closest relatives. The Singapore National Pledge was recited by the mourners.

Rajaratnam's state funeral was broadcast live on Channel NewsAsia. The programme, called "Farewell to S. Rajaratnam", aired from 1:30 to 3:15 pm on 25 February 2006. His body was cremated at 5:00 pm at Mandai Crematorium.

Organisations with which Rajaratnam was associated in life published obituaries in The Straits Times; these included the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Ceylon Sports Club, Singapore Ceylon Tamils' Association, Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, Nanyang Technological University, Old Rafflesians' Association, Raffles Institution, Raffles Junior College and Raffles Girls' School. The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies noted: In the words he himself chose,

"We are sorry that he has left the Earth."

Legacy

The Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) at the Nanyang Technological University was renamed S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in recognition of Rajaratnam's contributions to Singapore's foreign and diplomatic policy.

In memory of Rajaratnam, the then-unnamed newly constructed seven-storey building in Raffles Institution, his alma mater, was christened as the S. Rajaratnam Block.

Launched on 21 October 2014, the S$100-million S. Rajaratnam Endowment was set up by Temasek Holdings to support programmes that foster international and regional cooperation. Its chairman, Wong Kan Seng, said that the values that Rajaratnam stood for as Singapore's first Foreign Minister are even more relevant today.

Film appearances

Rajaratnam is a central character in Two Meetings and a Funeral, a film about the Nonaligned Movement by Naeem Mohaiemen. Rajaratnam's call for developing economies to become technology sufficient, rather than depending on the technology of the west is featured in the film.

Books on S. Rajaratnam

Former Singapore Parliamentarian Irene Ng authored two books on Rajaratnam, The Singapore Lion in 2010 and The Lion’s Roar in 2024.

ChatGPT featuring S. Rajaratnam

A Generative AI-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam at the National Library of Singapore; Fintech Association of Sri Lanka founding president and a relative of Late S. Rajaratnam, Rajkumar Kanagasingam while exploring the ChatBook.

The National Library of Singapore displayed a Generative AI-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam from October to November 2024.

The showcase was inaugurated by Lawrence Wong, the Prime Minister of Singapore, during the launching of the second volume of the biography of S. Rajaratnam, The Lion’s Roar, authored by Irene Ng.

Singapore’s Senior Minister and former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, who attended the showcase, noted:

“Raja belonged to the core group of Founding Fathers who shared fierce conviction of what Singapore should be, and defied the odds to build a united, successful, and confident nation. It is befitting that NLB has made this ChatBook prototype publicly available with Raja’s materials.”

References

  1. "PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) OFFICIAL REPORT" (PDF). Dewan Rakyat. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  2. "Obituary: Sinnathamby Rajaratnam". Tamil Guardian. 7 March 2006. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  3. "S Rajaratnam Endowment". Temasek Foundation. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Generative AI-powered ChatBook featuring S. Rajaratnam, one of Singapore's Founding Fathers". Daily FT. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  5. "The Short Stories & Radio Plays of S. Rajaratnam". Epigram Books. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  6. Ng, Irene (2010). The Singapore Lion: A Biography of S. Rajaratnam. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. ISBN 978-981-4279-52-9.
  7. "1915-2006 Politician". Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  8. "PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Launch of "The Singapore Lion: A Biography of S. Rajaratnam"". Prime Minister's Office (Singapore). 4 February 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  9. "Prime Minister of Singapore Visits UN Headquarters". United Nations. 21 October 1967. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  10. Chong Guan Kwa, Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, S Rajaratnam on Singapore: from ideas to reality. World Scientific, 2006, p.9. text online
  11. "Asean's birth a pivotal point in history of Southeast Asia". The Nation. 6 August 2007. Archived from the original on 14 June 2013.
  12. "Remembering Mr S Rajaratnam". Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  13. Adapted from speech by S Rajaratnam, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at a dinner in honour of His Excellency Mr. Hans Dietrich Genscher, Minister for Foreign Affairs, 20 April 1977.
  14. S. Rajaratnam. 1975. "Non-Communist Subversion in Singapore," in: Seah Chee Meow (ed.). Trends in Singapore: Proceedings and Background Papers. Singapore: Singapore University Press, p. 118.
  15. "Tribute to my aunt, Mrs Piroska Rajaratnam". The Straits Times. 7 December 2015.
  16. Chew, Emrys (6 October 2010). "The Singapore 'Herstory': From Sophia Raffles to Kwa Geok Choo and Beyond" (PDF). RSIS Commentaries. S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
  17. Hussain, Zakir (1 February 2010). "Lest we forget Raja and his ideals". The Straits Times. AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
  18. "S. Rajaratnam". Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  19. "Former DPM Rajaratnam dies at age 90". Channel NewsAsia. 22 February 2006. Archived from the original on 23 February 2006. Retrieved 22 February 2006.
  20. The Straits Times, Friday, February 24, 2006, pp. H25-26
  21. "S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies".
  22. "S Rajaratnam Endowment". Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  23. Ng, Kelly (21 October 2014). "S Rajaratnam Endowment to foster international, regional cooperation". MediaCorp. TODAY. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  24. "Two Meetings and a Funeral - A Conversation between Naeem Mohaiemen and Hendrik Folkerts - Features - Metropolis M".
  25. "Singapore cannot exist other than as an island city-state connected to the world: PM Wong". The Straits Times. 23 July 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.


External links

Political offices
New office Minister for Culture
5 June 1959 – 9 August 1965 		Succeeded byOthman Wok
New office Minister for Foreign Affairs
9 August 1965 – 1 June 1980 		Succeeded byS. Dhanabalan
Preceded byJek Yeun Thong Minister for Labour
16 April 1968 – 5 July 1971 		Succeeded byOng Pang Boon
VacantTitle last held byToh Chin Chye Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore
2 January 1985 – 3 September 1988
Served alongside: Goh Keng Swee, Ong Teng Cheong 		Succeeded byGoh Chok Tong
New office Senior Minister
2 January 1985 – 3 September 1988 		VacantTitle next held byLee Kuan Yew
1990
Parliament of Singapore
New constituency Member of Parliament
for Kampong Glam SMC
1959–1991 		Succeeded byLoh Meng See
Parliament of Malaysia
New constituency Member of the Dewan Rakyat
for Singapore
1963–1965 		Constituency abolished
Order of Lakandula recipients
Grand Collar (Supremo)
Grand Cross (Bayani)
Grand Officer
(Marangal na Pinuno)
Commander (Komandante)
Officer (Pinuno)Domingo Lucenario Jr.
Champion for Life (Kampeon Habang Buhay)
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