James Puthucheary

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.{{Cite news |date=1986-05-11 |title=Key players in the party in its early days |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860511-1.2.72.4.1 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}} 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.{{Cite book |last=Puthucheary |first=Rosaly |title=Under A Shadow |publisher=Ethos Books |year=2015 |isbn=978-9-8109-6456-6 |location=Singapore |pages=8}}{{Cite book |last=Puthucheary |first=Rosaly |title=My Father's Untold Story |date=2021-11-29 |publisher=Partridge Publishing Singapore |isbn=978-1-5437-6737-7 |location=Singapore}}{{Cite news |date=2006-07-11 |title=She earns her PhD at 69 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20060711-1.2.3.1.4 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The New Paper |pages=4}}

Later, his family moved to Johor Bahru, and Puthucheary attended the Johore English College, before graduating with a School Certificate in 1941.{{Cite news |date=1939-11-29 |title=Malay Women A.R.P. Wardens In Johore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/morningtribune19391129-1.2.92 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Morning Tribune |pages=15}}{{Cite news |date=1941-05-26 |title=MORE CAMBRIDGE PASSES CABLED FROM LONDON |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19410526-1.2.78 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser |pages=9}}{{Cite news |date=1941-11-09 |title=JOHORE COLLEGE PRIZE WINNERS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19411109-1.2.88 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times}}

From 1943 to 1945, during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, Puthucheary served as an officer in the Indian National Army.{{Cite news |date=1959-06-17 |title=Puthucheary gets key job |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590617-1.2.7 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

In 1948, Puthucheary was accepted for admission to Raffles College.{{Cite news |date=1948-09-11 |title=RAFFLES COLLEGE ENTRANTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19480911-1.2.53 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1949-11-22 |title=Students' Union |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19491122-1.2.59 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}{{Cite news |date=1950-01-20 |title=STUDENTS PARTY TO BE FORMED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19500120-1.2.102 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1951-01-09 |title=Police Arrest 13 Red Suspects In All-out hwoop |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19510109-1.2.4 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1951-01-09 |title=STUDENTS WATCHED ROUND-UP |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19510109-1.2.12 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1951-01-09 |title=LAWYER, 4 TEACHERS DETAINED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19510109-1.2.2 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1951-01-10 |title=Detained Students Take Exams |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19510110-1.2.19 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1951-10-27 |title=Varsity Disowns Six Students |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19511027-1.2.30 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=2}} On 25 June 1952, after about 1.5 years, Puthucheary was released, and applied for readmissions to the university.{{Cite news |date=1952-06-25 |title=3 STUDENT DETAINEES RELEASED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520625-1.2.14 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1952-06-26 |title=STUDENTS NOW LIKELY TO RETURN TO UNIVERSITY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520626-1.2.119 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} In 1953, Puthucheary completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 1954, he graduated with an honours degree in economics.{{Cite news |date=1953-07-09 |title=91 GET B.A. DEGREE-32 HONOURS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19530709-1.2.113 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}}{{Cite news |date=1952-10-11 |title=New Graduates At Convocation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/sundaystandard19531011-1.2.26 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=2}}{{Cite news |date=1954-07-07 |title=UNIVERSITY ARTS RESULTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19540707-1.2.78 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=5}}

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.{{Cite news |date=1954-05-29 |title=POLICE RAID VARSITY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19540529-1.2.8 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1954-05-29 |title=Arrested Varsity Students Charged |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/indiandailymail19540529-1.2.14 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Indian Daily Mail |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1954-07-03 |title=The 8 varsity students get the details |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19540703-1.2.86 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}} During the trial, students Ong Pang Boon and Ngiam Tong Dow were called as witnesses for the prosecution.{{Cite news |date=1954-08-26 |title='There's no case to meet,' says Pritt: 'So free the lot' LAWYERS TANGLE ON QUESTION: SHOULD MR. BLADES BE CALLED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19540826-1.2.74 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Straits Budget |pages=16}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1954-08-24 |title=SEDITION TRIAL OPENS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19540824-1.2.9 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1954-08-26 |title=Q.C. says: Tremendous victory for freedom of speech |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19540826-1.2.14 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |date=1954-08-26 |title=8 FREED STUDENTS DRINK TO PRITT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19540826-1.2.13 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

On 21 November 1954, the People's Action Party (PAP) was formed, and Puthucheary was one of the founding members.{{Cite news |last=Pereira |first=Brendan |date=2000-04-08 |title=PAP founder member Puthucheary dies |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas20000408-1.2.9.3 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=10}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1955-03-31 |title=MARSHALL, LEE UNITE TO BACK ALLIANCE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550331-1.2.31 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1955-08-23 |title=Peace talks at strike plant |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550823-1.2.91 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}{{Cite news |last=Abisheganaden |first=Felix |date=1956-09-29 |title=Deal with Boyd? 'It's ridiculous' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560929-1.2.3 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

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.{{Cite news |date=1956-10-28 |title=ALL-DAY CURFEW |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19561028-1.2.2 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}{{Cite news |last=Ho |first=Olivia |date=2019-08-21 |title=From war memoirs to poetry: The seniors turning to book publishing in their 80s and 90s |url=https://str.sg/JkaL |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times}}{{Cite news |date=1959-06-03 |title=Unlocking The Gates |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590603-1.2.99 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}} During his detention, Puthucheary was barred from seeing his lawyer Lee Kuan Yew and participating in the 1959 Singaporean general election.{{Cite news |date=1957-11-14 |title=Detainees Barred From Their Lawyers — PAP |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19571114-1.2.47 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Standard |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1957-11-22 |title=DETAINEES: LEE'S CHARGE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19571122-1.2.119 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9}}{{Cite news |date=1958-02-05 |title=DETAINEES BARRED FROM POLLS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19580205-1.2.49 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Straits Budget |pages=11}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1959-04-02 |title=Political detainee has book accepted |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590402-1.2.118 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}}{{Cite news |date=1958-09-10 |title=Four pass law examination |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19580910-1.2.83 |access-date=2024-09-10 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}{{Cite news |last=Mahadeva |first=A. |date=1958-09-11 |title=MAN IN JAIL PASSES LAW EXAM |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19580911-1.2.76 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1959-01-22 |title=Home on St. John's island for Changi detainees |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590122-1.2.76 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}}

After being released in 1959, Puthucheary was appointed as manager of the Industrial Promotion Board, leading the government's plan to set up a {{SGD|100000000|link=on}} economic development board for Singapore.{{Cite news |date=1959-06-17 |title=EX-DETAINEE HEADS INDUSTRIAL DOARD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19590617-1.2.43 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=4}} During his tenure, Puthucheary represented Singapore for economic-related conferences in New Delhi, Bangkok and London.{{Cite news |date=1959-11-29 |title=Puthucheary is off |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19591129-1.2.25 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}{{Cite news |date=1960-01-17 |title=Two named for ECAFE talks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600117-1.2.35 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=William |date=1960-07-01 |title=S'PORE SEEKS AID |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600701-1.2.2 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} Puthucheary also succeeded Khoo Teck Puat as the chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board.{{Cite news |date=1959-07-18 |title=Provident Fund job for Mr. P. |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590718-1.2.31 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4}}

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.{{Cite news |date=1961-08-01 |title=Ex-detainee quits Govt for varsity |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610801-1.2.8 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}} Minister for Finance Goh Keng Swee clarified in a statement that Puthucheary's resignation was arranged prior to the beginning of conflict within PAP.{{Cite news |date=1961-08-01 |title=Puthucheary's move: Dr. Goh's statement |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610802-1.2.140 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=14}} Puthucheary was appointed as advisor of the Barisan Socialis.{{Cite news |date=1961-09-18 |title=LIM CHIN SIONG IS NAMED BARISAN LEADER |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610918-1.2.4 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1}}

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.{{Cite news |last1=Ee |first1=Boon Lee |last2=Lim |first2=Beng Tee |date=1963-02-06 |title=Who's who in the big round-up |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630206-1.2.96 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=10}}{{Cite news |date=1963-12-04 |title=THREE RELEASED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19631204-1.2.99 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Straits Budget |pages=17}}

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

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.{{Cite news |date=1958-05-23 |title=I WILL WED DETAINED UNIONIST, SAYS MAVIS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19580523-1.2.83 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=7}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1959-06-10 |title=Released detainee weds at Registry |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590610-1.2.128 |access-date=2024-06-12 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16}}{{Cite news |date=1959-06-11 |title=Ex-detainees: 'We won't be without jobs for long' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590611-1.2.150 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16}} 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.{{Cite news |date=1959-09-09 |title=Mrs PUTHUCHEARY LEAVING JOB: BYRNE EXPLAINS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19590909-1.2.7 |access-date=2024-06-12 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=1}} After the termination, Mrs Puthucheary was appointed as assistant secretary at the Ministry of Education.{{Cite news |date=1959-10-08 |title=New Ministry post for woman |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19591008-1.2.6 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=1}}

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.{{Cite news |date=1963-02-13 |title=Lee steps in to keep wife of detainee in job |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19630213-1.2.84 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=Straits Budget |pages=17}}{{Cite news |date=1963-02-09 |title=Lee steps in to keep wife of detainee in job |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630209-1.2.122 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16}}

On 3 April 2000, Puthucheary died after suffering from a stroke.{{Cite news |last=Chua |first=Wei Yng |date=2000-04-04 |title=PAP rival dies in M'sia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20000404-1.2.3.1 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The New Paper |pages=2}} Puthucheary had a daughter and two sons.{{Cite news |date=1963-05-05 |title=Baby boy for Puthucheary |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630505-1.2.61 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8}}{{Cite news |date=1963-05-11 |title=Puthucheary out of jail to see son |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630511-1.2.38 |access-date=2024-12-06 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5}}

• {{Cite book |last=Puthucheary |first=James Joseph |title=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 |publisher=Donald Moore |year=1959 |location=Singapore}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Puthucheary, James}}

Category:1922 births

Category:Indian emigrants to Singapore

Category:2000 deaths

Category:University of Malaya alumni

Category:Singaporean prisoners and detainees

Category:Singaporean trade unionists

Category:Barisan Sosialis politicians

Category:Singaporean people of Malayali descent

Category:People's Action Party politicians

Category:20th-century Malaysian lawyers

Category:20th-century Singaporean politicians

Category:Singaporean people of Indian descent