January 16, 2017

The political career of Dr. James Puthucheary was marked with quiet controversy. Apart from historic accounts of his defection from the People’s Action Party to join Barisan Socialis, his detention during Operation Cold Store and subsequent exile, little is known of Dr. Puthucheary’s persona. In My Burning Hill (2012), alum Dr. Rosaly Puthucheary (Dept of English Language and Literature) presents an autobiography of her elder brother in a 56 sectioned long poem. The poem effortlessly weaves together her personal affections for her late brother and the political struggle in post-colonial Singapore. The result of her artistic endeavour provides a glimpse into Dr. James Puthucheary’s life. Each stanza navigates and reflects upon the psyche and motivations of Dr. James Puthucheary, thus effectively expressing the humanity and sincerity of this exiled politician.