While many are familiar with the role of Justices of the Peace (JPs) in solemnising marriages, fewer know of their role in a general election (GE).
Election candidates must submit nomination forms containing a statutory declaration made before a JP or Commissioner for Oaths when they contest.
92-year-old Mathalaimony Nathan, JP, PBM, PBS, has been an active member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) for 54 years. He fondly recalls helping out at various PAP constituencies during every general election since becoming a JP 35 years ago.
He said: “Nomination forms of candidates must be signed by a JP during general elections. I have done so for many candidates, including Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In addition, I had to sign the oaths of secrecy for all the PAP activists who are volunteering as polling and counting agents, and staff working during the GE. ”
Mr Nathan joined the Party in 1968 when he was 36 years old. At that time, he worked as a civil servant at the Public Works Department (PWD), which oversaw the development of public infrastructure like roads, flyovers and schools in Singapore.
In an interview with Petir, he shared that as part of his job, he accompanied ministers on their walkabouts to various constituencies on Sundays.
“Residents would approach the Ministers and request improvements on infrastructures like roads, overhead bridges, pedestrian crossings or other amenities,” he said. “I would gather the feedback and inform the relevant departments through my directors.”
Mr Nathan initially volunteered at the Macpherson branch where he resided, serving under the then-MP and Minister Chua Sian Chin. On Mr Chua’s advice, Mr Nathan and the Branch Secretary Tan Yew Kang, and other activists established a branch in Kim Keat, which became a new constituency. There, PAP MP Sidek Saniff contested and won the election.
After serving for a few years, Mr Nathan was asked to assist at the Potong Pasir branch under MP Howe Yoon Chong, where they improved local amenities. He later relocated to Mayflower and began serving the Kebun Baru ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC. Additionally, Mr Nathan was a grassroots leader, volunteering his services for the community.
In 2015, following the retirement of former MP Inderjit Singh, Mr Nathan moved to serve at the Teck Ghee constituency under the leadership of then-PM Lee Hsien Loong.
At 92 years old, Mr Nathan continues to volunteer at SM Lee’s weekly Meet-the-People sessions. For his service to the party, Mr Nathan received a Dedicated Service Star Medal at the Party Awards in 2021.
He hopes more young people will join the party and care for the community.
He said: “Through party work, helping others resolve issues like family problems, they will also reflect on their own behaviour towards their own families and improve relationships with parents.”
Regarding his advice to younger activists, Mr Nathan emphasised the importance of actively listening to the people’s concerns.
“As a party member, you have the responsibility to listen to the people, understand their concerns, and help them,” he said. “In Singapore, there are many old people , poor people who are marginalised, we should show them that the Party is prepared to listen.”
“People will have more confidence in the PAP and believe that the party genuinely cares for them.”
As the Party celebrates its 70th anniversary, Mr Nathan said: “We have done very well. We will do better if we care and listen to the people’s problems. When we care for them, they will remember us and vote for us in the next election.”
