Be at the Table or Be on the Menu: A Singapore Memoir

by S. Jayakumar

Be At The Table or Be On The Menu picks up where Prof Jayakumar's book Diplomacy left off. It gives the broad range of his experience as an academic and Dean in the Law Faculty, as Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and as a Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Senior Minister in the Singapore Cabinet, serving alongside Prime Ministers Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong, and Lee Hsien Loong.

The book also offers rare glimpses of the child and the student that perhaps hinted at his future roles. This part of the book will surprise even those who think they knew him well.

The book's subtitle "A Singapore Memoir" is apt, because Prof Jayakumar's story is very much the story of Singapore's challenges since the early years of independence. Typically, Prof Jayakumar does not simply tell a story; his intention is to show why he and indeed all of us have a part to play in keeping the Singapore Story going.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Shunmugam Jayakumar, often known as S. Jayakumar, is a former Singaporean politician, lawyer and diplomat. He is of Indian Tamil ancestry.

A former member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he previously served as Singapore's Senior Minister in the Cabinet and the Co-ordinating Minister for National Security from 2009 to 2011, Deputy Prime Minister from 2004 to 2009, Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2004, Minister for Home Affairs from 1988 to 1994, Minister for Law from 1988 to 2008, and Minister for Labour from 1984 to 1985.

He was a member of parliament (MP) for the constituency of Bedok within the East Coast Group Representation Constituency. In May 2011 he retired from politics due to health reasons.

Reviews

[Rish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and engaging read, gives you a macro-perspective of the difficulties Singapore faces in our geo-political landscape. Rather inspiring to see the gratitude a political leader has for the civil servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

[Books and Beer Singapore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read. Wonderful memoir of Professor S Jayakumar's career in politics and diplomacy. At the end, a touching tribute to the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

[Rajesh Manikoth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A breezy read of one of Singapore's senior minister's career - served in the cabinet for over 30 years. Interesting to get a more detailed look into his work over the years. Bits on how NMP, NCMP and GRCs came about was most interesting. Incidentally, he was awarded the Order of Temasek yesterday - national Day of Singapore 2020. Now I want to go and dig deeper on the 1980s Marxist conspiracy episode.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for writing this book. It's a legacy for Singaporeans to see our country and the world through your eyes, and to remember the lessons so far on our Singapore journey.

[Kelvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a collection of incidences that have formed Jayakumar’s worldview, from his humble upbringing to his university days, ministership, and beyond. The stories were delivered in simple language, short sentences, and a deadpan, which made some of them quite funny.

[The Sombre Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather small book but not in anyway lacking in content. It may be concise but still detailed, benefitting its readers through providing insights to the mechanism of Singapore's governance and Author's personal life.

[Supriya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely! Endearing

[Karina Heng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful for men who love our country enough to participate in its survival and growth.