I read the speech from Dr. Tony Tan (reported in Today) and the letter by Mr. Tan Cheng Bock (in St Times Forum). They are moving towards my platform to be the voice of the people and to raise these issues with the Government. It took them some time to come around to articulate these views in strong and clear terms. It is good for the future of Singapore. I hope that they will now also pledge to donate at least half of the President;s salary to charity. I wish them all the best in the contest.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tan Kin Lian speaks at Supporter's Gathering
1. How to fulfill your campaign promise to be the voice of the people
2. Are you trying to change the constitution?
3. President, voice of the people?
4. President as alternative voice to help the government
5. Why is being independant of the government so important?
Enjoyable trip to Batam
I had an enjoyable trip to Batam. I met the Singapore manager of the Planet Holiday hotel. I had breakfast at the hotel and met two groups of Singaporeans there. Later, I had 1 hour interview over a Batam radio station and another 1 hour interview with journalists from several Batam newspapers. The interviews were in Bahasa and I had the assistance of an interpreter, but managed to give some answers and greetings in Bahasa.
My group had lunch at the Nagoya Hills Shopping Mall. The owner of a staff, who is a Singapore PR recognised me and asked his assistant to give me a box of layered cakes. I also met several Singaporean families at the mall. They went to Batam for the weekend for shopping and relaxation. I also had a chat with several Singaporeans on the ferry to Batam and back.
I sent greetings to the Muslims in Batam for Ramadan and also for the coming Indonesian Independence Day. I was impressed with the economic development in Batam and the warmth and friendliness of the people towards Singaporeans.
My group had lunch at the Nagoya Hills Shopping Mall. The owner of a staff, who is a Singapore PR recognised me and asked his assistant to give me a box of layered cakes. I also met several Singaporean families at the mall. They went to Batam for the weekend for shopping and relaxation. I also had a chat with several Singaporeans on the ferry to Batam and back.
I sent greetings to the Muslims in Batam for Ramadan and also for the coming Indonesian Independence Day. I was impressed with the economic development in Batam and the warmth and friendliness of the people towards Singaporeans.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Visit to Batam
Mr Tan Kin Lian will be visiting the Indonesian Island of Batam to meet Singaporeans and to conduct interviews with the local media there.
The island is popular with many heartlanders and PMETs as it is nearby and it is also relatively inexpensive to take a break there. He will also take the opportunity to view the progress of developments there as there are many Singapore investments in Singapore.
Many residents of Batam also have ties to Singapore and follow developments in Singapore with interest. He hopes the interviews will give him an opportunity to extend greetings, on behalf of Singaporeans, to the people of Batam as Indonesia will be celebrating its Independence Day soon.
Said Mr Tan: "I have visited Batam many times over the years. I am impressed by the developments and progress taking place. Each time I go there, I see more projects taking off. This is good as it means there are more jobs. I also find the people here very friendly and helpful. I wish the people of Batam a peaceful and prosperous future. I also hope that the good relations between our two countries will continue so that we can visit each other more often."
The following media will be interviewing Mr Tan:
· Radio SingFM Batam 105.5Mhz –
Live radio Interview at SingFM studio at Planet Holiday Hotel. The 45 minutes interview will be at 10.00 am Indonesian Time. He will be interviewed by Bpk Bambang Pamungkas Manager/Chief Editor of Radio SingFM.This broadcasting station is a business radio.
The press interview will be held at the business centre meeting room in Planet Holiday Hotel at 11.am Indonesian Time.
Anthony Chia
The island is popular with many heartlanders and PMETs as it is nearby and it is also relatively inexpensive to take a break there. He will also take the opportunity to view the progress of developments there as there are many Singapore investments in Singapore.
Many residents of Batam also have ties to Singapore and follow developments in Singapore with interest. He hopes the interviews will give him an opportunity to extend greetings, on behalf of Singaporeans, to the people of Batam as Indonesia will be celebrating its Independence Day soon.
Said Mr Tan: "I have visited Batam many times over the years. I am impressed by the developments and progress taking place. Each time I go there, I see more projects taking off. This is good as it means there are more jobs. I also find the people here very friendly and helpful. I wish the people of Batam a peaceful and prosperous future. I also hope that the good relations between our two countries will continue so that we can visit each other more often."
The following media will be interviewing Mr Tan:
· Radio SingFM Batam 105.5Mhz –
· Batam Pos Newspaper
· Haluan Kepri Newspaper
· Tribun Batam Newspaper
Live radio Interview at SingFM studio at Planet Holiday Hotel. The 45 minutes interview will be at 10.00 am Indonesian Time. He will be interviewed by Bpk Bambang Pamungkas Manager/Chief Editor of Radio SingFM.This broadcasting station is a business radio.
The press interview will be held at the business centre meeting room in Planet Holiday Hotel at 11.am Indonesian Time.
Anthony Chia
Friday, July 29, 2011
How much to pay for your property
In my talk on financial planning, I suggested that a person should buy a property representing not more than five years of the income and pay the monthly installments of up to 25% of the income (all to come out of CPF contributions) and the loan should be repaid within 25 years. This article explains how these benchmarks are calculated.
Manage your own life annuity
I gave a talk on financial planning to several employees of a company. These employees will be approaching retirement. I advised them about the importance of getting an adequate income during their retirement and offered them a suggestion on how they can manage their own annuity. This suggestion is set out in this paper.
I suggested that they can use the results of this calculation as a benchmark to compare the payout from a life annuity bought from an insurance company. If the payout is quite close, they can buy the life annuity and save the hassle of managing their finances. However, a self-managed financial plan provides greater flexibility compared to a life annuity, and is an advantage to a financially aware person.
I suggested that they can use the results of this calculation as a benchmark to compare the payout from a life annuity bought from an insurance company. If the payout is quite close, they can buy the life annuity and save the hassle of managing their finances. However, a self-managed financial plan provides greater flexibility compared to a life annuity, and is an advantage to a financially aware person.
Mobile Games developed by TKL Associates
Here is my reply to queries from Today and Wanbao.
I run a software development company call Tan Kin Lian & Associates. During the past year, I have developed more than 10 apps (mobile games) and deployed them over the Apple, Windows and Nokia platforms. I am now developing them on the Android platform.
If you search for my name "Tan Kin Lian" on app store or marketplace of these platforms, you will find these apps. The more popular apps are Tangram, Shape Quiz, Sudoku, Logic Quiz and Logic Box. These games are available in various versions. I also develop some simple games such as One In A Million (generate 4D numbers), Toto Luck (generate Toto numbers) and Amazing Numbers (guess a secret number).
When the Windows Phone platform was first launched, I asked my developer to try some simple apps. I chose Toto and 4D as they are popular games and are well known by many people. These apps are quite simple and easy to develop. They take the date of birth to produce a fixed series of random numbers and identify the most common numbers that are unique to that person. Whether these numbers will come out in practice will still depend on luck, but they are numbers that are tied to the date of birth.
One person has expressed the concern that the 4D and Toto game will encourage gambling. This concern is exaggerated. Not many people download the apps. Even if they do, they are not going to gamble a lot of money buying their numbers. I am not aware of any person who has found it to be so interesting that they wish to increase their betting.
I look at Toto and 4D as an entertainment for many ordinary people. Most of them bet with small sums of money that they set aside to try their luck. Some people may be problem gamblers, but this is a separate matter. For the majority, this is a way of having some distraction from the busy and hectic life. If some people like to try my app to get their unique numbers, I will be delighted. But I do not think that it will be addictive, and I certainly do not encourage them to be addicted to any form of gambling. But as a pastime and fun, it is all right.
The download of these apps are quite small, as few people know about them. The apps involving Tangram, Shape Quiz and Sudoku are more popular, with more downloads.
I have also developed business apps on the mobile platform for taxi booking and for other business applications. They will be launched at a later date. They use the know-how that has been gained from developing the mobile games.
If I get elected as President, I have to pass this business to another person, as the President is not allowed to be involved in any business.
But if I do not get elected, I intend to use the know-how in developing mobile games to be used for many business applications involving mobile and web platforms. This is an exciting field with a lot of opportunities.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Interview on CNA and Razor TV
I gave interviews to CNA and Razor TV last night on the talk - Leadership, guided by values and on the questions asked about the Presidential election. You can watch them from the campaign website, www.tkl2011.com. See Statement tab.
Speak for the people
Singaporeans will have to choose carefully when they vote for the President. If they want a quiet President, there are at least two possible candidates to choose from. If they want a President who can speak for the people, they can choose me. You can read my statements in www.tkl2011.com. The speaking can be done constructively and not in a quarrelsome way.
Have the courage to make a change. Do not worry that this approach will cause problems .... it will not. If the President brings important issues to the attention of the government, the government will have to pay attention to these views. The President does not need to be another center of power, but he can be the light of brightness to focus attention on these issues.
When problems are denied, they cannot be solved.
When problems are identified and agreed, it is more likely that better solutions can be found. We need to apply the values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service ... to find better solutions.
Have the courage to make a change. Do not worry that this approach will cause problems .... it will not. If the President brings important issues to the attention of the government, the government will have to pay attention to these views. The President does not need to be another center of power, but he can be the light of brightness to focus attention on these issues.
When problems are denied, they cannot be solved.
When problems are identified and agreed, it is more likely that better solutions can be found. We need to apply the values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service ... to find better solutions.
Politicize
Somebody made this observation, "If you give views that support the government's views, you are not politicizing, but if you give views that are different, you are politicizing".
I want to encourage Singaporeans to be broad minded, and to accept alternative views, without applying labels such as "politicizing", "anti-PAP" or "pro-PAP". There is no need to label each view. Treat each view on its own merits ... and ask, " is it good a better solution, is it better for the people?"
I want to encourage Singaporeans to be broad minded, and to accept alternative views, without applying labels such as "politicizing", "anti-PAP" or "pro-PAP". There is no need to label each view. Treat each view on its own merits ... and ask, " is it good a better solution, is it better for the people?"
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tips on Critical Illness Insurance
This article contains some tips on how consumers can approach critical illness insurance. Consumers should pay a small premium to cover the small risk of critical illness at the young ages and invest the savings in a low cost fund. The accumulated savings after 20 or 30 years will be more than sufficient to pay for the cost of treatment or loss of income, if a critical illness occurs at an older age.
Insight into Tan Kin Lian
This article writes about the history and values of Tan Kin Lian.
http://alexbinich.blogspot.com/2007/03/lord-of-dance.html
http://alexbinich.blogspot.com/2007/03/lord-of-dance.html
How to choose your best President
An interesting story by the author of "Wisdom on How to Live Life"
Monday, July 25, 2011
Statement by Tan Kin Lian – Ensure CPF savings are secure and adequate for retirement needs
A primary role of the President is to safeguard the past reserves of the country. A large part of the reserves represent the savings of Singaporeans in the Central Provident Fund.
Many Singaporeans have expressed concern about the security of their CPF savings when, from time to time, they hear about the large losses incurred by Temasek Holdings, Government of Singapore Investment Company (GIC) or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in their investments. Just a few days ago, MAS reported a loss of $10.9 billion during the past year.
There is a need to inform and educate Singaporeans about the long term nature of the investments and to give them the assurance that the investments are made prudently. This is especially relevant, given the occasional newspaper reports of money from the reserves being invested in foreign companies which report larges losses and go to the brink of bankruptcy. Some of these foreign companies are not well known and have a risk profile that appears to be very high.
A President, who has the financial knowledge and expertise, and backed by a panel of investment experts, can play a useful role in keeping an oversight over the investment policy. As a trusted, independent person, the President can give the assurance that Singaporeans are looking for about the security of their CPF savings.
The CPF savings represent the hard work of Singaporeans made over several decades. They depend on their CPF savings to take care of their financial needs during retirement, to pay for the cost of living and their medical expenses in old age.
Many Singaporeans have found that, in spite of the frugality and savings habit, they still do not have sufficient savings when they reach the retirement age. They have expressed the view that the CPF scheme is not working to their benefit.
I wish to echo their views and call on the Government to review the operations of the Central Provident Fund and implement changes to achieve the following goals:
I call on the Government to from a panel with representation from all segments of the people to carry out this review and that the review should be carried out in a transparent manner, so as to gain the trust of Singaporeans.
Tan Kin Lian
Many Singaporeans have expressed concern about the security of their CPF savings when, from time to time, they hear about the large losses incurred by Temasek Holdings, Government of Singapore Investment Company (GIC) or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in their investments. Just a few days ago, MAS reported a loss of $10.9 billion during the past year.
There is a need to inform and educate Singaporeans about the long term nature of the investments and to give them the assurance that the investments are made prudently. This is especially relevant, given the occasional newspaper reports of money from the reserves being invested in foreign companies which report larges losses and go to the brink of bankruptcy. Some of these foreign companies are not well known and have a risk profile that appears to be very high.
A President, who has the financial knowledge and expertise, and backed by a panel of investment experts, can play a useful role in keeping an oversight over the investment policy. As a trusted, independent person, the President can give the assurance that Singaporeans are looking for about the security of their CPF savings.
The CPF savings represent the hard work of Singaporeans made over several decades. They depend on their CPF savings to take care of their financial needs during retirement, to pay for the cost of living and their medical expenses in old age.
Many Singaporeans have found that, in spite of the frugality and savings habit, they still do not have sufficient savings when they reach the retirement age. They have expressed the view that the CPF scheme is not working to their benefit.
I wish to echo their views and call on the Government to review the operations of the Central Provident Fund and implement changes to achieve the following goals:
- Ensure that the CPF is able to provide an investment yield that is higher than the rate of inflation
- Ensure that CPF members have adequate savings for their retirement needs (after paying off the cost of a modest HDB flat)
- Review the contribution rate of older workers to allow our workers to build up adequate savings for retirement.
- Improve transparency and communication, to assure the people that that their CPF savings are being invested prudently.
- Allow partial withdrawals of CPF savings to meet financial needs of people who have lost their jobs due to factors beyond their control.
- Review the use of CPF savings for tertiary education, to see if the scope can be widened
I call on the Government to from a panel with representation from all segments of the people to carry out this review and that the review should be carried out in a transparent manner, so as to gain the trust of Singaporeans.
Tan Kin Lian
Long term yield on GIC portfolio
GIC reported a 10 year and 20 year yield on their portfolio of 7.4% and 7.2% respectively in USD. I wonder what the yield would have been, if converted to SGD. We know that the USD has depreciated significantly during this period.
I am encouraged by this statement: "GIC's real rate of return in excess of global inflation over the past 20 years -- its main benchmark -- was 3.9 percent as at end-March 2011, up from 3.8 percent at end-March 2010."
However, it might be better if the yield is converted to SGD and the real return is computed net of inflation in Singapore.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Elected president can be the voice of the people
This letter was published in the Straits Times Forum page on 25 July 2011 (with minor editing).
I refer to the article "Don't Politicize the Role of the President" by Wan Wai Yee, Asst Professor in Singapore Management University. Prof Wan argued that the President should stay within the powers of the constitution and avoid “politicizing” its role. However, Prof Wan did not explain what he meant by "politicizing".
If someone offers a view that is different from the stand taken by the Government, will it be considered as "politicizing"? To find solutions that are best for the people, it is better to discuss issues openly and consider various points of views, before coming to a decision.
The Government and the President are elected by the people to perform their duties stated in the constitution – but the ultimate aim is to improve the lives of the people. The President is required to carry out certain specific duties that are intended to act as a check and balance on the Government, primarily to prevent abuse of powers and corrupt practices.
To exercise this power effectively, the President needs to be in touch with ordinary people that are affected directly by these issues. In doing so, the President may hear views that fall outside of his constitutional duties but are still important to the people.
I agree with Prof Wan that it is the primary duty of Parliament to discuss these issues and pass the necessary laws to implement the solutions. We should, however, be aware of the structural weaknesses in our current governance where, for a variety of reasons, many of the hot issues affecting the livelihood of the people were not actively debated in Parliament. It was only days prior to the last general election that the Prime Minister realized the extent of the unhappiness of the people and had to apologize twice for the shortcomings of his government.
It is likely that the newly elected Parliament will continue to face the structural issues and obstacles.
The elected President can play a useful role in being an additional channel for the people to bring legitimate issues to the attention of the Government. To rebuild the trust of the people and re-install pride in our country, the Government has to show that it is willing to hear the voice of the people and consider their views. The elected President can help in these tasks.
Tan Kin Lian
Saturday, July 23, 2011
For the sake of Singapore's future
Dear Mr Tan
We know we can count on you to do the Right Thing for the sake of Singaporeans' future.
-----------------------
Sharing the article below of what has been so convincingly argued.
Too much of a good thing is bad... very bad, indeed.
No one is indispensable; and Lee Kuan Yew and his team must make way for the new and much more relevant. Change is inevitable. If he sees sense he will do the right thing.
Voters need to realize that they do get the government that they deserve.
Of all the virtues, I would rate courage as the most useful.
------------------------------
Subject: One young angry lady lecturing LKY
The best article I have come across on Singapore politics. Some of her views could equally apply elsewhere. Now you have a better understanding why staying too long in government changes human behavior. Just look closer at the current Middle East situations .... the rulers stayed too long and failed to see why they were there in the first place.
-----------------------------
The world is a dangerous place not because of people who do evil,
but because of good people who look on and do nothing about it.
-- Albert Einstein
We know we can count on you to do the Right Thing for the sake of Singaporeans' future.
-----------------------
Sharing the article below of what has been so convincingly argued.
Too much of a good thing is bad... very bad, indeed.
No one is indispensable; and Lee Kuan Yew and his team must make way for the new and much more relevant. Change is inevitable. If he sees sense he will do the right thing.
Voters need to realize that they do get the government that they deserve.
Of all the virtues, I would rate courage as the most useful.
------------------------------
Subject: One young angry lady lecturing LKY
The best article I have come across on Singapore politics. Some of her views could equally apply elsewhere. Now you have a better understanding why staying too long in government changes human behavior. Just look closer at the current Middle East situations .... the rulers stayed too long and failed to see why they were there in the first place.
-----------------------------
The world is a dangerous place not because of people who do evil,
but because of good people who look on and do nothing about it.
-- Albert Einstein
Supporter's Gathering 23 July 2011 - Videos
Dear TKL supporters
There is more media coverage for Dr. Tony Tan, how do you address this disadvantage?
What are your chances of obtaining a COE? Do you expect a 2,3 or 4-corner fight?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Does the President have freedom of speech under the constitution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
The MAS lost $10.9 billion last year. What sort of impact do you think this has on our reserves and what are your views?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Do you agree that the elected President should be non-partisan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Friday, July 22, 2011
MAS records net loss of $10.9 billion
This report said that MAS recorded a net loss of $10.9 billion due to the strong Singapore dollar. We need to study if this is only part of the truth or the whole truth. How much of the loss is attributable to the strong Singapore dollar? How much of the loss is caused by excessive speculation or trading (if any)? .
It is important for the President to ask these questions, get the answers from MAS and be able to interpret these answers. This will improve accountability and engender trust in our institutions. In an earlier statement, I said that our reserves should be invested prudently, to achieve a reasonable return over the long term and avoid speculation.
It is important for the President to ask these questions, get the answers from MAS and be able to interpret these answers. This will improve accountability and engender trust in our institutions. In an earlier statement, I said that our reserves should be invested prudently, to achieve a reasonable return over the long term and avoid speculation.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
TKL Media Statement - Dr Tan Cheng Bock apply for Certificate of Eligibility
I am glad that Dr Tan Cheng Bock is submitting his application for the Certificate of Eligibility and wish him all the best in getting approval from the Presidential Election Committee. I have high regard for Dr. Tan Cheng Bock and look forward to a dignified contest with him and other candidate(s) in the election.
With more candidates standing for election, the voters of Singapore will have a wider choice of selecting the next President of Singapore. The contest will make more citizens aware of the importance of this position and educate more people on the need to make a wise choice.
I will be standing for election to offer to the people the following choice of electing me to:
- Be a VOICE of the PEOPLE to carry their views, concerns and aspirations to the Government.
- Be INDEPENDENT of the PAP government but to work with it to find solutions that are best for the people
- Apply my knowledge and expertise to SAFEGUARD their CPF savings and the RESERVES of Singapore.
I invite the people of Singapore to read more about my campaign statements and activities in www.tkl2011.com.
With restrictions on the campaign activities as advised by the Prime Minister's Office, I call on the mainstream media to give equal coverage to all the candidates, so that the people can have the relevant information to make a wise choice in voting for their President.
Ivy Singh endorses the values of Tan Kin Lian
Do we need a President?
When you are in absolute despair, you need someone to give you hope!
The people form the constitution.
Singapore should be the paradise that it should be.
Statement from Tan Kin Lian - Public Transport Fares
Many Singaporeans have expressed their unhappiness in the Internet and other channels over the requests by the public transport operators, namely the SMRT and SBS Transit, to increase their train and bus fares.
http://www.tankinlian.com/
The public argued that the public transport operators are already making big profits for their shareholders, paying high salaries for their chief executives (as reported in their annual reports) and are operating in an near monopolistic situation with little competition in their respective market segments.
They also complained about the crowded buses and trains, unreliable service, poor level of customer service (due to insufficient or poorly trained workers) and over-charging of fares (due to system fault).
I echo the views of the public and wish to ask the Public Transport Council to delay any fare increase until the public transport operators can provide more capacity and improve the standard of service, namely to provide a more comfortable ride with shorter waiting and travelling time.
I also ask the public transport operators to consider their responsibility to the public and keep the fares at a reasonable level. The operators should try to reduce their operating costs, especially in the high salaries paid to top managers, and reduce other expenses, for example in the adoption of expensive systems, that do not directly improve the quality of service provided to commuters.
I recognise the duty of the public transport operators to provide a return on investment to shareholders, but wish to point out that the return should be fair and not excessive, and should not be at the expense of the commuting public, especially those at the low income levels who have no choice but to take public transport.
If the Public Transport Council agrees to increase the fares, to offset the uncontrollable increase in operating costs, I ask the Council to request that more concessions be given to senior citizens, low income families and students to offset the increases.
I also ask the Minister of Transport and the Land Transport Authority to take urgent steps to revamp the public transport system in Singapore by increasing the capacity and encouraging more effective competition among the public transport operators.
This can be achieved by allowing more private bus operators to run express bus services between the towns to increase competition and provide more choice to commuters. The express bus services should be supplemented by efficient feeder services. We can study the popular and successful system adopted in Hong Kong, where small light buses are used to ferry commuters between the homes and the bus and train stations. We should be open to change our system and adapt the successful models from overseas to suit our own circumstances
I have published my proposals on the improvement of the public transport system over the past two years. I have also written to the Transport Minister on these proposals. I urge the Minister for Transport and the Land Transport Authority to give urgent consideration to these proposals.
Public transport is an issue that is of high concern to the people of Singapore. I wish to voice their concerns and urge the Public Transport Council, the Land Transport Authority and the Minister for Transport to find solutions that are best for the people.
Tan Kin Lian
Talk by TKL - Leadership, guided by values
I am giving this talk to the members of the Marketing Institute of Singapore. It is also open to the public. You can register directly with the organiser. Brochure of talk.
There will be an active Question & Answer session. It will be extended to issues of interest to the audience, including the Presidential Election. The media has been invited, so it will be an exciting session.
There will be an active Question & Answer session. It will be extended to issues of interest to the audience, including the Presidential Election. The media has been invited, so it will be an exciting session.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Grow 600 times in 30 years
I joined NTUC Income in 1977 as the general manager (later re-designated as chief executive officer). During a period of 30 years, the total assets increased by 600 times from $28 million to $17 billion.
Growing up as a criminal
Here is a letter from a Singaporean who migrated and became a Canadian citizen. But he is treated as a criminal for not doing national service. A few years ago, I met the parent of a boy in a similar situation. The parents migrated to Australia, but the father had to accompany the son back to Singapore to serve national service - otherwise the son would be treated as a criminal.
International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation
I was the chairman of ICMIF from 1992 to 1997. According to its website (www.icmif.org), ICMIF now has 210 members from 70 countries These members employ a total of 260,000 people and manage assets of USD 1.5 trillion. The official foreign reserves of Singapore today is USD 225 billion, according to the MAS website. These figures are not strictly comparable, but gives an idea of the size of ICMIF. I was the first and only Asian to be elected into the position of chairman of ICMIF.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Videos - Tan Kin Lian answers questions from supporters
Opening address to supporters (16 July)
Question 1: What prompted you to stand as a candidate for the Elected President (EP)?
Question 3: If you are elected, how do you envisage your working relationship is going to be with the government of the day?
Question 4: If I were to compare you to the past presidents and the current nominees you have starkly no international relation experience. Don't you feel that such background is important in carrying out the primary duties of the president?
Question 5: You have a lot of talk on charity work and helping others. What kind of charity work have you actually undertaken in your personal capacity to date?
Affordability of housing
I have made some changes to the paper. The revised paper can be found here.
It is important to keep to the benchmark of 5 years of family income for the property that you buy. If you pay too much, it will eat into your retirement savings - and should be avoided. If property prices are too high, wait for it to fall, or buy a smaller property!
It is important to keep to the benchmark of 5 years of family income for the property that you buy. If you pay too much, it will eat into your retirement savings - and should be avoided. If property prices are too high, wait for it to fall, or buy a smaller property!
CNA - Railway Track
TKL, TCB and TJS walk the railway track.
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/2011/07/18/three-presidential-hopefuls-join-railway-buzz/
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/2011/07/18/three-presidential-hopefuls-join-railway-buzz/
TKL Campaign Strategy - with entry of 4th contestant
Tan Kin Lian speaks to supporters about the campaign strategy, with the entry of a 4th contestant. Watch this video. More videos can be found at www.tkl2011.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
Affordabily of housing
A home buyer should not pay more than 5 years of the family income for a property. This article explains the key issues in your financial planning.
A bad investment linked policy
This policy introduces high charges after 18 months. If the policyholder terminates the policy, there is a big penalty. After 18 months, the policy has sunk in a lot of savings and was stuck with a bad investment. Be careful when you buy an investment linked policy (from any company). Read the charges and penalties. Look at the cash value after 3, 5 and 10 years and make sure that you get a decent return for your savings. More details in this article.
A suggestion - affordable HDB flats
Hi Mr Tan,
I wish to offer my view to make the HDB flat more affordable to Singaporean.
1) Mass building of new HDB
2) Lower the selling price of new HDB price without affecting the price of the resale market. I humbly suggest using the following ways:
i) Giving more grants to SingaporeFor example: Current market price for 4-room flat: $350,000
Selling to resident: $250,000
Loan: 50%
Cash: 5%
HDB Grant: 45%
Note: HDB to collect back the 45% or lower (if the amount is lower than the purchase price) upon owner selling the flat.
ii) Increase the minimum period of stay to 10 years or 15 years. If the owner sells the flat within the minimum occupation period, it can only sell back to HDB at the purchase price with inflation.
FOLLOW UP POINTS
Hi Mr Tan,
If based on the suggestion that I had given earlier, the grant question will not be raised as HDB will take back the grant upon people selling the HDB flat if they sell it before the minimum occupation time.
If they persist and they object, the answer will be as follows:
1) The grant is too high --- The grant is ultimate be taken back by HDB if they sell the flat. It is as good as not grant at all. But the main cost is the interest rate which is taken up nearly 90% for a 30 years loan (That means Singaporean are paying 1.9 times of the loan amount). Thus is help Singaporean owner a flat less pressurise. All let scrap the grant all together, and HDB can have a cavent over the house and the money to be return to HDB upon selling the flat.
2) If the price is too low --- Let open the books. All cost (including Land Cost) + another percentage for margin (let say 20%). That way it will show government is more transparent and it will definitely keep the price low. Some may argue based on what for that the land price, let it had a panel of independent valuer under the president control to access that.
William Lim
I wish to offer my view to make the HDB flat more affordable to Singaporean.
1) Mass building of new HDB
2) Lower the selling price of new HDB price without affecting the price of the resale market. I humbly suggest using the following ways:
i) Giving more grants to SingaporeFor example: Current market price for 4-room flat: $350,000
Selling to resident: $250,000
Loan: 50%
Cash: 5%
HDB Grant: 45%
Note: HDB to collect back the 45% or lower (if the amount is lower than the purchase price) upon owner selling the flat.
ii) Increase the minimum period of stay to 10 years or 15 years. If the owner sells the flat within the minimum occupation period, it can only sell back to HDB at the purchase price with inflation.
FOLLOW UP POINTS
Hi Mr Tan,
If based on the suggestion that I had given earlier, the grant question will not be raised as HDB will take back the grant upon people selling the HDB flat if they sell it before the minimum occupation time.
If they persist and they object, the answer will be as follows:
1) The grant is too high --- The grant is ultimate be taken back by HDB if they sell the flat. It is as good as not grant at all. But the main cost is the interest rate which is taken up nearly 90% for a 30 years loan (That means Singaporean are paying 1.9 times of the loan amount). Thus is help Singaporean owner a flat less pressurise. All let scrap the grant all together, and HDB can have a cavent over the house and the money to be return to HDB upon selling the flat.
2) If the price is too low --- Let open the books. All cost (including Land Cost) + another percentage for margin (let say 20%). That way it will show government is more transparent and it will definitely keep the price low. Some may argue based on what for that the land price, let it had a panel of independent valuer under the president control to access that.
William Lim
Manage your own life annuity
Instead of buying a life annuity, it may be more advantageous for a retiree to manage his own savings to provide a better payout. Read this article.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Adequate savings for retirement
Here are some tips for all Singaporeans on how to get adequate savings for retirement. It is especially suitable for young people - as they should start their financial planning of a proper footing. Parents should tell their children about these tips. It is also suitable for older people, although many of them may already be stuck with their existing investments that offer a low yield. Read this article.
Public transport - public corporation or competitive model?
Should public transport be operated through a nationalized public corporation, as proposed by the Workers Party, or through a competitive model? The current model, involving two large publicly listed corporations operating the trains and the buses, does not seem to fit into either model.
What are your views? Discuss them with your friends and come with ideas that are endorsed by them. Send them to kinlian@gmail.com.
What are your views? Discuss them with your friends and come with ideas that are endorsed by them. Send them to kinlian@gmail.com.
Affordable HDB flats
The Minister for National Development faced the challenge of bringing down the price of new HDB flats to an affordable level, without causing a crash of the property market that can bring dire consequence to the economy. Here are some issues to be considered:
- How to determine the affordability and size of the flat?
- How to allocate the new flats and avoid a mad rush?
- Does the BTO scheme meet these objectives?
- How to prevent a crash of the property market?
I hope to get the views of knowledgeable people who have studied this matter in the past. Please send your suggestions to kinlian@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Walk along Railway Track
- My supporters will be meeting me at Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre (near the intersection of Upper Bukit Timah Road and Jalan Jurong Kechil) at about 8 AM on Sunday to have breakfast together.
- After breakfast, we will then proceed to walk along the railway line (parts near Hindhede Walk, and Upper Bukit Timah Road).
- Our final destination will be at the Rail Mall, estimated to reach at about 10 AM. The route is estimated to be about 2.4km long.
- Look forward to have more people to join us.
Reminder: please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing; bring a cap/hat/umbrella along too!
Increase in property tax
Dear Mr. Tan
Many of you have received a notice from IRAS regarding the change in the Annual Value (AV) of your property and it's safe to say that majority of you would be paying more for your property tax.
Many of you have received a notice from IRAS regarding the change in the Annual Value (AV) of your property and it's safe to say that majority of you would be paying more for your property tax.
In my case, my AV has increased by 17% in less than 1 year and I am puzzled as to how IRAS derived the number. I did a check at the rental data for my condominium at the URA website (http://www.ura.gov.sg/
I have written to IRAS to seek an explanation as to why there was a huge difference between their assessment and that of URA.
I urge all of you to do a quick check at the abovementioned website to verify if the increase stipulated by IRAS is in line with the actual transactions published by URA. If URA data cannot be trusted, perhaps IRAS may want to explain to us how they derive their numbers and also their source of data.
Thian TC
Friday, July 15, 2011
Letter to the Straits Times Forum - not published
Dear Mr Tan,
I highly admire and commend your courage, friendliness, wisdom and spirit in public service to serve the people of Singapore in your best ability to contribute.
Recently, I did write a letter to the Straits Times Forum to support your decision to contest in the upcoming presidential election, unfortunately, it was not published.
I like to read whatever articles you contribute to the press, especially on social and political issues. The following are what I wrote to the ST Forum:
Dear Editor,
I REFER to the report, “Tony Tan, Tan Kin file eligibility forms” that Tan Kin Lian had submitted his application for a certificate of eligibility to run for president. (mypaper, Jul 8)
I admire and applaud Mr Tan’s courage, public service spirit and his commitment to stand for the presidential election even though he has not known the outcome of his eligibility from the Presidential Election Committee for running the presidency.
In his blog and during his 40 minute press conference yesterday, Mr Tan reiterated that he knows the aspirations and difficulties of the people, and he can be the voice of the people. He further stressed that the people of Singapore wish to see the incoming president who can be the voice of the people, to be independent of the PAP Government and to safeguard their CPF savings and the national reserves.
His five outlined personal values: honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service are his moral motto and drive towards his work commitment in his 30 NTUC Income cooperative services and his public services as the brand secretary of the PAP’s Marine Parade Branch from 1976 to 1979.
Indeed, these are the vital personal qualities and commitments for running the presidency.
Critically, all Singaporeans expect their elected president is the president of the people who knows, concerns and cares for the people.
Mr Tan had been the popular public figure to champion the voice of the victims during the Lehman Brother’s mini bond saga, and he is also the regular letter writer who contributed his alternative views, opinions and suggestion to the press pertaining to the government policies. These had clearly shown that Mr Tan is a person who walks his thought and beliefs.
Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)
I highly admire and commend your courage, friendliness, wisdom and spirit in public service to serve the people of Singapore in your best ability to contribute.
Recently, I did write a letter to the Straits Times Forum to support your decision to contest in the upcoming presidential election, unfortunately, it was not published.
I like to read whatever articles you contribute to the press, especially on social and political issues. The following are what I wrote to the ST Forum:
Dear Editor,
I REFER to the report, “Tony Tan, Tan Kin file eligibility forms” that Tan Kin Lian had submitted his application for a certificate of eligibility to run for president. (mypaper, Jul 8)
I admire and applaud Mr Tan’s courage, public service spirit and his commitment to stand for the presidential election even though he has not known the outcome of his eligibility from the Presidential Election Committee for running the presidency.
In his blog and during his 40 minute press conference yesterday, Mr Tan reiterated that he knows the aspirations and difficulties of the people, and he can be the voice of the people. He further stressed that the people of Singapore wish to see the incoming president who can be the voice of the people, to be independent of the PAP Government and to safeguard their CPF savings and the national reserves.
His five outlined personal values: honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service are his moral motto and drive towards his work commitment in his 30 NTUC Income cooperative services and his public services as the brand secretary of the PAP’s Marine Parade Branch from 1976 to 1979.
Indeed, these are the vital personal qualities and commitments for running the presidency.
Critically, all Singaporeans expect their elected president is the president of the people who knows, concerns and cares for the people.
Mr Tan had been the popular public figure to champion the voice of the victims during the Lehman Brother’s mini bond saga, and he is also the regular letter writer who contributed his alternative views, opinions and suggestion to the press pertaining to the government policies. These had clearly shown that Mr Tan is a person who walks his thought and beliefs.
Teo Kueh Liang (Mr)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tan Jee Say's participation in the Presidential Election
Here is my statement.
I like to wish Tan Jee Say all the best in getting the Certificate of Eligibility and in contesting the Presidential Election. With more candidates entering the contest, the voters of Singapore will have a wider choice of selecting the next President of Singapore. A larger pool of candidates should help to make more citizens aware of the importance of this position and educate more people on the need to make a wise
choice.
I will not change my campaign, as set out in my campaign website: www.tkl2011.com.
I offer to the voters to serve the country in the following areas:
Be a voice of the people to carry their views, concerns and aspirations to the Government.
Be independent of the PAP government but to work with the government to find solutions that are best for the people
Apply my knowledge and expertise to safeguard their CPF savings and the reserves of Singapore.
I also pledge to donate at least half of the President's salary towards charity and
other causes. See http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=161923467213647
for more details.
I will also bring my values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service to the decisions that I have to make in the future, in whatever capacity that I may be in.
Tan Kin Lian
I like to wish Tan Jee Say all the best in getting the Certificate of Eligibility and in contesting the Presidential Election. With more candidates entering the contest, the voters of Singapore will have a wider choice of selecting the next President of Singapore. A larger pool of candidates should help to make more citizens aware of the importance of this position and educate more people on the need to make a wise
choice.
I will not change my campaign, as set out in my campaign website: www.tkl2011.com.
I offer to the voters to serve the country in the following areas:
Be a voice of the people to carry their views, concerns and aspirations to the Government.
Be independent of the PAP government but to work with the government to find solutions that are best for the people
Apply my knowledge and expertise to safeguard their CPF savings and the reserves of Singapore.
I also pledge to donate at least half of the President's salary towards charity and
other causes. See http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=161923467213647
for more details.
I will also bring my values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service to the decisions that I have to make in the future, in whatever capacity that I may be in.
Tan Kin Lian
Developments in Tunisia
Tunisia was the first country in North Africa to have massive demonstration of the people against the ruling government. This was followed by Egypt, which also saw a change in regime.
I asked my friend in Tunisa about the recent developments. He said that new laws are now being discussed and passed that will lead to free election and better governance. The corruption of the previous regime is being reduced considerably. The developments are encouraging.
I asked my friend in Tunisa about the recent developments. He said that new laws are now being discussed and passed that will lead to free election and better governance. The corruption of the previous regime is being reduced considerably. The developments are encouraging.
Bersih movement in Malaysia
My KL friend wore a yellow tie. He said that it is the symbol of the Bersih movement. This movement is a NGO and is led by professionals, and not by the political parties. The members of the movement want to see fair elections and are quite tied of the manipulation by the ruling party. The recent demonstration was for the people to voice their unhappiness and to send a memorandum to the Agong (King) to convey the message to the government on the need to change some of the rules to give all political parties a more level playing field to contest in the coming general election.
Public transport fares
I have read the proposal by the Worker's Party for a Public Transportation Corporation. I believe that it is a good idea which should be considered. I urge Minister Lui Teck Yew to have a positive attitude and consider it more carefully, rather than dismiss it casually in a Facebook posting.
The increase of the fares may seem small to well off but has an impact on many financially strapped Singaporeans who have to take public transport. If the Public Transport Council decides to approve the increase, I would like to urge the government to help the vulnerable Singaporeans to cope with the increase in the cost of living.
Tan Kin Lian
The increase of the fares may seem small to well off but has an impact on many financially strapped Singaporeans who have to take public transport. If the Public Transport Council decides to approve the increase, I would like to urge the government to help the vulnerable Singaporeans to cope with the increase in the cost of living.
Tan Kin Lian
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Leadership - guided by values
I am giving this talk to the Marketing Institute of Singapore. It is open to members and the public. More details can be found here.
President Lula of Brazil
I spoke to my friend from Tunisia that I will be contesting the Presidential election in Singapore and that I come from an ordinary background. He told me that President Lula of Brazil also come from a humble background and was a trade union leader. He served two terms successfully and passed the position to his successor. I researched about President Lula and found this interesting commentary in Wikipedia.
- Lula served 2 terms as president and left office on January 1, 2011. During his farewell speech he said he felt an additional burden to prove that he could handle the presidency despite his humble beginnings. "If I failed, it would be the workers' class which would be failing; it would be this country's poor who would be proving they did not have what it takes to rule."
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Financial Planning for Young People
I am giving a talk on Financial Planning to students in the Institute of Technical Education. The key points of the talk are:
- Save 15% of your salary when you start work (in addition to CPF)
- Keep your savings in a bank account (does not matter if you earn a low interest rate)
- When you have sufficient money, invest in an ETF to get a good return over the long term
- Avoid paying interest on loans and debts (except for housing loan)
- When you buy a HDB flat, keep it within 5 years of income.
These points are explained in my book on Financial Planning.
SPDR Straits Times Index ETF
The Street Tracks Straits Times Index ETF has been renamed as the SPDR Straits Times Index ETF on31 March 2011. Here is the performance of the fund since its inception, measured up to 29 January 2010.
Reach out to all Singaporeans
Media interview:
I wish to reach out to all people in Singapore, regardless of the party that they supported in the general election.
My chance of winning depends on the people of Singapore.But I have receiving good feedback ..... The people who support me come from all segments of Singapore society - the Chinese, Malays, Indians and the new citizens .... the older and the younger generation ...
To the younger people ... do contact me through my blog or facebook ....
I wish to reach out to all people in Singapore, regardless of the party that they supported in the general election.
My chance of winning depends on the people of Singapore.But I have receiving good feedback ..... The people who support me come from all segments of Singapore society - the Chinese, Malays, Indians and the new citizens .... the older and the younger generation ...
To the younger people ... do contact me through my blog or facebook ....
Monday, July 11, 2011
Difficulties faced in Presidential Campaign
I have been posting a few observations about the practical difficulties that my supporters and I have to face in our preparation for the Presidential campaign. The difficulties include:
Tan Kin Lian
- fear of supporters in donating to the campaign (i.e. they wish to be anonymous)
- difficulty in booking a venue for the supporters gathering, e.g. the grassroots club
- use of mini-bus, i.e. not allowed to be used for incidental purpose
- unfair coverage in the mainstream media
- late guidelines on election rules that upset our preparations
- personal attacks sent to me by email and comments in my blog (apart from the nasty comments in other websites)
Tan Kin Lian
Restricted use of mini-bus
A supporter offered the use of his mini-bus for my campaign. Later, he found that the licence for his mini-bus is only to ferry his employees, and cannot be used for ferrying my supporters. So, he has to decline - to keep within the restriction. I have to depend on the private cars - but there is parking problem. So, we may have to take public transport.
Is the Presidential Election a "political activity"?
I wanted to book a function room at the Grassroots Club for a weekly gathering of my supporters. They reminded me politely that their regulations disallow the club to be used for political activities. I said that it will be used for my Presidential election, which is supposed to be "non-partisan" and "dignified" and should not be classified as a "political activity". They are not able to decide on this matter. As time is urgent, I have to book a hotel for the gathering.
The New Paper - Presidential Contest
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110708-288143.html
"You must evaluate whether the feedback is practical or not, good for the long-term or not, and you must make your own decisions. So I'm not bowing to populist pressure.A leader has to be stronger than that."
All three potential candidates have said that they are contesting as independent candidates. Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Tan, in particular, made it a point to distance themselves from the People's Action Party.
Given public sentiment that has carried over from the May General Election, are the candidates' move a sign that they are bowing to populist pressures just as what President SR Nathan had cautioned against?
No, said Mr Tan, who added: "As a leader, you listen to people, you understand what they are telling you.
But then you don't just bow to populist pressure.
"You must evaluate whether the feedback is practical or not, good for the long-term or not, and you must make your own decisions. So I'm not bowing to populist pressure.A leader has to be stronger than that."
Mr Tan had said in the press conference earlier that he came from a humble background and understood the struggle of people who found it difficult to earn enough to meet the cost of living.
He also said that he wished to run for president as a public duty and pledged to donate at least 50 per cent of the president's salary to charity and other worthy causes if he is elected into office.
So, does he see himself as someone who's out to help the needy?
"I believe that leaders don't have to be paid so much... I look at the presidents and prime ministers of other countries. They earn a salary that is quite modest, they don't earn such high salaries.
"So definitely for me, I don't think I want to take such a big salary, otherwise people will say Tan Kin Lian is after this job for a salary, and I don't want to give people that impression."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
My views of National Service - two sides
During my time as CEO of NTUC Income, I supported National Service in the following ways:
Read this previous posting.
I supported the need to defend the nation, but wished to see the burden spread fairly among the people.
Tan Kin Lian
- I gave priority to reservist training. All employees had to report for reservist training as required by SAF, i.e. NO request for deferment.
- NTUC Income actively participated in SAF Day to recognize the contribution of NSmen
- NTUC Income was recognised for the Most Supportive Employee by SAF for many years
Read this previous posting.
I supported the need to defend the nation, but wished to see the burden spread fairly among the people.
Tan Kin Lian
Survey results - concerns of young people
Here are the results of the survey showing the concerns of young people and compares them with the concerns of parents of young people.
The top concerns of young people are earning an adequate salary, getting a job, paying the bills, buying a HDB flat and long working hours.
The parents, as a whole, are more concern over the future for their children in most areas, particularly to settle down, start a family and have children.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Survey - concerns of young Singaporeans and their parents
This survey has 2 parts:
Q1 - to be answered by a young Singaporean below 30 years
Q2 - for a parent with a son or daughter who is between 15 to 30 years.
Please take part in this survey and invite your friends to take part also.
Q1 - to be answered by a young Singaporean below 30 years
Q2 - for a parent with a son or daughter who is between 15 to 30 years.
Please take part in this survey and invite your friends to take part also.
A shoo-in for the Presidency - P N Balji
Dear Mr. Tan
This highly flattering article last week about TT's candidacy has elicited 450 comments. Read for yourself.
Alert the captain of the vessel
Dear Mr Tan,
My wife, and I, and our son would like to express our support to you.
We believe you would do the good for this country and her people. We believe you would help steer this large vessel toward the right direction. Even if as a president you may not be in direct control of the wheel but we believe you would alert the people where this vessel is heading.
All the best!
Eugene
Media conference - concluding statements
Watch the final questions and answers and the concluding statements - a message to all Singaporeans on polling day:
Voice of a NS man
Mr Tan,
I hope that u can protect the interests of us NS men.we have had to involuntarily sacrifice 2.5 yrs of our lives in an establishment we might not even like, People whom we can't get along with, job not even suitable for us, all for the sake of national defense. It's ludicrous that after that,we are disadvantaged rather than favored.
The law has various places which are biased against men,and this aspect is most obvious. I hope u can push for moves that would put everyone on an equal playing field, making us a truly equal country. A possibility is to mandatorily recruit girls of age into healthcare establishments as their service to the nation, so they can contribute too.
Another concern is whether foreigners would have leverage over locals as they do not need to serve in our security.this aspect has the bulk of singaporeans concerned.
In addition to the meagre NSf allowance, many are coerced into offering ord treat just before they pass out. I myself had paid out $40 while later realising it wasnt a cause well spent.
lee
Raffles Economic Forum 9 July 2011
Picture with some participants of the forum held at Raffles Institution
Message from Goh Meng Seng
Goh Meng Seng told me that he has to go to Hong Kong for a job interview. If he is accepted, he will be working in Hong Kong. But he will try his best to continue to help in my campaign.
I am trying to negotiate with my potential employer (an NGO which deals with providing Pro Bono Legal Aid to refugees seeking asylum) to let me start work in September or at least mid August so that I could continue to help you. I will only know the result on 15 July but I will be away in Hainan Island to settle some family matters there.
I am writing a blog post with regards to this soon. I am very glad that you have taken up this daunting challenge of contesting in this Presidential Elections with the knowing that all establishment machineries will be gunning at you. I am also very grateful to your family, especially your wife, Mrs Tan, for giving you the full support in this thankless quest.
As I have said before, I have been involved in persuading a lot of people to get involve in our Nation's political process on the opposite side of the establishment for the past ten years. It is never easy to persuade good people to come aboard and take up the challenge of being part of the thankless Public Service as opposition members. It is even more difficult to find someone who could qualify the stringent criteria set by PAP to become a Presidential Candidate and yet who is truly courageous to stand up and be independent of the ruling party.
For such a person like you, would have the social status and financial foundation to live comfortably into retirement. Who would want to risk the wrath, personal attacks, smearing and public scrutiny by becoming the "non-PAP endorse" Presidential candidate? This is especially so when we have witnessed what previous non-PAP endorse contender has been treated in the past. Unless there is a high calling as well as sense of Public Service, nobody with such status would want to "trouble troubles".
Whatever the outcome of this Presidential Elections, I am proud to have become part of this little process to enhance true democracy of checks and balances. I am proud to be your friend as well. I have to thank you for allowing me to play my little role in this whole process.
Best regards,
Meng Seng
I appreciate the support that Meng Seng has given to me, and understand that he has to earn a living. I also appreciate his concern to help me in spite of the practical difficulties. I am somewhat saddened that he has to leave Singapore to work in Hong Kong. It is a big sacrifice to have to work overseas, due to lack of job opportunities in Singapore, for a person who is standing under a non-PAP ticket in the general election.
Here is a message from Meng Seng
Hi Kin Lian,I am trying to negotiate with my potential employer (an NGO which deals with providing Pro Bono Legal Aid to refugees seeking asylum) to let me start work in September or at least mid August so that I could continue to help you. I will only know the result on 15 July but I will be away in Hainan Island to settle some family matters there.
I am writing a blog post with regards to this soon. I am very glad that you have taken up this daunting challenge of contesting in this Presidential Elections with the knowing that all establishment machineries will be gunning at you. I am also very grateful to your family, especially your wife, Mrs Tan, for giving you the full support in this thankless quest.
As I have said before, I have been involved in persuading a lot of people to get involve in our Nation's political process on the opposite side of the establishment for the past ten years. It is never easy to persuade good people to come aboard and take up the challenge of being part of the thankless Public Service as opposition members. It is even more difficult to find someone who could qualify the stringent criteria set by PAP to become a Presidential Candidate and yet who is truly courageous to stand up and be independent of the ruling party.
For such a person like you, would have the social status and financial foundation to live comfortably into retirement. Who would want to risk the wrath, personal attacks, smearing and public scrutiny by becoming the "non-PAP endorse" Presidential candidate? This is especially so when we have witnessed what previous non-PAP endorse contender has been treated in the past. Unless there is a high calling as well as sense of Public Service, nobody with such status would want to "trouble troubles".
Whatever the outcome of this Presidential Elections, I am proud to have become part of this little process to enhance true democracy of checks and balances. I am proud to be your friend as well. I have to thank you for allowing me to play my little role in this whole process.
Best regards,
Meng Seng
Friday, July 8, 2011
President - role and responsibilities
I understand the role of the President - speech given to my supporters.
http://www.youtube.com/tankinliandotcom#p/u/0/Gfoz8hok5Fk
http://www.youtube.com/tankinliandotcom#p/u/0/Gfoz8hok5Fk
Video messages of supporters
A young supporter (English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt4RUJXbA6U&feature=related
A young supporter (Chinese)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBfO7uankBQ&NR=1
An older supporter (English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFZ4LX3isM4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt4RUJXbA6U&feature=related
A young supporter (Chinese)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBfO7uankBQ&NR=1
An older supporter (English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFZ4LX3isM4&feature=related
TKL Message to Young Singaporeans
Spend time to think about what you like to see for the future of Singapore ....
http://www.youtube.com/tankinliandotcom#p/u/6/m6WRIo2Mpas
http://www.youtube.com/tankinliandotcom#p/u/6/m6WRIo2Mpas
Statement from Tan Kin Lian on Guidelines on PE Campaigning
1. What do you think of the principles and guidelines laid out in the statement?
I would have preferred the guidelines to be issued at least six months earlier. Earlier publication would have allowed all citizens to give comments freely, regardless of who might appear as candidates later.
As it is issued now, after the candidates and their platforms are known, it gives rise to concerns about fair play, especially where the rules on campaigning now differ from the recently held general election.
Notwithstanding these, I am prepared to contest under these guidelines
2. Why do you think they are being issued?
These guidelines, which are clearly intended to set the rules of engagement, should be fair and even handed. The Singapore people will ultimately be the judge on whether their new President has been fairly and deservedly elected.
3. Which guidelines strike you the most?
I am puzzled by the reference to ".., it is not the President’s role to support or oppose the Government of the day or to advance his own agenda or policies."
The statement had identified the following two duties of the President:
a) be a custodian of Singapore’s reserves
b) ensure that only people of integrity are appointed to the key public sector jobs.
In exercising these duties, the President may have to act independently of the Government in the interest of the people.
There are also other important duties of the President which are not covered by this statement, in particular on the duties of the President in the maintenance of racial and religious harmony, the Internal Security Act, the Corrupt Practices Investment Bureau and the grant of clemency.
In carrying out these duties, the President may have to take a different position from that taken by the Government – especially in a situation where there could be a suspected abuse of executive power.
4. Specifically, how do you feel about the rules on election rally and the category of people allowed to conduct election activities (unlike the GE campaign)?
It is difficult to reach out to the population of several million voters with just one election rally.
With such limited outreach opportunities, the Singapore mainstream media would have a huge amount of influence on the Presidential Elections. I hope that they will rise to the occasion and dispel previous concerns by being truly even handed and fair in their reporting and coverage.
The change in rules on the category of people who are allowed to conduct election activities at this late hour is also quite unfair to a candidate with limited resources.
5. How do you intend to campaign? Will you be holding rallies or walkabouts?
I feel that election rallies and walkabouts are important. We will plan our activities based on the number of days and the types of activities allowed for the campaign
More time to review
These are my immediate reactions. My team and I will be reviewing our plans and strategies and I may have further comments after that.
Tan Kin Lian
I would have preferred the guidelines to be issued at least six months earlier. Earlier publication would have allowed all citizens to give comments freely, regardless of who might appear as candidates later.
As it is issued now, after the candidates and their platforms are known, it gives rise to concerns about fair play, especially where the rules on campaigning now differ from the recently held general election.
Notwithstanding these, I am prepared to contest under these guidelines
2. Why do you think they are being issued?
These guidelines, which are clearly intended to set the rules of engagement, should be fair and even handed. The Singapore people will ultimately be the judge on whether their new President has been fairly and deservedly elected.
3. Which guidelines strike you the most?
I am puzzled by the reference to ".., it is not the President’s role to support or oppose the Government of the day or to advance his own agenda or policies."
The statement had identified the following two duties of the President:
a) be a custodian of Singapore’s reserves
b) ensure that only people of integrity are appointed to the key public sector jobs.
In exercising these duties, the President may have to act independently of the Government in the interest of the people.
There are also other important duties of the President which are not covered by this statement, in particular on the duties of the President in the maintenance of racial and religious harmony, the Internal Security Act, the Corrupt Practices Investment Bureau and the grant of clemency.
In carrying out these duties, the President may have to take a different position from that taken by the Government – especially in a situation where there could be a suspected abuse of executive power.
4. Specifically, how do you feel about the rules on election rally and the category of people allowed to conduct election activities (unlike the GE campaign)?
It is difficult to reach out to the population of several million voters with just one election rally.
With such limited outreach opportunities, the Singapore mainstream media would have a huge amount of influence on the Presidential Elections. I hope that they will rise to the occasion and dispel previous concerns by being truly even handed and fair in their reporting and coverage.
The change in rules on the category of people who are allowed to conduct election activities at this late hour is also quite unfair to a candidate with limited resources.
5. How do you intend to campaign? Will you be holding rallies or walkabouts?
I feel that election rallies and walkabouts are important. We will plan our activities based on the number of days and the types of activities allowed for the campaign
More time to review
These are my immediate reactions. My team and I will be reviewing our plans and strategies and I may have further comments after that.
Tan Kin Lian
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