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)