Help people in need

Dear Mr Tan,

I would like to thank you for standing up and contest in the Presidential Elections.

Despite your initial reluctance and the tough competition, you still went ahead with the attempt.

I was touched by your sincerity that could be seen in all your speeches and your voice.

I am only 19 and did not have the chance to vote, but I am here to give my 2 cents worth on what I have seen.

Although you have lost the deposit of S$48k and only garnered less than 5% of the votes, you have gained the appreciation of thousands of Singaporeans.

They may not have voted for you but they know your courage and enthusiasm in helping people in need.

You have mentioned many times in your speeches about your mini-bond campaign to help the people.

However, in my humble opinion, it was not enough to prove to the people how you can be a unifying figure who speaks for them.

Singaporeans want the growing divides to be lessened.

You also did not leverage the advantage of knowing 4 languages as you hardly spoke during the rally.

I think it was a huge mistake to let too many speakers talk in your rally.

The main person should be you as you are the candidate for Presidency.

The people want to hear what you have to say, not others.

I know that you sincerely have the commitment to be a voice of the people but the points you spoke of were not enough.

With utmost respect to you, I will take Dr Tan Cheng Bock as an example.

Dr Tan garnered just 0.34% less than the current President-Elect.

This was due to the way he campaigned and his methods of getting connected to the people.

He stayed away from bread and butter issues, and did not promise anything he could not do as a President.

The people could not see the reasons to vote for you, other than knowing that you are a really kind and good man.

It was a pity that they did not have the chance to listen to what you have to say.

I think you will do better as a man than a President.

As President, you can only control the national reserves and attempt to influence the ruling party in decision making.

However, you cannot take part in any of them.

As a man, you can do much more than that!

I hope you will continue to help people in need, like the poor and lower-income Singaporeans.

Help can come in the form of educating other Singaporeans on the issue and not necessarily money.

There is still many things to point out but I think it is pointless as the PE2011 is over.

I agree to the things you want to do for Singapore but as President, many of which you have said is not possible.

The important thing is you have experienced and learnt from this.

I wish you all the best in whatever you do.

Finally, I want to thank you for everything you have done.

Many people will misunderstand you on the basis of rumours and stories.

As long as you stay true to yourself, don't be discouraged and carry on!

Yours sincerely,

Terence Tan.