Looks like TKL will get his mandate from the people to campaign either for the President or opposition politics.

Which ever way the road will be long and tough, but for the sake of Singapore press on and never give up. My prayers are with you.

Way to go son of Singapore!

1 thing I am convinced myself is
if TOC people do not join WP, singapore opposition will lose out making some other party win bigger.

Please open our eyes to this potential effect!

2) Nutthan Nai on November 24th, 2008 10.18 am

if TOC people do not join WP, singapore opposition will lose out making some other party win bigger.

Fail to see your reasons. Hope you can explain.

I think there are different roles for different entities to play in the process of building democracy. Online blogs like TOC is playing one of those roles with its limited resources. It is good that it is doing this role well.

It will be a mistake for anyone to play too many roles and stretch the resources too thin.

The opposition parties and the individual citizens have their roles to play as well. Democracy will only come if everyone play a part and take up some roles to contribute to it. A small group of people trying to do it all will not work and it will not be a true democracy.

#2

“if TOC people do not join WP, singapore opposition will lose out making some other party win bigger.”

WP is complacent. Since 2006 GE, what has it done?

So why support silent party?

100,000 signatures mean

- 28 people getting 1 form filled up a day for 6 months.

He has my full support to be a president or the mext opp leader. He has shown great leadership and a great heart for singaporeans.

Where is the leadership from the gov? The elected leaders dont even have time to monitor the town council fund and erect proper controls? What are they doing all these while, traveling and traveling doing what? These simple task of monitoring the people ’s S&C money has lead me to realise this bunch of monkeys are worst than i thought. Anyway, now they say they will seek the people when investing future TC fund, i dare to say a “leopard cannot change its spots”, and things will be back to normal again. Hard habits die harder. They are so used to doing anything and everything without ever asking the people. Dont think they will change that quick.

Anyway, Citibank is in trouble, wondering what will happen to our US$6.8B of taxpayers monies. Maybe Mr Tan can help us know what are the potential losses that will result in Citi being taken over by federal gov or other banks?

FG

Dear Mr Tan,

I applaud your intention to contribute to Singapore. However, I am a little puzzled as to where you are going with this signature list.
For starters, if this list is for the Elected Presidency (which was stated in the press) so as to safeguard our reserves I think you are more than qualified for the post. However, even I we assume you are elected, should there be any conflict between you views and the Government, you will then have to secure a 2/3 majority. In my humble opinion, this will be difficult. My point is, even if you are given the post, you may not be able to bring about much change. In other words, to put it bluntly, so what? What this 100,000 signature merely provides is assurance that should PAP place an opposition against you, you have that ground support (assuming these 100,000 hold fast).
Which means you will be more effective as an MP. Assuming that you will be going in as an independent, this leaves you only 9 single member constituencies to contest for. We leave out Hougang and Potong Pasir and leaving you at most 7 seats (assuming that none of these are carved into a GRC). In this scenario, these 100,000 signatures does not help or gives you any security since all of these 100,000 may not be in any of the 7 constituencies.
Mr Tan, I am not being a wet blanket. In fact I very much admired the way you handled the MiniBonds sage. What I am saying is, if you want a shot at this you will have to do it the hard way. Choose a constituency that you are familiar with and start laying your ground work. For many, there may still not know what you stand for. You will need vision, money and time. As for volunteer support, I think TOC has made it clear that there are ready volunteers to support you.

it is no use collecting 100000 signatures, you will still lose in the election if you r independent, remember Chia Shi Teck ?

Hi Darren (#7)

You are read my blog for my reason to ask for 100,000 signatures. It is also reported in the Sunday Times.

I want to know if there are sufficient Singaporeans who are willing to give their name and signature to ask for a change. If I do not get sufficient number, then I will not take part in this contest. And Singapore can continue down its current path.

Wait i’m confused, how come got so many petitions online? which is the real one?

I signed one with 119 people (via TKL’s blog), and the one linked above here is 59 signatures?

Can we remove all the redundant ones to avoid confusion?

It would also seem that the petition linked in this article is opened and more like a comment than an actual petition?

Am I right to say that the official one is http://www.petitiononline.com/TKLFPO1/petition.html instead?

Vote for Eunice Olsen as president.

Charming, graceful, intelligent, upright and the extra ingredient – Youthful

Good candidate to project our country’s image and she will uncover the remaining can of worms hiding in the mini ‘GIC Temasek’ investment units sitting in the various stats board.

Those on facebook can also help to circulate the petition link…

http://www.petitiononline.com/TKLFPO1/petition.html

Hi DC (#10)

It is okay to have multiple sources. We will be able to consolidate them and sort out to remove duplicates at a later date. Anyway, a person should only sign once, and not repeat it.

“Vote for Eunice Olsen as president. ”

Will she be Sarah Palin of Singapore ?
Better test her knowledge before voting her as president. She need to be tested for “Sarah Palin”-ness.

Test Question for Eunice Olsen:
Is PAP = government, and government = PAP ?
Is Singapore = PAP, and PAP = Singapore ?

Anyone ever tot that the post of president is not suitable for TKL?

He is hyper and hands-on based on what ex-Income people say.

Constitutionally the post is not an executive post. Executive power is in the hands of PM, so long as he has support of majority in parly.

Maybe TOC can get a smart, non-political law undergrad to analyse the role of constitutional role of president?

And an ex-Income staffer who worked for TKL to say whether he can fit comfortably into the role of a non-executive elected president?

Tan Kin Lian,
what is the deadline for 100k signatures ?

4) A Tan on November 24th, 2008 11.04 am

———————————————–

My concern is that if a ward / GRC is contested by WP, SDP and new Alternative, along with u-kno-who, there will be more splitting.

For example, a ward of 100 electorate, 33 chose u-kno-who ; 32 chose WP; 31 chose new Alternative; 4 chose SDP.

If we summarise,
Incumbenty gets : 33
the-rest-of-the-world gets : 67 (strong majority in this aspect!)
But who won? Tell me, sir.

4) A Tan on November 24th, 2008 11.04 am

—————-

Also, I agree with you WP has disappointed, at leat me.
But I look at non-partisan perspective.
I choose to look at NATIONAL perspective as political parties to me are what they are – politics. Their profession is politics.

At the end of the day, and over time, what will continue to stand and remain is the Nation. Our motherland.

What i am trying to say is , at this moment in time, what is needed? Should WP be replaced? What would be the risk? If splitting occurs among the Alternatives, who will be responsible if they all lose?

when my left bicep is weaker than my right, I try to beef it up, for my own sake. ;) tell me there is no logic in this.

Hi Nutthan Nai,

A multiple-corners fight is the last thing we need to worry. Opposition parties are wise enough to avoid it.

There is enough grounds to contests to avoid multiple-corners fight.

7) Darren on November 24th, 2008 11.09 am
….
Which means you will be more effective as an MP. Assuming that you will be going in as an independent, this leaves you only 9 single member constituencies to contest for. We leave out Hougang and Potong Pasir and leaving you at most 7 seats (assuming that none of these are carved into a GRC). In this scenario, these 100,000 signatures does not help or gives you any security since all of these 100,000 may not be in any of the 7 constituencies.
Mr Tan, I am not being a wet blanket. In fact I very much admired the way you handled the MiniBonds sage.
……
———————————————-

my sentiments as well.

(when i click the thumbs-up icon, got ‘cookie error’)

If one looks at the national perspective, we know that what is lacking are more Alternative MPs to balance and counter where necessary. To represent the people’s voice. Just to voice up alternative voice is a difficulty now even with WP. yes, they have ever voiced up alternative voice but not enough for many.

yes, we need a president to check-n-balance. But which is more effective for now? MP or president ? MP earns lesser than president also. will this deter applicants for MPs?

A Tan,

Dont judge…. u never see them working does not means they are not…where were you when they were selling their ‘Hammer’ newsletter every sunday morning without fail from 8.30am onwards?

Where were you when they do their house to house visit to every household on a weekly basis after work?

Where were you when the yw held their forums and despite the poor attendance, still carried on?

Where were you when they look for volunteers to be polling and counting agent in GE 2006. They ended up not having enough ppl to be represented at certain polling station?

The issue here is never judge…. never be judgemental.
Becos once u are, u become bias and prejudice which is wrong.

Look at Obama, he won becos ppl put their prejudice and biasness aside.
Look at the donation that he has that comes from the citizens. They donated thru the campaigning website, with as little as US$5. I donated my share too.

Its not level field to start off with………its just so difficult and frustrating!

A Tan, I’m sorry if I sounded rude…I’m just emotional…

I’m sorry, but dont be judgemental.

Yes Nutthan Nai ….i agree with u…there is just not enough in there……

However, are u aware that even if the opposition…can field candidates in all GRC…u know how many back end support helpers is required?

Many man!

The resources that the opposition have in terms of manpower is 1:5 of what the PAP can afford…haiz…

If only all SIngaporeans can be bothered with politics, if only young ppl can be more interested, more pro-active….

Dear Mr Tan,

Thank you for replying to my posting.

Yes, I did read the article which you were referring to. Perhaps I did not make my point clear enough and for that, I am sorry. However, the issue is not so much as to the 100,000 signatures, but how motivated you are in getting your vision to the people. Achieving the signature may be relatively easy. I think the issue is what you shall do with this mandate. As an MP or EP? Both are very
different paths. I think it is not fair to ask people (me) for the signature even before we (I) know of your plans.

Dissatisfied people are always aplenty. As mentioned, what you will do after the signatures is more important.

People, like the late Mr JBJ, never concerned themselves with issues like the 100,000 signature support. They did what they thought will be best for Singapore. PAP is not a bad government. PAP is not mistreating the people. There are concerns and complaints as in all governments. How are you thinking of value-adding to Singapore?

I am not your enemy. I just want to understand the platform you are at.

When we see areas for improvement, asked for it but did not get it,
its time.

When we see questions asked but not satisfied with the answer or have not gotten any good reply, its time.

When good parties and good systems have room for improvement, and CHANGE is not easy, its time.

When you know deep inside something needs to be done, its time.

Lets not be partisan and support Singapore, the country and its People with whose never dying support and cooperation like no other people in the world , helped singapore achieve what it is today. Yes, its time to be impartial and ask for improvement.

For my children.

Hi Dareen (#24)

My blog has a posting about the values that I like to see if society:

> work for the benefit of all, and not for self-interest
> respect other people, including the poor and weak
> be fair
> be honest
> be courageous
> be humble
> be kind-hearted (or thoughtful, considerate, compassionate)

I shall be writing more about these values in TOC and also in my blog. They can be translated into policies and strategies to guide our society.

For example, should we have a minimum wage policy? Some of these values will show that there should be a minimum wage. We have to make sure that it does not affect our business competitiveness .. but it should be possible to find a balance.

We should have elected leaders to represent the aspirations and wishes of the poeple. So, it is important that the leaders be elected, and not gain throug walkovers at elections. It will be good for them, as they would have earned the respect and support of the people.

There will be several questions like this that should be addressed. I will not be doing this alone. There are a few other people that can state these ideas for me, and I only need to “agree with them”.

I hope that you and others can also help in this process of discovering the good values for our society.

I think we should let TKL decides whether he will stand as President or MP. Both positions carry political powers but differently.

As President the powers are somewhat ceremonial but he will safeguard Singapore’s reserves which I felt is also important. Nevertheless, so long as the ruling aprty is in power, his Presidential power can be somewhat curtailed by the govt.

AS opposition MP, TKL will be more connected to the ground. He can speak up for people in his ward and also for issues that affect Singapore. My question is that it could be the same issue here – the lack of elected opposition MPs. Even though he won his SMC election ,he remains Singapore’s third opposition politician provided LKT and CST win theirs.

However, if TKL can spearhead a team of capable strong hearted Singaporeans and form a GRC it will be ideal. They can challenge the country’s strongest party and if they win it is a victory for SIngapore. A new party of opposition politicians have ermerged from it’s medocrity. This party can even form their own alternate govt with specific portfolio for each representative like a shadow govt. This will then allow the people to feel that this party is different from many others all along and is serious in forming a new govt if required. What irked many other Singaporeans is that our opposition politics is like mickey mouse campaigners. They are there to prick at the ruling party but is not serious enough to pose as a threat to the govt. In other ways, they are simply useless and lacking ambition.

If he loses, I find that it is still alright. At least they have try and they can build on whatever they have in their arsenal and fight for another election. We live to fight again. That is politics.

27) Gilbert Goh on November 24th, 2008 2.13 pm I think we should let TKL decides whether he will stand as President or MP. Both positions carry political powers but differently.

Yes Gilbert, if TKL shud start off even with his new party is also a very good suggestion here. He can start recruiting and selcting his party members now even those who have confident in him whether they are new, from existing parties or even those from the ruling party who are just as tired of their own BShittings can also join him too, but alas! be careful, they may be KGB too.

22) Tax-payer:

What you said is so true. TKL can’t fight this battle alone. He needs campaigners, speech writers, IT experts, media advisor, logistics, fund raising managers, strategy planners among others.

Obama has close to a thousand people helping him in his campaign for Presidency with many hundreds on the payroll. Of course, his war chest of tens of millions dollars from donated funds sure help him alot to wage a successful Presidential campaign.

Many of our opposition candidates fight the battle mostly alone with few supporters as they fail to market themselves properly to the people. This is of course make worse by the unfair tactics devised by the ruling party. TKL has to do things his own way much different from the other opposition camp.

There are some people asking what does Mr Tan stand for… no free lunches in this world – kind of stuff….

1 party or 2 ?
1 party of 3 ?

I believe resume-wise, there is enough talents for 10.

But we see limited choices as the qualified have not step forward.

I do not worry about CHANGE , which is the a Constant in the Universe.
Everything has to change, with time.

If , hypothetically, TKL is voted as MP or president, what is the risk?
The risk is 1 term. Can be less if due to inability to perform. At most 1 term and then the people say hasta las vista !

I think its TIME! what is the harm?!!

regards
Mee Siam – the strange type

i wonder whether people know this man . . . just ask the people who have worked for him in NTUC Income then you know what i mean .

Dear Mr Tan,

Thank you for replying to my queries.

I think it will be very interesting as we all come together and start a process of (re-)discovering Singapore’s values which are democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality (if I remembered what the 5 stars in our flag represents).

ps/ it does appear you are almost ready to start your own party ;-). looking forward to future postings from you.

Dear Mr Tan,

I think you truly wanted change for singapore. I am grateful that people like you are what singapore really needs. I will try to fill up the names asap.

I believe that you involvement in politics is good for all singaporeans and nobody would think about your agenda. I would think that you should form a party and a coaliation with the current opp parties. I think that many able talents will be more than willing to join your party. Change is difficult without mandate, Obama’s landslide win is a great mandate given to him by the people. I understand why you need this 100000 signatures because singaporeans cannot ask change while still having their butt on the fence. Time to put that heavy weight butt to action. Still, as a single independent or EP in a pap infested parliament and government does not bode well for change, Change cannot be just you alone but a whole new generation of young passinoate leaders willing to serve the people.

Your works for the mini-bond saga has shown how bad this government has behaved and the lack of leadership from them. I no longer believe in a one party system and would not advocate a president that is not elected by the people. All these one hand rule smells of a broken down governance and careless attitude. Time for change? Yes!

Wish all passionate singaporeans who are hurt by toxic bonds, GST increases, Transport Woes, ERP woes, Inflation, Job losses(DBS&NOL), angered by Town Council mess up investment, Expensive HDB, no help given by gov, increased fees in telephone, electricity, transport fares, and food price spikes and also ministerial pay increments …..please get your heavy butt out and fill out the form to get our dear Mr tan to continue the fight to the next level. We must support him!
We all should give him the mandate, where opp party leaders failed miserably.

FG

Gilbert,

Fully agreed with you.

We must donate fund to TKL and gather people to help him run the campaign. He should setup a website to garner more funding and logistic help in the coming months. Create more awareness should start soon just like obama run his campaign. I think election is very near can smell it. This curret gahmen thinks he will win big in a recession as history says, not this time.

FG

#22, no hard feelings.

I was articulating the unhappiness of several people who were WP stalwarts.

And when I spoke to a WP mgt cadre recently, all he could say was “Vote for us so that there can be diversity of views.” Nothing abt helping investors.

After 2006 GE, I offered WP help on providing background materials on various policy issues. I was ignored. But some NMPs took up my offer and find my material v useful.

Yes I am very judgmental abt WP, but I have gd grounds.

BTW you too were judgmental ))), and jumped to conclusions: I have never been active physically but I try to help in a way that plays to my strengths: one of which is access to info that is not easily accessed by the public.

Ya A Tan, I suppose u were right to say im judgemental too…

I suppose human beings are like that when we get into some issue passionately, we get emotional.

Cos I have seen how they work week after week…I can sense that passion and yes the thing that WP did wrong is not to have good PR skills that is essential in political career?

I’ve seen them work therefore I guess I have good grounds too :)

I was polling and counting agent in GE 2006.

I was touched by the help people without any hope of getting rewarded in anyway…. we need more types of this kind of ppl, we really do.

But dont just help during GE will be better, there a lot that can be done back-end.

Their PR skills is not good but that does not means that they dont care or is not doing anything.

I cannot understand when ppl say why is WP is quiet? Why not say…how come Mr Chiam never raise this in Parliament? Why NMP never raise?

We must understand that they are all in there to give alternative views and voices.

Lets look at this scenario…if a question had already been asked by a NMP, does it make sense for WP to ask the exact same question again just to score political points?

Or should WP be asking another question? Becos I’m sure everyone here understand that they have limited airtime in parliament :)

Therefore it should be seen as everyone working together, isn’t?

U ask already, then i ask another question…what for i waste the chance to ask something else? If I ask the same question then its stupid cos I will get the same reply then I waste the precious time to ask a question.

Anyway I really hope to see more Singaporeans youth to be more political aware. If u were to look at it, at least from TOC… ppl that give comments are always the same old few which is a sad thing……

I hope to see it attracting younger ppl to be active as well when it comes to politics. Never mind which party you support, be interested is impt!

On the other hand, ground work is still very very very impt!

Thank you for hearing me out, no hard feelings too :)
Have a great week to all!

Dear Mr Tan,

The petition form seems too detail with confidential information like telephone & e-mail address (may be OK for not important e-mail address) to gather signature. If this information fall on wrong hand will be a hassle by rectless salesman trying to sell products by hook and by crook.

Especially person gather signature is not officially appointed by you. Why do you need such information??? Why not sign by individual signature and send directly to you by fax or e-mail address to avoid complication and potential hasslers with bad intention. Probably this is most efficient and people willing to disclose information only to trusted party like you.

best regards,
YS Lai

PAP have a lot of rule tat only benefit with them..

just tell u this..
among the opposition party.,
which party could against pap..??

i think now only WP is the most strong and power again pap..
as now.,WP is still not tat strong.,

1) no place for them for communicate..
2) no much fund conpare to pap.
3) not much pp join WP,,becos some of it fear tat they will have trouble.

but the first problem can solve…communicate pp through website..

in singapore..,,we need a few hero..to stand up..
so others sing pp will stand up..

but now is not the time to battle..
WE STILL NEED TO WAIT…

BUT I BELIEVE TAT THE TIME IS COME SOON..:)

Hi ys-lai (#38)

I need the e-mail address and telephone to contact the signatories at a future date, to tell them about the future plans. I think that it is okay to give e-mail address.

My e-mail address is widely known and available to most people. I get all types of e-mails from other people, and I can manage them. I ignore irrelevant emails and those that are marketing their products.

The e-mail address of our government ministers are also available to the public.

Now is not the time to be too choosey.
The fact is so many comprain and say bad about people stepping forward that they forgot to do 1 thing :

1. Look into the Mirror. We must ask have we stepped forward? Are we credible enough? Or are we just compraining?

Lets look at things from National Perspective. From democracy and transparency perspective. From a Choice perspective. From a People Representation perspective.

What is the most needful thing to happen?

We ask questions and its right to have answers. What is there not to tell? Anticipate moves?

We should encourage people to Step Forward now, and not kill the pheatus before the baby is born. In a democracy that is honest, fair and transparent, the People elects or not-elects a candidate. The Electorate gives or removes mandate from political people. So far, to me, TKL qualifies to run for either EP or MP. He can even do Ministerial work, imho. Nevertheless, one must prove what he says or is capable of . just like Obama. Electrifying speech but now its crunch time baby. Honeymoon is over for him, not that he really had one before his official day.

Likewise, TKL should be given the chance and support from the people who wants more information or people representation.

I am also confused by the facts of his background and the several TOC member backgrounds. Regardless of these , the fact remains, THERE IS NO OTHER SINGAPOREAN (who is credible) WILLING TO STEP FORWARD.

After looking at things from a NATIONAL perspective, its clear to me, nothing is perfect in this world, TKL will do for now. In a true democracy , the People should not be scared. Give a promising guy 1 chance for 1 term . If not happy, based on solid evidence of poor performance, there are always avenues to ask for CHANGE.

I see no harm. IT’S TIME!!!

regards
Mee Siam – the strange type

Mr Tan, I support you in your political endeavor for Parliament. I would really like to see a more equitable and compassionate society and I share your belief that so much more can be translated into policy etc that you’ve mentioned in your blog. I also wish to see a stronger civil society whereby Citizens can be resilent in the face of difficult challenges – not only by cultivating certain values etc that you have mentioned in your blog, but I strongly believe that this should be achieved by enabling the Citizen to speak to power – on more equal terms.
Hence, I hope that besides your bid for political office, a civil group or registered society of sorts could be formed to continuously address the state (PAP or otherwise) on matters of civil concerns (‘rights’ is still taboo for the PAP government – for now) like minimum wages (which you’ve mentioned in your blog) and greater protection for the underprivileged, employees & the elderly.

I am also confused by the facts of his background and the several TOC member backgrounds. Regardless of these , the fact remains, THERE IS NO OTHER SINGAPOREAN (who is credible) WILLING TO STEP FORWARD. – Shiiti Gloup lehlong (#42)

Tan Kin Lian joined PAP when it was engaged in real nation building, lifting our country from uncertainty to become an economic tiger. Would you have joined PAP at that time (in the 70s) too? Anyway, Singapore is so small and PAP is very big in Singapore. Even me, who is anti-PAP, had PAP affiliations too because Singapore is really a small world.

Hi Mr Tan,

You have my support.
Go for the EP as it should come first.

See you this coming Sat.
I’ll make a point to go down and support you.

cheers,
steve chia
former NCMP
10th Singapore Parliament

Dear Mr. Tan

In my humble opinion, don’t you think it is better for you to work for the people as a Alternative party rather than a President? We all know what had happened in the past where the president defy the ruling party.

Can I know what is you standing on this?

I beg to differ smallvice.

PAP limits it’s membership to ten thousand. Which will mean the chances of you meeting one will be 0.25%. If I include YPAP as well, then the most it will be is 1% at most.

This is not USA where most people are either red or blue.

Mr. Tan

Note that I have use “Alternate” party because I am very much in agreement with you that term “opposition” cast a BAD light and not constructive at all.

What I have in mind for the next GE, is that the Alternative party will win at least 61% of the seats. Thus, give more vocal power to the Alternative party to closely examine PAP and their Policies.

I think what the Opposition failed to do in the past is that they always aim at the border line. I foresee that if current situation remain untouched, Potong Pasir will eventually be lost because till now we still did not see any descent successor from Mr. Chiam.

Therefore, for this I conclude what good does it make to have a President while on the other hand, the alternative party become weaker with the years and eventually gone?!

Panter92 (#46),

If what you are saying is true, then I am probably one of the rare fortunate individuals whose offline social network is well connected to the PAP. My family has been in the PAP for 2 generations. However, the PAP ideology has yet to rub on me because I started to see more and more cracks on the PAP image as soon as I started to examine the surface.

I implore netizens on TOC to use the term Loyal Opposition instead Opposition online and offline because to hail for change for our country, it is time for us to un-demonise Opposition politics in Singapore. Opposition politics has as much potential as the PAP in nation building and that Opposition politicians are not less loyal to our country than PAP politicians. We need a shift in mindset to welcome non-PAP politicians and encourage people to stand for GE as non-PAP candidates.

Mr Tan,

I think Mr. Obama has set a fine example of someone who leverage on the new medium – Internet, social networking, instant messaging to garner support for his cause. You can do the same too.

You are a brave man and I will support your cause and as my President, especially when you are fighting for the truth and justice, honour and integrity and most importantly for the people of Singapore.

You shall go forth and conquer, Sir!

Seriously I don’t buy this at all..
For the reasons below..
a) I don’t trust any Insurance cum Investment guy who comes along saying he got solutions to Singapore’s pblms.
b) I cannot agree that by being president, you can have your way in dealing with change…We don’t see our president doing major budget changes, making amendments or involve in defence strategies.. I mean..GET REAL!
c) PAP is a strong party with roots deeply entrenched in every level on Singaporean society. Knocking them of their policy takes time..like gazillion years!

No disrespecting you Mr Tan KL.. Appreciate what you intend on doing and emulating your version of Obama’s Audacity of Hope…But I’m a skeptic.

This is one big problem with many singaporeans mentality, always say die die lah, what can we do, even if I don’t like them but they are so powerful so be it lo. . . . very kia see, kia su, kia bo, how to change if all feel like that? this is exactly what our elites would love to hear so they can screw you people up through and through all these years, and many more years to come if they have the chance to do so.

3) sarek_home on November 24th, 2008 10.53 am 2) Nutthan Nai on November 24th, 2008 10.18 am

if TOC people do not join WP, singapore opposition will lose out making some other party win bigger.

Fail to see your reasons. Hope you can explain.

——————————————————

Hi Sarek_home, maybe this is redundant reply but you are welcome to comment on my reply to A Tan (post #18).

by the way Sarek_home, I also support TKL if he bids. Nevertheless, I have my that concern. Even if alternate parties may not compete headon , there may be unforeseen and undesirable disruptive effect on the CAUSE and Momentum.

We support you Mr. Tan Kian Lian whether your bid is for President or Alternative Party ! We believe you will better represent the people of the heartlands. Our current gahmen are only looking after their million dollar salaries and do not care about the plight of the ordinary folks. They will ruin Singapore in time to come !

55) nutthan nai on November 24th, 2008 11.18 pm

………… there may be unforeseen and undesirable disruptive effect on the CAUSE and Momentum.

That is nature of life. Those who want to lead the country should have the talent and wisdom to overcome such matters.

Nature of democracy is competing / appealing public support for that CAUSE and Momentum.

No disrespecting you Mr Tan KL.. Appreciate what you intend on doing and emulating your version of Obama’s Audacity of Hope…But I’m a skeptic. – jeff0901 (#52)

Yes, it takes a long time to engage PAP to produce any measurable change. But if nobody starts, it will never happen. Change and progress comes at a price, and there is no guarantee it will produce the results you intended within the time frame you intended. Hence, it is important for Tan Kin Lian to stand for public office, Singaporeans must show that they are committed to change too.

I support you wholeheartedly in your endeavour to be our president.

Hi RED_man (#47)

I agree with the term “Alternative” party instead of “opposition” party. I have been using this term “alternative party” for some time. I am glad to see that this term is now commonly used in this blog.

Thank you Mr. Tan, all these years PAP had been cashing on the term “opposition” to strike fear into each and single singaporean that when the opposition come into power, it will be end of day for singapore!

It is time for a change! And no I don’t agree with one of the speaker here that it will take many years to uproot PAP. They are digging their grave now policy by policy! From what I see on the positive light where they have cut the pay. Is that, the people power has start to work itself and bringing fear to the PAP that they will lose the next GE! I hereby declare a small victory for TOC and many more battles to come.

Question is, are you guys here game enough to go all the way? Are you keen to see changes?! I will fight this war because I hope to see a better future for my little baby daughter. I don’t want her to be the slave to HDB, medical care, career and eventually numb to whatever the ruling party throw onto her face! I want her to be proud as a Singaporean and be it a second independent from the hold of PAP that make this country a family business! We became cheap labour for the Elites!

Dear Tan Kin Lian,

With due respect, sir, I believe that you are not ready for politics yet. Though you have been a PAP member for 30 years, you have not been engaged in any grassroots work in the last 20 years. You also have no experience in electioneering. You do not have a dedicated or well-organised support structure around you.

People know you to be a long-time CEO of NTUC Income for 30 years; recently as an on-line protester against insurance bonus cuts; and lately, as a champion of burnt financial product investors. I’m afraid that’s not enough to gain credibility as the next big thing in alternative politics. People need to know your stand, views and ideas on a full spectrum of political issues articulated consistently over a significant period of time. They need to see proof of a wider range of leadership qualities required in political office.

Of course, please do not misconstrue that I’m trying to discourage you.

But the 100,000 signatures that this article is calling for is in my view totally irrelevant. True politicians do not ask for a show of hands before entering the fray – they offer themselves as instruments for their beliefs and willingly submit themselves to the caprice of public opinion. That is, you do not ask for support before you commit, but you should commit first and see if you’re getting any support. If you are not ready for this uncertainty, then it speaks volumes about your dedication to your political cause.

Lee kuan yew won Singapore by the people of Singapore. In my humble opinion, it is time the people take back this power from him and his family that lost so much tax payer money to the foreigners!

If they are Elites, go out to bring more money back and start giving more subsidies to the people! There, I will vote for PAP forever! If not, shut the hell up and ask your daughter in law to be strikes off from the Elites list!

for what history had tell us, LKY is destroying his own good name down the road for his family gain! The British asked Gandhi, if we were to leave India, do you think your country men know how to run this country? Compared to LKY mentioned: if opposition took over the country, do you think they know how to run this country?

I think LKY do learnt a lot from the British! And he do rule us like one of his subject now! Except for the fact that he forgot he is a Singaporean not British! Do you need otherwise to see where the future of Singapore would be if continue under the Elite rule? You will be the subject of your own country and anytime, dozen of foreigners can come in to replace you! We already have foreigner made Singaporean within our ministers don’t we? What is Singaporean mean to Singapore now? Not subject?

Hi smallvice585 (#63)

You are correct. I am not “ready” for politics …. in the conventional way. There are many examples of more capable people who came into politics during the past 20 years. Most of them did not survive. Only two did, and they have a lot of difficulty in building up their base of support.

You are also correct about the lack of a political machinery. It takes more than this political machinery for an alternative party to succeed- as it has to compete with the incumbent that has more resources beyond than its own political machinery..

I wanted to take a different approach – to create awareness, to educate the public. The revent event involving the 10,700 invsetors of the credit linked notes show how bad things can be – that the government can just ignore the call to “do the right thing” and enforce the law.

If more people come forward to voice their views, it may wake up the current leaders and create the change that is desriable and good for the country. An important change is to recognise that the elected leaders should represent the people, and that a free contest is for the good of the country.

Many people said that an alternative party needs more than one person. How do you expect other people to come forward? They are not willing to sacrifice their career. They will be subject to discrimination. Maybe 100,000 signatures will change their mind.

Will my approach work? Some people think so. Others are sceptical. I am willing to give it a try. If it does not, I can go back and retire.

I am not smallvoice585

#37

My beef with WP leadership is that they always talk of waiting for an “event”.

The event was the toxic products saga — it could have been WP that got 1000 people out at HL Green, and using their grassroots team to organise the masses, on something that affects at least 100,000 S’poreand directly and indirectly.

As to questions in Parly, fine line between asking redundant questions and silence. But remember — Parly is Wayang. So MPs got to sing and dance.

I think it is too tedious for the ordinary man to have to produce individual letters of support. It is also environmentally unfriendly to use so much paper unnecessarily. We can gather signatures electronically in a petition-style format.
I hope someone will take the lead by drafting out an open letter to the Presidential Advisory Council to permit Mr TKL to stand for President if he so chooses, so that we are sure he will not be disqualified by the Council.
The petition should point out clearly that in the opinion of the signatories Mr TKL more than fulfills the minimum qualification needed to stand as a presidential candidate.
If this petition carries as much as 100000 signatures, then I think it would be very hard for the Council to deny him his rights to stand for the election, as was previously imposed on poor Andrew Kuan.
Time is also of the essence as we do not want a sudden snap election for the new President to be called before we can collect enough signatures.

I think it is too tedious for the ordinary man to have to print out his own support letter. It is also environmentally unfriendly to use up so much printed paper. We can do it equally effectively in an electronic petition-style form. The petition should be submitted to the Presidential Advisory Council demanding that Mr TKL be allowed to stand for election for President if he so chooses. The petition should also point out clearly that Mr TKL’s past position as NTUC Income CEO fully fulfills the minimum requirement needed to be President. If we can collect as much as 100000 signatories in the petition then I think it would be very hard for the Council to deny Mr TKL his rights to stand for the office of President, as was previously imposed on poor Andrew Kuan.

My posting (#66) is in reply to smallvoice585. I referred to smallvice585 (who is a different person) by mistake. Sorry.

I like to thank smallvice585 for your positive words on other issues.

Dear Mr. Tan

I believe what you are doing to is politically wise to collect the people signatures. However, what coming ahead of you when you enter the circle of politic, you are likely to face your ex-collegues, employer that most likely not would be with kind intentions. This I do believe you have to be prepared.

That is also the reason why I feel having a alternate party will bring you comfort and consistently remind you that you are not alone in this quest. Rather than facing your adversory alone as a President. Everyone of us will come. To have doubts about himself when situations are bad. In a group, it does make life alot easier to bare in difficults time.

Like I said, no matter how strong Mr. Chiam had seem, I do believe he is burnt out and failed to followup with the current society political trends. I do foresee that he might even have problem securing his strong hold if another alternate party do not come out in time to give that extra push. The current alternate parties may not want to admit that all parties (except PAP) are linked dispite their differences. Therefore each party action do produce a chain reaction of “support” or “destruction”. CSJ cause might be just but it had been hurting the other parties simply because he failed to realize that Singaporean is not mature enough to embrace his way of fighting. Mr. Chiam care about only to secure his fortress and forgot that when the other opposition down, he would be crushed because all Singaporean will find it hopeless to fight on. WP can only remind much of a passive, given the only voice on the house and it is shrinking as we speak. Singapore do need another alternate party to balance the poltical scene if avoidance to complete extinction of the alternate party is what everyone has in mind.

Hi RED-man (#71)

Please send an email to me at kinlian@gmail.com. We can have a chat over the telephone.

You want to be the alternative voice, better be as clean as a white sheet, no dirty linen to hang out by the ruling party.

Hi PAP (#74)

I am not so clean, like everybody else. I commit traffic, and other offenses, even a tax offense. I lose my temper and scold people, sometimes.

So what!

Recently, IRAS found that I overlooked to declare the rental income on a rented property a few years ago. It was an oversight – as I had declared the rental income every year on the same property, including the year before and afterwards. My overight was due to difficulty in entering the computer system and failing to check the return during that year.

IRAS asked me to go back all the 10 years of income tax statements and confirm that all my income were declared. It was quite tough as my records were not kept properly. They want to charge me $x to get a copy of each pst year’s statement. More revenue for the IRAS

The tax on the overlooked undeclared income was maybe $10,000, maybe less. I reminded the tax officer that I paid more than $1 million in taxes over the past 10 years. I paid the tax in full on my income as I did not have time to look into ways to minimise my tax or to claim all the reliefs that I am eligible to. I am happy to pay my tax in full, as it means that I had a good income.

The kind tax officer finally agreed not to impose the three times penalty on my oversight but I got a stern warning. Good for our bureaucrats.

There will be other dirty linen. Right now, i don’t know where they are kept. If they are found out to be aired, so be it. Good for Singapore!

73) Tan Kin Lian on November 25th, 2008 9.49 am Hi RED-man (#71)

Please send an email to me at kinlian@gmail.com. We can have a chat over the telephone.
——————————————————-

Sorry, I don’t mean to be funny but I heard from TW tv stations that there are ‘total privacy’ phones available there in TW used by those who can afford. kind of like full encryption mobile like Swiss bank level of security. ideally meet in person at home.

What am i alluding? nothing. Just trying to suggest a way boost the economy by either spending on such phones or saving the earth by not using too much phone and meet in person. That all.

You got my vote Mr Tan, signatory 339.
Good luck.

RedMan:

Ya I agreed with you also on the lack of alternative party in Singapore. This is the gravest situation facing Singapore now. It is already manifesting in an overbearing governance that fails to understand the ground and seizing every advantage to consolidate their power base to the detriment of the country.

How can one party politics be good for Singapore? Even auntie and uncle know that too well. If the PM can advocate that, it is indeed both a shame and a shock to say the least.

I agreed also that TKL is better as an alternate voice speaking for the commoners. He has the charisma and fearlessness to do it. I do hope that he will even start a political party staffed by a lot of good men who want to do great stuff for the country.

I feel that many talented people want to do something in such grave situation but do not know where to go to. Do they join WP? SDP? Or worse PAP?

You might be surprised how many people are hungry for change and want to stand out from the masses to have a stake in the country.

TKL hopefully is the start of something revolutionary for Singapore in a good sense.

How about forming a REALLY SOLID alternative GRC? You have Mr. TKL and Eunice Olsen, just need 3 more from this group at TOC to form a viable ansd credible opposition. Forget about the other 2 opposition, quiet like a mouse. I truly like the way Eunice questioned the party on some matters. At TKL, we have experience, Eunice, youth and intelligence and also up-to-date, Mr. Leong great analylatical mind, Sylvia??? There we have an alternative and by the way, run for Aljunied GRC, think the time is right for the picking.

Why does Mr Tan want to run? Is he nursing political ambition after being forced to step down as CEO from NTUC income a while back? Personally, I think he is a good CEO who has contributed a lot to NTUC’s income and is still to young to leave.

Mr Tan, you have my best wishes but you better be prepared to lose your fortune, family, friends and perhaps freedom/live if you want to go against the PAP machinery (see what happen to JBJ). Be prepared for some old man to bring his mastery of rhetoric and his control of political machinery to give you a hammering. Be prepared to be libeled and not being able to fight back. Be prepared for the PAP to dig up and dish out all dirts and dirty laundries (do you have any?) against you.

Good luck.

Hello Mr Tan,

I understand you may not actually qualify to contest the EP post,having been neither an ex-Perm Sec/Minister or CEO of a public listed company with revenue exceeding XX millions ( NTUC is a co-op and not a public listed entity ) ; nor CEO of a scheduled 5 Stat Board. Best bet is to stand as an opposition candidate.

Cheers

[...] Tan Kin Lian seems set run for presidency. I’m still not sure what I think about this but The Online Citizen has an interesting mix of views. And, apparently he’s looking for 100,000 signatures. I [...]

Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian,

Thanks for your reply (#66).

If you allow me to summarise YOUR reasons for the need of the 100,000 signatures:
(1) Because of your lack of readiness and resources to practise politics in the conventional way;
(2) Because it is a good way to create awareness and educate the public about the Govt’s lack of responsiveness to citizen voices;
(3) Because the political noise created by the collection of signatures may force the Govt to re-cast their role as being the true representatives of the people and permit freer elections;
(4) Because when people find that there are so many other non-PAP sympathisers, they are more likely to throw in their lot with you.

I hope the potential 100,000 people who are busy signing up will take note of these reasons.

In my humble opinion, none of these reasons are valid. Reason (1) is a poor excuse for your lack of preparation. Reason (2) is to over-simplify the very challenging task of educating our people politically. Reason (3) is pure wishful thinking. And reason (4) shows a lack of understanding of the underlying reason why most people do not join the opposition but vote for the PAP for the last 43 years.

To cut a long story short, political contests are actually not won at the ballot box! Before the political/election battle, there is an intellectual or ideological battle. PAP’s philosophy is to provide prosperity and security through pragmatic policies. Thus far, the opposition/non-PAP”s subconscious ideology is the negation of isolated instances of perceived injustice that they nitpick out of PAP policies.

That kind of ideology is bound to fail. The big question is – can you formulate a much grander and more inspiring ideology that can capture the imagination of the people? If you can, throw yourself headlong into it, and people will surely follow you.

“I am not so clean, like everybody else. I commit traffic, and other offenses, even a tax offense. I lose my temper and scold people, sometimes.

So what!”

That is the kind of honesty and non-saving face remark that deeply lacking in our expensive gahmen !
Indeed, people who want to save-face and “love-face” shouldn’t enjoy politics, if they want enter politics then there is no such thing as doing coverup and move-on for face saving. Countless coverup have been done much to detrimental of intransparent governance.

TKL, you done right for being outright honest, otherwise I’m sure the gov will make every effort to accuse you of tax evasion in MSM even though you did not have those intention in the first place. Countless people who challenge the gov have the gov discredited them through tax evasion no matter how minor and insignificant because it is the most easiest target to start from. Any slight mistake will be amplified by MSM to mean total lack of integrity, and such is the behaviour of MSM and gov.

TKL,
should you contest for presidency, I should be glad to donate some money for your contest (One need to pay $10,000 for presidency contest ?). I think everyone of those 100,000 should donate money for contest be it $1 or more. TKL will do his part and the citizen who vote for presidency should do their part do. Together it will be easy to accumulate these monies. TKL may be able to come out his own money but no money should be as “meaningful” as those coming directly from the citizen who may not be acquainted with TKL but know of his good deed and personality. If TKL did not get to be elected as president, these money can be used to create financial education and awareness.

Obama has shown that citizen are willing to help out and donate money for their future president out of hope and support. Singapore citizen should do likewise to support those who offer to change their being and future for the better.

Please Singaporeans, please come to Aljunied GRC .

dear smallvoice585 (#83),
1. I think Mr Tan KL’s ‘ideology’ is quite apparent (to me at least) in his most recent action of collectivizing people who have been rendered ‘voiceless’ in the mini-bonds saga, and activating for a more equitable response from institutional powers such as the gahmen, financial & judiciary institutions which should not take Citizens for a ride.
2. ‘Pragmatism’ is real-politik is pragmatism…it does not belong to any one party or to anyone if that’s what I understand by the term. And I think it’s not necessary to articulate a radically different ‘ideology’ unless its a classroom exercise on intellectual history, political philosophy etc.
3. Personally, what Mr Tan stands for or symbolizes to me is a test for kopitiam Joes’ like U and I, to be able to stand-up and be reckoned as human beings rather than be caricaturized, de-politicized & managed like economic slaves, kiasu/kiasi/kia-zhenghu ignorant Sinaporeans who have been manipulated to justify an ‘elite’ gahmen, ‘firm leadership’ and/or ’single-party rule’.
4. Mr Tan is not Kuanyin-ma, for if he gets into office it is only because I as a Singaporean, am able to make a conscious choice and effort to put him there, and that there are constitutional mechanisms to make that happen. Otherwise the rules need to be changed and till then perhaps we can discuss more about ‘ideology’ – reformasi and revolusi maybe? And I hope not.

Hi,

I am not sure your plan to contest an election as an independent MP is a good idea.The number of single constituencies are limited,and surely you don’t wish to see a 3-cornered fight in these.So what are the options?

a) Form a small party and contest in a GRC.
b) Join an existing party .

In either case,you will no longer be independent.

I heard from someone that you once told a large gathering of your employees that the best way to reduce unemployment in Singapore is to ship our unemployed overseas to places like Indonesia by the thousands. Is this true?

I understand also that said that the government could provide a small salary for these unemployed while they are in Indonesia to survive on. Your rationale was that the cost of living is not as high there so they do not need much money to live on. Is this true?

I also understand that you did share this idea of yours with the government and they did not think it was a good idea. Why do you want to ship the unemployed away?

I heard from someone that you once told a large gathering of your employees that the best way to reduce unemployment in Singapore is to ship our unemployed overseas to places like Indonesia by the thousands. Is this true? – Malt (#90)

Stop engaging in libel, character assassination and spreading false rumours.

Elites must be getting worried now…..sending in their snipers so early and using their usual ‘let’s take a closer look in your closet’ tactics.

Let’s see if such tactics will still work for them here in cyberspace without their 134th. =)

90) Malt on December 3rd, 2008 11.39 pm
………the best way to reduce unemployment in Singapore is to ship our unemployed overseas to places like Indonesia by the thousands. Is this true?

Remember Health Minister Khaw said about shipping retirees overseas for similar reasons as mentioned by this Malt? Malt might have mixed facts and identity. Who know?

89) Malt on December 3rd, 2008 11.39 pm
I heard from someone that you once told a large gathering of your employees..

I think you have the obligation to check with that someone when and where the alleged remark was made verify with others in the gathering regarding this alleged remark.

It is only fair that you verify the alleged remark first before asking questions.

Be a fair and responsible person.

It would speak volumn if Mr KL Tan can propose to donate a certain percentage, say between 30-85% of the income he derives from being the President (if he contest the EP, and wins) to charity, it would certainly be a slap in the face of those who fervently defend the need for high pay for service to the nation. With this made known, I’m very certain he will get lots of support from the people. I strongly believe he is not after the pay, are you Mr Tan? Everything is provided for by being a EP. The pay issue is just a justification for stratosphere pay for office bearer.

ELECTION