Monday, October 13, 2008

Concern about disorderly behaviour

Dear Mr Tan,

I appreciate that you are trying to help those people who were at Hong Lim Park on Saturday. As a great amount of money is involved, and from what I gathered at the park, there were many people who had possibly lost their life savings, emotions will indeed run high as some people will inevitably be in desperate positions.

I do want to caution you as a concerned citizen that I am indeed worried about some of the group leaders encouraging the people to gather at the banks at a scheduled day and time. I had no intention of prying into the matter but I cannot help overhearing the plan to crowd the banks. I am not so sure that it is safe for the public to have a big group of unhappy investors gathered in a public place at the same time. The people were even advised to pretend not to know each other.

I am not so sure that the group leaders will be able to keep order if the group of unhappy people do not get what they want and react emotionally that could lead to disorder.

I respect that you are a former CEO of a big company like NTUC Income and that with your in-depth knowledge of the financial matters, you might be able to provide some guidance to many people who are apparently feeling very helpless. May God bless you.

I had wanted to speak to you about this on Saturday but I did not get the chance. I just feel that there must be other ways of addressing this problem. As you mentioned that you are in communication with SM Goh, perhaps you can ask him to arrange a proper venue and get all the banks involved in addressing this matter.

I wish you God’s speed and wisdom.