President's power of clemency

A journalist asked me to comment on the changes that I like to see in the constitution on the power of the President. (She said that Dr. Tony Tan had given some comments in his interview on this matter).

I replied that I like to see the constitution changed to give the full power of clemency to the President. He can seek the advice of his Presidential Council  or the Cabinet, but should not be compelled to follow the decision of the Cabinet.

This does not mean that he will act against the advice of the Cabinet. The Cabinet or Home Affairs Minister can give its recommendation for the President to make the final decision. Unless the President has strong reasons, the President is likely to take this advice. This is a more proper approach.

It is also better for the Government to allow the President to exercise clemency, and help the Government get out of a difficult situation, for borderline cases - where there is an element of doubt. In other cases, the President has to reject the appeal and take the burden of this difficult situation.

Safeguard the reserves - investment policy

Dear Mr. Tan,
I am disappointed that you accepted the statement by the Law Minister that the President have no say on the investment strategy. How can you safeguard the reserves when it can be invested recklessly? 

REPLY
I accept the statement that the President must work within the powers allowed under the Constitution and should not interfere with the decisions of the Government. I also agree that it is necessary for the President to have a say on the investment policy as a logical extension of his duty to safeguard the reserves. I agree with the Law Minister that this involvement does not go into the day to day execution of the investment policy - which should be left to the full time professionals. I do not wish to debate this issue now, and will be happy to let the matter be resolved by the next elected President. It can be discussed behind closed doors.

Foreign students policy

http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/06/27/young-singaporeans-angry-at-dr-tony-tan-for-depriving-them-opportunities-at-home/

Quote

Due to Dr Tony Tan’s pro-foreigner education policies, many Singaporeans missed out on places in local universities and had to further their tertiary education overseas, a fact not lost on a NTU graduate who said:

“Tony Tan is responsible for one of the greatest policy errors that will cause great, untold harm to Singapore. His foreign students policies have caused an entire generation of Singaporeans to lose loyalty for Singapore.

Which citizens would not lose their feelings for the country if they are discriminated in the very country whom they have sacrificed 2.5 years of their lives under a humiliating military conscription service."

Unquote

Voices of the People

Endorsements for Tan Kin Lian for President.

All endorsements

Wait until after the election

Many people are writing to me for assistance on their insurance and other personal problems, more so than previously. I am not able to find the time to assist them now, as I have many things to attend to for the Presidential Election. I hope that they can approach me after the election, when I can find more time.

Endorse Tan Kin Lian

I have decided to vote for Tan Kin Lian as President of Singapore for the following reasons:


1. He really cares for the welfare and well-being of ordinary people by expressing his concerns and making suggestions on the following issues:
· the affordability of HDB flats
· unemployment insurance for the workers
· the widening income gap between the elites and ordinary workers
· the transportation woes of ordinary people
· the high public medical fee
· the need of minimum wage
· the selling of complex credit-link notes to ordinary people
· the selling of high cost and low yield insurance products to ordinary people

2. When he was the CEO of NTUC Income, he implemented many low cost insurance policies (with low commission costs) which benefited many ordinary Singaporeans.

3. He also expressed his concerns on the high ministerial salaries and the record high salaries/bonuses of the elites.

4. He spoke up for the ordinary people who lost money to toxic products sold by banks

5. He prefers to adopt a conservative approach in the investment of our national reserves

6. He has indicated he would donate at least 50% of the President’s annual salary to a charity set up to promote causes which he believes in.

Pang

Fund raising for the campaign

I have mentioned a fund raising target of $100,000 to $200,000 for my campaign to cover several items, including the deposit. I expect to bear any balance of the campaign expenses that are not covered by the donations.

If there is any balance in the campaign funds, especially after the refund of the deposit (assuming that it is not forfeited), I will donate the balance to a charity or other worthy causes. It will not be practical to refund the balance to any of the donors. Quite likely, I will have to bear the deposit on my own.

Tan Kin Lian