Split within the PAP?

An interesting article about the two candidates from the PAP
http://singstatistician.blogspot.com/2011/07/dr-tony-tan-vs-dr-tan-cheng-bock-battle.html

Electing a President with limited powers

This message is sent by my supporter to his friends who are cynical about electing a President that has limited powers.

Given that the government does not intend to scrap the office of the President, why not put all your weight behind the candidate that is most independent of the ruling party to help develop a basis of checks and balances, however difficult. With Tan Kin Lian, you have more chance of getting some value for your money, instead of being cynical about it and giving up in despair.

 

Tan Kin Lian holds the view that we do not necessarily need full executive powers to promote and nurture change. We can do it by the power of influence and of being the voice of the people. However, we do have to work within the system and in cooperation with the government. With the steps which PM Lee Hsien Loong are taking these days, we are all hopeful that he is sincere in wanting positive change and it's really like doing tap dancing or practicing tai chi to gain one step at a time. We will get there, not tomorrow but by golly, we will!

 

Taking risky bets with our reserves

At the US ambassador's reception last night, a Singaporean asked me, "Mr. Tan, if you are the President and there is another global financial crisis, will you allow our GIC to make an investment such as the risky purchase of Citibank? How would you stop it?"  I told him that I will think about it and post my reply.

I know that it is outside of the scope of the duty of the President (who is responsible only for safeguarding  the past reserves) and the Minister of Law had said the the President should not interfere with the actual investments of the fund.

In an earlier statement, I said that the investment of the reserves should be made prudently and for the long term. I believe that the investment policy should be within the duty of the President. As there is disagreement on this point, it is better for this matter resolved at a later date.

As the safeguarding of the CPF savings and the national reserves is so important to the people,  it is important for the people to choose a candidate who has the financial knowledge and expertise and is able to take an independent view from the people responsible to invest the reserves. This is the essence of the custodial role and holding the second key.

Tan Kin Lian

US ambassador David Adelman

I attended the reception at the invitation of the US ambassador David Adelman to celebrate the 235th anniversary of the Independence of the United States. Here is a photo with the ambassador. He has three children - so I gave him the shape quiz to pass to them. I also met many Singaporeans who recognize me  and told me that they would be voting for me.

Election Website

You can view my election website using this link: www.tankinlian.com/president.
The website has been recently re-designed.