Elected president can be the voice of the people

This letter was published in the Straits Times Forum page on 25 July 2011 (with minor editing).

 I refer to the article "Don't Politicize the Role of the President" by Wan Wai Yee, Asst Professor in Singapore Management University.  Prof Wan argued that the President should stay within the powers of the constitution and avoid “politicizing” its role.   However, Prof Wan did not explain what he meant by "politicizing".

If someone offers a view that is different from the stand taken by the Government, will it be considered as "politicizing"? To find solutions that are best for the people, it is better to discuss issues openly and consider various points of views, before coming to a decision.  

The Government and the President are elected by the people to perform their duties stated in the constitution – but the ultimate aim is to improve the lives of the people. The President is required to carry out certain specific duties that are intended to act as a check and balance on the Government, primarily to prevent abuse of powers and corrupt practices.

To exercise this power effectively, the President needs to be in touch with ordinary people that are affected directly by these issues. In doing so, the President may hear views that fall outside of his constitutional duties but are still important to the people. 

I agree with Prof Wan that it is the primary duty of Parliament to discuss these issues and pass the necessary laws to implement the solutions. We should, however, be aware of the structural weaknesses in our current governance where, for a variety of reasons, many of the hot issues affecting the livelihood of the people were not actively debated in Parliament. It was only days prior to the last general election that the Prime Minister realized the extent of the unhappiness of the people and had to apologize twice for the shortcomings of his government.

It is likely that the newly elected Parliament will continue to face the structural issues and obstacles.

The elected President can play a useful role in being an additional channel for the people to bring legitimate issues to the attention of the Government. To rebuild the trust of the people and re-install pride in our country, the Government has to show that it is willing to hear the voice of the people and consider their views.  The elected President can help in these tasks.

Tan Kin Lian

For the sake of Singapore's future

Dear Mr Tan
We know we can count on you to do the Right Thing for the sake of Singaporeans' future.
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Sharing the article below of what has been so convincingly argued.
Too much of a good thing is bad... very bad, indeed.
No one is indispensable; and Lee Kuan Yew and his team must make way for the new and much more relevant. Change is inevitable. If he sees sense he will do the right thing.
Voters need to realize that they do get the government that they deserve.
Of all the virtues, I would rate courage as the most useful.
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Subject: One young angry lady lecturing LKY
The best article I have come across on Singapore politics. Some of her views could equally apply elsewhere. Now you have a better understanding why staying too long in government changes human behavior. Just look closer at the current Middle East situations .... the rulers stayed too long and failed to see why they were there in the first place.
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The world is a dangerous place not because of people who do evil,
but because of good people who look on and do nothing about it.
-- Albert Einstein

Supporter's Gathering 23 July 2011 - Videos

Dear TKL supporters

Here are the videos of the given by Tan Kin Lian to the hot topics of the day. Please watch the videos and forward the links to your friends, neighbors, colleauges and other contacts. Ask them to spread the videos to their friends as well.


There is more media coverage for Dr. Tony Tan, how do you address this disadvantage?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t7DO7nB1kI

What are your views on the transporation fare increase?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoSV1BVqvl4

What are your chances of obtaining a COE? Do you expect a 2,3 or 4-corner fight?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klEROQSpIBo

Does the President have freedom of speech under the constitution?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQNIfDSteLA

The MAS lost $10.9 billion last year. What sort of impact do you think this has on our reserves and what are your views?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjmsp2mp3NA

Do you agree that the elected President should be non-partisan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OGiOKqTYvE

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MAS records net loss of $10.9 billion

This report said that MAS recorded a net loss of $10.9 billion due to the strong Singapore dollar. We need to study if this is only part of the truth or the whole truth. How much of the loss is attributable to the strong Singapore dollar? How much of the loss is caused by excessive speculation or trading (if any)?  .

It is important for the President to ask these questions, get the answers from MAS and be able to interpret these answers. This will improve accountability and engender trust in our institutions. In an earlier statement, I said that our reserves should be invested prudently, to achieve a reasonable return over the long term and avoid speculation.

TKL Media Statement - Dr Tan Cheng Bock apply for Certificate of Eligibility

I am glad that Dr Tan Cheng Bock is submitting his application for the Certificate of Eligibility and wish him all the best in getting approval from the Presidential Election Committee. I have high regard for Dr. Tan Cheng Bock and look forward to a dignified contest with him and other candidate(s) in the election.

With more candidates standing for election, the voters of Singapore will have a wider choice of selecting the next President of Singapore. The contest will make more citizens aware of the importance of this position and educate more people on the need to make a wise choice.

I will be standing for election to offer to the people the following choice of electing me to:

• Be a VOICE of the PEOPLE to carry their views, concerns and aspirations to the Government.
• Be INDEPENDENT of the PAP government but to work with it to find solutions that are best for the people
• Apply my knowledge and expertise to SAFEGUARD their CPF savings and the RESERVES of Singapore.

I also reiterate my pledge to donate at least half of the President's salary towards charity and other causes. I am encouraged by the feedback I have received to date (see http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=161923467213647

I invite the people of Singapore to read more about my campaign statements and activities in www.tkl2011.com.

With restrictions on the campaign activities as advised by the Prime Minister's Office, I call on the mainstream media to give equal coverage to all the candidates, so that the people can have the relevant information to make a wise choice in voting for their President.

Ivy Singh endorses the values of Tan Kin Lian

Do we need a President?
When you are in absolute despair, you need someone to give you hope!
The people form the constitution.
Singapore should be the paradise that it should be.