Sunday 19 June 2011
Dr Tan Cheng Bock is my man!
Dr Tan Cheng Bock is a humble, approachable and caring village doctor who fought for many things for Singaporeans. He objected to the naming of Ng Teng Fong Hospital. He fought for the use of CPF for Tertiary Education, Stood against Dr Goh Keng Swee over Streaming of Pupils, Championed for free parking on Sunday and Public Holiday to promote Family unity, Champion Singapore first and played down need for Foreign talent , advocated for more C Class ward for the poor.
Support Dr Tan Cheng Bock at http://www.tanchengbock.org
Friday 10 June 2011
Important to understand President’s role
Important to understand President’s role: S. Jayakumar By Faris Mokhtar | SingaporeScene - 9 hours ago
Former senior minister S. Jayakumar says it is important to understand the role of the President so as not to have any misguided expectations. Speaking to the media on Thursday after the launch of his new book, Diplomacy - A Singapore Experience, he also emphasised on the president's legal limits. "I am a bit surprised and disappointed over some of the statements and claims made by some of the would-be candidates about what they intend to do if they get elected," said Professor Jayakumar. These statements, he noted, implied that they thought the President was "a centre of power unto himself, distinct from the government of the day", and had "certain executive powers",
The Straits Times reported. As former Law Minister, Prof Jayakumar had been closely involved in the drafting of the two White Papers (in 1988 and 1990) mooting the elected presidency and the constitutional amendments that created the new institution in 1991. He underlined five areas which the President had "discretionary, custodial power".
They are; the protection of reserves; key public sector appointments; Internal Security Act (ISA) detentions; Investigations by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB); and restraining orders under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.
However, he noted that even in these areas, the President had only blocking powers and was not allowed to initiate decisions or policies. In relation to all other matters, Professor Jayakumar added that "the president, under the Constitution, must act on the advice of the Cabinet". "That is the clear legal position," he said. While many Singaporeans have shown an interest in the elected presidency, he added, was not a bad thing — it is important for the people to clearly understand why they are interested in the first place.
Not running for presidency Professor Jayakumar also ruled out his candidacy when asked if he would be contesting in the presidential race. "I can tell you categorically that I am not a candidate for the elected president," he said. His comments on the role of the elected president also echoed the argument made by President SR Nathan.
Speaking at the end of his state visit in Mauritius on Tuesday, Mr Nathan reminded those who wish to see a more aggressive President as a check on the government that the role is one circumscribed by the Constitution.
When asked about the comparisons of his tenure with that of his predecessor, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong who had disagreements with the PAP government over the presidential powers, he said, "I know the limitations of the Constitution and what you have to do. I am not there in a boxing match."
Former PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bock said that Professor Jayakumar's remarks was "timely and important", adding that there has been no election for a long time and many might not understand the role of the elected president.
While Dr Tan said that he understood the limitations of the presidential powers and that "we shouldn't deviate" from the fundamental roles, this he added, should not prevent the President from becoming a unifying figure for all Singaporeans.
Source: Yahoo News
Thursday 9 June 2011
Dr Tan Cheng Bock stood against George Yeo and Lee Kuan Yew
FLASHBACK: TAN CHENG BOCK, GEORGE YEO CLASH OVER IMMIGRATION
Posted on June 8, 2011 by satayclub
Dr Tan Cheng Bock (pictured here with Mrs Tan) has confirmed that he will contest the upcoming Presidential Election
By Nigel Tan
Chief Editor
The year was 1999, and Singapore was reeling from the effects of the Asian economic crisis. The PAP government’s “foreign talent” policy was in its early stages of inception, and the party’s most vocal backbencher, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, was of the opinion that Singaporeans needed to be made a priority. The Minister for Information and the Arts, Mr George Yeo, disagreed – he felt that the attraction of foreign professionals remained a necessity because of Singapore’s small population size and talent pool.
The duo crossed swords in Parliament in 1999 over the hot-button issue of immigration – when the PAP government’s “foreign talent” scheme was in its early stages of inception. Twelve years on, both men are no longer Members of Parliament. They could cross swords yet again, however – as opponents at the upcoming Presidential Election.
Dr Tan, who was then an MP for Ayer Rajah, called on the government to “tone down” its call for foreign talent. At a time when Singapore was still suffering the aftershocks of the Asian crisis, the sentiment on the ground was fearful and apprehensive. Dr Tan felt that the government should stand in solidarity with Singaporeans who had lost their jobs, and make them a priority.
He said: “Our message to Singaporeans must be clear and loud. We will help Singaporeans to get back the lost jobs. We must take care of their basic needs. Now, this is a more important priority call than foreign talent. I can understand the rationale and need to inject such talent. I accept and I support this. But many still don’t. It makes them feel threatened. I feel that at this juncture, this call for foreign talent might be a bit misplaced. Let’s think Singaporeans first.”
In reply, Mr Yeo, who then represented Aljunied GRC in addition to being a minister, argued that imposing restrictions on foreign talent would be contrary to Singapore’s national interests.
He said: “It is in a crisis that the true character of a person comes forth, and very often, when we assess our friends, the people whom we work with, we watch them in a crisis. Do they turn selfish and inwards? Do relationships suddenly sour or would they continue to share and feel a sense of solidarity? So, precisely at a time like this, when we need many foreigners to help us take our economy to the next phase, we must not send the wrong signal.”
“We are not Israel, we are not a continental nation, we have a small population base. To succeed, we need many foreigners to help us, some living overseas, some living here. Yes, in the short term, some Singaporeans would be pleased that we are protecting them, we are saving them from foreign competition. But such an emotional line of attack will do great disservice to Singapore, and to ourselves in the long term. It is crucial that while we are friends with (the foreign talents) in good times, we remain friends with them in bad times.”
Dr Tan’s comments in Parliament also drew flak from then-Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Mr Lee said to The Straits Times: “So, when I heard Dr Tan Cheng Bock, I decided I would stand up and tell him he’s wrong. You have to decide whether you think he knows more or I know more. You have to decide whether he will give you the answer to Singapore’s future, or that I am likely to give you the better road to the future.”
Potential Presidential candidate George Yeo said in 1999 that Singapore needed foreigner because of its small population and talent pool
The issue of immigration has bred resentment against the PAP government, with many blaming the government’s “foreign talent” policy for suppressing wages despite the country’s impressive GDP growth in recent years. As a result, the PAP scored its lowest percentage of the national vote (60.1%) in Singapore’s post-independence history, with a record 6 seats lost to the opposition. All the opposition parties took issue with the PAP’s liberal immigration policy, proposing various solutions ranging from a points-based system to the raising of Employment Pass salary thresholds from the current $2,500 to $4,000.
However, immigration is unlikely to be made into an election issue at the upcoming Presidential Election, mainly because the President does not have a direct role in shaping public policy. However, the Parliamentary exchanges between Dr Tan and Mr Yeo – outdated as they may be – could serve as a useful indication of where the respective candidates stand on an issue that remains as a top priority for most voters.
Dr Tan has confirmed that he will be contesting the election, having already resigned his membership of the PAP and collected his nomination forms. Mr Yeo has said that he is “thinking hard” about whether or not to contest, although his representatives collected the forms on his behalf earlier this week. He has said that he will make a decision within two weeks. Apart from Dr Tan and Mr Yeo, the only other serious contender is likely to be former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian.
The incumbent, President S R Nathan, has said that he has not decided on whether he will seek a third term, but conceded that his age was an issue – he is currently 87 years old.
–
The author is the Chief Editor of The Satay Club
Source: http://thesatayclub.net/2011/06/flashback-tan-cheng-bock-george-yeo-clash-over-immigration/
What Joan Fong think about Dr Tan Cheng Bock?
Mrs Joan Fong (daughter of the late Hon Sui Sen), clarifies that she was not the Joan Hon who wrote that George Yeo is not suitable to be elected president.
We want to thank Mrs Fong for engaging our readers on TOC and clarifying that she was not the Joan Hon who posted the earlier comments. TOC’s moderation policy is clearly spelt out HERE.
We present here in full, the three comments Joan Hon posted on our article, “Tan Cheng Bock vs George Yeo for president?”
—comment 1—
I know both Tan Cheng Bock and George Yeo. It is a hard choice. For me, choosing one is an insult to the other.
I would like to highlight the fact that an email making its rounds carry three letters supposedly from this thread.
One is from Jenny Hu, whose name I checked didn’t appear on June 4 on this thread. The other from Jane Ho differs in content from what Jane Ho wrote.
The third letter carries my name. I did not write it at all. It is insulting to George if I said all those things. I was his GP and Physics teacher. He was one of the students that would cause me to beam with pride.
I once met him at his mother’s wake and told him I was campaigning against X-rated films. I had actually forgotten he was the Minister in charge of it. This was the honest truth. He probably thought I was insensitive enough to go to his mother’s wake to petition him.
After that I dropped the idea of getting a lot of signatures to support my intention. A year or so passed and one of my sisters reported that George said to her, “You sister is causing me a lot of trouble.” I had to tell him, this time at his father’s wake, that I had nothing to do with the flood of letters he received on the matter. Other people were campaigning too.
He and Jennifer, his wife, came to my Uncle Louis Hon’s wake. Jennifer shared a lot of her life and views with us. I’ve been to their house for two meetings regarding an event we were planning for the Museum.
As for Tan Cheng Bock, he was part of a large bunch of us sharing our teen years together. Full of stories. He is not an intellectual like George. But he is a medical doctor.
A stickler for everything good and true. As a scoutmaster, he had once snatched the axe from a boy scout who was about to chop down a coconut tree. When a police car swung onto the scene, and there, in the spotlight of the car’s headlights, was Tan Cheng Bock caught with an axe in his hand in a stance like he was the one about to chop down the tree.
[Bock if you are reading this, I think you were a scream on that occasion. Bet you can't remember this. That was so long ago. Nowadays, if you try to right a wrong, people will come and condemn you wrongly. That's life.]
Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/06/joan-fong-clarifies-that-she-is-not-that-joan-hon/
Friday 3 June 2011
Defeated Foreign Minister makes an indecisive decision to stand for Presidential Election
Former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo says he's "thinking hard" about contesting in the upcoming Presidential Election.
"Many Singaporeans from different walks of life, young and old, have asked me to reconsider my decision on the Presidency, some impassionately," said Mr Yeo in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon.
The 57-year-old, who previously held office at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry as well as the Foreign Affairs for the last 23 years, said he is "thinking hard about it and praying for wisdom".
Mr Yeo, who led the losing Aljunied GRC team in this year's General Election, has previously ruled himself out of the President's job when he stepped down from politics in the aftermath of the GE results.
Then, he described himself as a "free spirit", who is "not temperamentally suited for the role".
Mr Yeo's latest comments on Facebook drew over 2,000 "likes" at the time of writing.
Most welcomed his decision to consider running for the post.
Said Priscilla Chiang, "Please do! Sir, you embody the qualities of a good president. With your past experiences. I'm sure you will carry out the presidential duties very well."
Ryan Joseph, however, asked Mr Yeo to clarify his earlier statements that he is not suited for the presidency.
He added, "One thing I like about Dr Tan Cheng Bok, who is also standing, is that as an MP he has shown an independent streak -- often voting against party lines and speaking up in Parliament for his constituents despite being rebuked by his PAP colleagues/Ministers. Could you share if you have done the same?"
The Elections Department distributed seven certificates of eligibility for the Presidential Election on Wednesday.
Presidential hopefuls who turned up were 70-year-old Ooi Boon Ewe, who tried and failed to contest in this year's GE, as well as former PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bok, 71.
Last week, when Yahoo! Answers asked netizens for their views on Singapore's next President, Mr Yeo was among the popular choices.
Other names suggested by netizens were former Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Tony Tan and Professor S Jayakumar, and ex-Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
The Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year.
Candidates have to be a Singapore citizen, above 45 years old, non-partisan and must have held key appointments in Parliament or other comparable positions in the last three years.
Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/former-minister-george-yeo-president-122436702.html
Thursday 2 June 2011
Tan Cheng Bock vs George Yeo for president
Tan Cheng Bock vs George Yeo for president?
Andrew Loh /
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Yeo, says he is “thinking hard” about calls for him to stand for the elected presidency. Mr Yeo, in a posting on his Facebook page, says: “Many Singaporeans from different walks of life, young and old, have asked me to reconsider my decision on the Presidency, some impassionately.”
He says he is “praying for wisdom” about the matter.
Mr Yeo was the leader of the People’s Action Party team which contested and lost Aljunied GRC to the opposition Workers’ party in the May elections.
Just days after the electoral defeat in Aljunied, Mr Yeo had said that he will not contest in the presidential elections. “I’m a free spirit and I don’t think I’m temperamentally suited for it,” he said then. (Straits Times)
He also confirmed that he will not contest Aljunied GRC in the next elections and, according to the Straits Times, is “exiting the political scene”. This prompted many to urge him to run for the presidency instead with some saying that it would be a loss for Singapore to let his experience and international stature go to waste.
Mr Yeo, who entered politics in 1988 on the PAP ticket, is seen as someone with a sharp mind. However, there have also been criticisms about some of the policies he was involved in, including the two Integrated Resorts with the casinos, and the censorship laws introduced under his watch as Minister for Communications and the Arts.
As Foreign Minister, he was at the centre of Singaporeans’ attention during the Burmese uprising in 2007 with some questioning why he did not condemn the Burmese military junta’s crackdown on its citizens and monks in the country. Controversy followed later when Singapore named an orchid after the then-Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein, and Singapore allowing Burmese generals to receive medical treatment in Singapore.
Mr Yeo, if he stands for the presidency, will be the second member from the PAP to express interest in the election. Dr Tan Cheng Bock, former PAP MP for Ayer Rajah, has confirmed that he will take part in the contest, which is expected to be held in August.
Dr Tan, who has since tendered his resignation from the PAP, is one of the most popular PAP MPs, even now. His 88 per cent share of the vote in the 2001 parliamentary elections was the PAP’s best score in 31 years. A medical doctor by profession, he is best known for speaking his mind, whether in Parliament or outside of it.
More recently, he stepped down from the board of the upcoming hospital to be built in Jurong, citing disagreement with the Government’s decision to name it after local tycoon, Mr Ng Teng Fong.
“With this donation of $125 million the government is prepared to have the hospital renamed from Jurong General Hospital to Ng Teng Fong hospital. To me this was wrong as it looked as if any rich man could have a public institution named after him if he donates the right amount,” Dr Tan wrote on his website.
“I cannot reconcile with this and resigned from the board.”
Will the presidential election see a contest between two candidates who would be emerging from the PAP?
Perhaps the first sign that this will indeed happen is if Mr Yeo announces his resignation from the PAP, as required by law.
Mr Yeo’s Facebook posting today – 1 June – coincides with the opening of applications on the same day.
Anyone who wants to be a candidate for the presidential election needs a Certificate of Eligibility from the Presidential Elections Committee not later than 3 days after the writ of election is issued.
Pick who you want to be the President:
Dr Tan – an “open book” who speaks his mind and stood his ground on what is right. Someone with the highest election score all the time.
George Yeo- someone who changes his mind and cannot make up his mind. The unwilling candidate whose temperament can change suddenly. Someone who lost the recent election.
Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/06/tan-cheng-bock-vs-george-yeo-for-president/
Monday 30 May 2011
Netizens list their choice for President
Netizens say Singapore's next President should be non-partisan and a non-PAP member.
When Yahoo! Answers asked netizens who they would like to have as Singapore's next President, many suggested ex-Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, former Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Tony Tan and Professor S Jayakumar, and ex-Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
Over 700 responses was received to the question posed: "Who should run for President?"
Among the names suggested by netizens, George Yeo's name was top on the list despite his retirement from politics. Mr Yeo has held office at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs in the last 23 years.
However, he said in an earlier interview that he is a "free spirit" and "not temperamentally suited for the role", when asked if he will consider running for President.
In the past, walkovers for the Presidential Elections were common due to its rigid criteria. Although the role of a President is a ceremonial one, the strict criteria ensures that the President is a person of integrity and with exemplary moral standing.
Candidates have to be a Singapore citizen, above 45 years old, non-partisan and must have held key appointments in Parliament or other comparable positions in the last three years. According to election rules, the Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year.
Yahoo! Answers user V. Raman chose Dr Tan Cheng Bock and said, "Dr Tan will be a very suitable candidate in all aspects. He is a professional, with years of experience in politics and with good character. He has been leading an exemplary life to be a role model to Singaporeans, provided he will be non-partisan and neutral irrespective of whichever party comes into power."
Thrushover suggested a Malay President and felt that since Singapore's first President, Yusof Ishak, there has been representation from all other races except the Malays.
Zoul agreed and said, "Abdullah Tarmugi would be good because we need to consider the race rotation of the elected President. I believe having a Malay President is next."
Some users also suggested Lee Kuan Yew, who recently gave up his Minister Mentor role in Parliament.
According to Janey, she felt that Mr Lee should be made President because "he is the founder of Singapore."
Other names such as Yam Ah Mee, Nicole Seah and Jack Neo also surfaced.
A comment that received the highest rating came from philip. He said that Singapore People's Party Chiam See Tong should be the next President.
He listed down reasons such as "well-loved amongst Singaporeans" and "a credible man of great wisdom and humility" for his choice of Mr Chiam.
Do we need a President?
However, netizens also questioned the need for Singapore to have a President when the role is largely symbolic.
"No need for a Presidential role in this country. His or her job is to just safeguard this country reserves, somebody else in the ruling party can take this extra role, since all the top ministers' salaries are paid by taxpayers. It is a waste of taxpayer's money and this may well be put for other useful resources. At least, GST can be reduced and hence our cost of living," said simon.
Female President for Singapore?
Some netizens also called a female President for Singapore. They suggested Ho Ching, wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and CEO of Temasek Holdings to stand for President.
According to micguan, she fits the bill and qualifies for the role with her experience running Temasek Holdings.
typher2000 felt that another potential female President is author Catherine Lim, who is seen as someone who is "neutral in politics".
Another name suggested by netizens is Chan Heng Chee. She is currently a professor at the National University of Singapore and Ambassador to the US. She was previously Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Detention of the alleged “Marxist conspirators”
We read with great concern about the post on Marxist Conspirator issues and Operation Spectrum.
This event happened long time ago when Dr Tan was only into his 2nd term as MP. The social political situation and threats faced by Singapore is very different from the present. There is nothing in the newspaper cutting being circulated which points to Dr Tan's involvement. He was just reporting verbatim as a Feedback Chairman on what he heard on the ground back to the government. Those people who circulated these unkind posts did not even bother to research the truth and facts which happened long ago.
What exactly is the purpose to bring this issues out at this time? Why not bring this issue out during the General Election for the Opposition parties to question the ruling party?
Dr Tan has been kind and transparent enough not to allow his administrator to censor or delete these very unkind posts on his Facebook page.
For those people who insists on pushing this issue at all cost instead of looking at what Dr Tan has done for the nation and the people of Singapore, let me share this illustration with you:
“Six blind men were trying to find out more about the elephant. One touched the tail and said it is like a rope, another touched the leg and said is like a tree
Guys if you want to get to know what the elephant looks like please stand further away and open your eyes.
See how the elephant looks like surrounded by lions.
If you want the elephant to move forward let go of the tail and take a step backward. You will marvel at how heavy a log it can lift with it's trunk.”
You are missing the big picture. Ask the big man in charge at that time and please don't try to poke at the kind man who was there to get feedback. Dr Tan sticks his neck out to run for President to heal the polarised Singapore which was evidenced after the recent General Election. He wants to be the unifying voice for Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion. We should help him to do this by supporting what he stands for.
The President we are voting will not be a Yes man. Neither is he a man pleaser.
The question posed by these liberals is loaded and it takes much wisdom for the President not to get distracted.
Dr Tan’s Page at www.Facebook.com/TanChengBock.com is for people who believes in Dr Tan's righteousness and integrity.
Dr Tan is a wise man and a very season politician. I doubt he will bring himself to that level to answer unkind questions which were obviously loaded to cause a rift to our nation.
Go vote someone else who can give you the answer to your satisfaction to the detriment of our country.
We are glad that there is a level headed person who wrote this in the Online Citizen webpage:
Yes, in 1987 Dr Tan seemed to have supported the detention of the alleged ‘Marxist conspirators’, but I believe that like most Singaporeans (including me) at that time, he believed the misinformation that was fed to him by the government of Singapore. But what’s notable is that even then, Dr Tan did not brush aside those that detracted from his views (and the views of most Singaporeans at that time) by labelling them ‘Marxist sympathisers’, but instead acknowledged them as “solid citizens”.
Source :http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/05/picking-up-where-ong-teng-cheong-left-off/
Picking off where Ong Teng Cheong left off
Ravi Philemon /
I said on my Facebook page a few days ago that “I am one of the many Singaporeans who urged him (Dr Tan Cheng Bock) to stand for the upcoming Presidential Election.”
I think that it is important to say why I support Dr Tan’s bid for the elected presidency.
Let me start by saying that I am not very young (neither am I that old), so I have followed Dr Tan’s work as a backbencher in Parliament and he has always struck me as an MP who speaks from his heart.
For example, in 1988, Dr Tan who then headed the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, suggested that the government consider extending CPF’s Extended Investment scheme to include education. He argued that education should be considered an investment in human resources which would result in a better educated, better skilled and better quality workforce.
Then Minister for Labour, Dr Lee Yock Suan, opposed it because he feared that CPF savings of members may be squandered in expensive studies at unknown foreign universities. The then MP for Kebun Baru, Mr Lim Boon Heng, objected to Dr Tan’s proposal on the basis that it was a populist move.
Dr Tan rebutted Mr Lim then by saying, “The MP for Kebun Baru called this a popular move, a popular issue. Is it because you think it is popular, you think it is wrong to bring it up? Or are popular decisions wrong decisions?”
Dr Tan also spoke up against Singapore hospitals becoming more profit-oriented. This he believes will alter the practice of medicine and the values of some doctors, leaving the door open to abuse. Noting that the 1993 White Paper on Affordable Health Care used the term ‘industry’ to describe medicine, Dr Tan lamented, “Medicine is (now) treated less as a profession and more as an industry.”
In 2005, during the re-emergence of dengue in Singapore, Dr Tan spoke up against the shortage of hospital beds. He said, “If you say you have no choice but to turn away patients because of lack of beds and other resources, you haven’t planned enough.”
In 1993, when the government of Singapore, went on an overdrive on upgrading, Dr Tan urged restraint in basic areas like housing, education and health. The government, he said, must continue to provide three-room apartments and ensure that there are sufficient ‘C’ class and ‘B2′ beds in public hospitals.
As far back as 1999, Dr Tan highlighted the growing resentment of Singaporeans towards ‘foreign talent’ in Parliament. He urged the Government to tone down its insistence on the value of attracting foreign talent, “in order to protect our citizens and give them a better chance”.
In July 2002, when the Minister for Transport decided to hike public transportation fares, Dr Tan was one of the few in Parliament who urged a review of the price hike.
Yes, in 1987 Dr Tan seemed to have supported the detention of the alleged ‘Marxist conspirators’, but I believe that like most Singaporeans (including me) at that time, he believed the misinformation that was fed to him by the government of Singapore. But what’s notable is that even then, Dr Tan did not brush aside those that detracted from his views (and the views of most Singaporeans at that time) by labelling them ‘Marxist sympathisers’, but instead acknowledged them as “solid citizens”.
More importantly, I urged Dr Tan to consider standing for the Presidential Election and intend to support him in his bid because as MP Inderjit Singh rightly said, “For Presidential Elections, there’s always been a candidate that the Government supports … it’s quite clear that we will be fully behind this person so it will be very awkward (to have Dr Tan in the contest).” This makes it even more important for ordinary Singaporeans like me to support Dr Tan in the contest.
In a culture where it is natural for any backbencher not to criticise the policies of their bosses aggressively (perhaps with an eye on the front bench and their own career path), Dr Tan is a rarity. His ears are on the ground, he is intellectual, he speaks his mind and he has won the respect of many Singaporeans.
The late President Ong Teng Cheong said in an interview, “Even in my last year as president, I was still not being informed about some ministerial procedures.” I hope that Dr Tan, if elected, will finish this unfinished job of President Ong.
Why I support Dr Tan’s bid to be the Elected President of Singapore is because I believe what Dr Tan recently said, that he will be a “unifying figure for all Singaporeans of whatever political affiliation, race or religion.”
Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/05/picking-up-where-ong-teng-cheong-left-off/
Saturday 28 May 2011
Voting for President is not a political contest
There are a few people who expressed their concerns about the fact that Dr Tan used to be a Pap member.
Read what Dr Tan did when he was in Parliament at www.tanchengbock.org and http://tanchengbock.blogspot.com
He happened to be from PAP in the past but which party could he be in in those days.?
Would it have made a difference if he had joined xyz party? The PAP camp would then come up and say 'But he is Non Pap person' . There is no end to this party rift.
Regardless of language, race or religion and regardless of party affliation We are Singapore! Let's do the right thing and vote the best person for the job to represent what Singapore stands for.
The General Election is over and the people have voted for who they want or do not want to be in Parliament.
Remember voting for elected President is NOT a party or political exercise. We are not going to vote for who to be our government. That has already been decided recently.
Is about voting for the best man who reresents what Singapore stands for. A righteous, wise, kind, caring, approachable , level headed person who can unify every hearts, minds, ranks regardless of race, party, language or religion.
Read www.tanchengbock.org and all the wonderful things people write about Dr Tan on his FB page.
I believe Dr Tan will not take side with any parties. He is always on the side of what is right and what is fair and what is the best for Singaporeans.
This is what he stands for "Guided by Conscience , Speaking up for what is right. Nation first and always for what is best for the people"
Help to get more LIKES for:
The number of parents that owe him big time for releasing the CPF for overseas studies
He was brought in by GCT and very soon upset the oldman. He became a thorn to the various govt bodies. This guy is a legend. The first time I heard of him was in the early 1980s about a "god" in the middle of Ama Keng Farmland. He was also very careful in choosing his fellow doctors in practice. All with high EQ. The number of parents that owe him big time for releasing the CPF for overseas studies for their kids is immeasurable. ‘
Source: http://www.singsupplies.com/showthread.php?93710-Dr-tan-cheng-bok-a-decent-ex-pap-mp
Dr Tan Cheng Bock – a decent PAP MP
Dr Tan Cheng Bock – a decent PAP MP
Dr Tan CHeng Bok is one of the not many PAP MPs I have regard.
I remembered vividly in one parliamentary meeting he raised doubts and concerns on importation of foreigners.That OLD Dog immediately jumped onto his feet and told Dr Tan,in his dictatorial tone,"YOU KNOW BETTER OR I KNOW BETTER"
Dr Tan obviously saw the futility to continue the debate.Dr Tan,like many Singaporeans in their heart of heart,is simply pissed off with such arrogance.That OLD DOG just simply cannot take criticism nor accept counsel.
Coming back to Dr Tan CHeng Bok,he recently asked a good question ,why the need for a name change for the work-in-progress Jurong Hospital to that of a late property tycoon whose family,I appreciate,are paying back to societyBut the point is Jurong Hospital is already being built on tax-payees money
For those who donot already know,Dr Tan CHeng Bok attended the REFORM PARTY political rally for WEST COAST GRC on the night of 5th May 2011 at the Clementi Stadium.As he walked slowly up the stadium steps between 7.30pm and8.00pm, he was handshaked by a couple of spectators and took a seat among ordinary folks,where he knew he rightfully belonged.Never before have I seen a PAP MP openly allowed himself to be seen in opposition party political rally
Source: http://www.singsupplies.com/showthread.php?93710-Dr-tan-cheng-bok-a-decent-ex-pap-mp
Former MP Tan Cheng Bock to run for President?
Dr Tan Cheng Bock has generated internet buzz through his blog and Facebook Page. (Photo courtesy of Dr Tan's Facebook …
Former Member of Parliament Tan Cheng Bock has indicated that he might be running in the upcoming Presidential Election after quitting the People's Action Party earlier this month.
The 71-year-old told The Straits Times: "Many people have been urging me to stand as president, and I am very honoured. But there are rules I have to follow. One rule is I must apply for the certificate of eligibility first."
According to the constitution, potential candidates must meet stringent criteria and pass through a Presidential Elections Committee (PEC).
In the 2005 election, three aspiring candidates, one of whom was former JTC group chief financial officer Andrew Kuan, failed to fulfill the criteria, allowing current President S R Nathan to be elected unopposed for a second time.
The criteria includes being at least a 45-year-old Singapore citizen who does not belong to any political party.
It is compulsory for candidates to have served for at least three years in a key appointment such as a minister, chief justice, auditor general or permanent secretary -- or been the chairman or CEO of a statutory board or a company with a paid-up capital of at least S$100 million.
Dr Tan, currently a medical practitioner, was MP for Ayer Rajah single-seat ward from 1980 to 2006. He has also been since 1991 a non-executive chairman of Chuan Hup investment holding company, whose issued and paid-up capital according to annual reports stands at US$152 million (S$189 million).
In March, he started gathering support through his articles and videos about Singapore news and current affairs on his blog and Facebook public figure page. 'No More Blank Cheque for the PAP', a post on a Parliament speech he made in 1985, created internet buzz after the recently-concluded General Election.
Currently, there is even a Facebook page, which has received more than 500 likes in the past few days, to support Dr Tan running for President.
Former PAP MP Chng Hee Kok told The Straits Times that Dr Tan would make 'an excellent president'. "He's people-oriented, very level-headed, and has a heart for Singaporeans' well-being," he said.
Dr Tan told 938Live, "You know, you always think about what you can do for the country -- what sort of role I can really play with my past experiences as a Member of Parliament, (and) in the corporate world also.
"So I probably would have some feel as to how I would like to contribute in my role as a President in looking after the Reserves, and also in the appointment of all the top people in the Government service."
According to election rules, the Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year and it is believed that The Elections Department will be making the announcement for potential candidates to pick up forms to apply for certificates of eligibility by next week.
Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/former-mp-tan-cheng-bock-run-president-042156294.html
Former Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock has indicated that he may be a candidate in the coming Presidential Election.
SINGAPORE: Former Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock has indicated that he may be a candidate in the coming Presidential Election.
This comes after the 71-year-old quit the ruling People's Action Party earlier this month.
Speaking to 938LIVE, Dr Tan explained his decision.
"Many Singaporeans have been urging me to stand for the Presidential Election, and I'm really honored by them urging me to stand. I would say it's a recent decision. You know you always think about what you can do for the country. What sort of role I can really play with my past experiences as a Member of Parliament, in the corporate world also. So that I probably would have some feel as to how I would like to contribute my role as a President in looking after the reserves and the also in the appointment of all the top people in the government service."
Dr Tan also said the recent GE results did not affect his decision.
He said there were no contests in last two presidential elections and he wanted to offer himself as a candidate if he qualifies.
He encouraged more people to come forward to be candidates, saying "only through a contest that you feel you are legitimately there because you have the support of the people".
The Presidential Election must be held before August 31 this year.
- 938LIVE/cc
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/video/index.php
Vote for Dr Tan Cheng Bock as President at www.Facebook.com/President.TanChengBock
Dr Tan Cheng Bock bid for Elected President- Result of online survey by netizen
This survey was done by a netizen.
Who can run for President
UNDER the Singapore Constitution, a candidate for the post of Elected President must be a Singapore citizen who is at least 45 years old. The candidate must also:
A candidate must have served for not less than three years as:
The PEC must be satisfied that a candidate has the financial experience and ability to enable him to carry out the functions and duties of the President effectively
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_673256.html
PAP MPs surprised Dr Tan might run for President
PAP MPs surprised Dr Tan might run for President
04:47 AM May 28, 2011
SINGAPORE - News that his former comrade-in-arms Tan Cheng Bock, 71, has declared his intention to run for President caught veteran backbencher Inderjit Singh off guard.
The Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) told Today: "For Presidential Elections, there's always been a candidate that the Government supports ... it's quite clear that we will be fully behind this person so it will be very awkward (to have Dr Tan in the contest)."
His fellow People's Action Party MP, Mdm Halimah Yacob, was also surprised, although she felt that it was not something "completely unexpected".
"I know that Cheng Bock is a very passionate person who holds very passionate views about things," she said.
The PAP Government has yet to unveil the candidate, if any, it is endorsing. Notwithstanding other individuals who may throw their hats into the ring, Dr Tan's potential candidacy will rekindle memory of the last contested Presidential Election in 1993, which incidentally also saw a contest between two establishment figures.
Then, Mr Ong Teng Cheong stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister to run against bureaucrat-turned-banker Chua Kim Yeow.
But political watcher Eugene Tan pointed out: "(Dr Tan's) very independent-minded as an MP and had his own differences with the Government ... So despite his long ties with the ruling party, voters would be able to look past his label."
Incidentally, Dr Tan's independent streak also drew comparisons among observers with the late Mr Ong. Former Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong noted Dr Tan's "proven track record of speaking his mind even if it went against the party".
The most recent Presidential Election in 2005 saw presidential hopeful Andrew Kuan - a former group chief financial officer of JTC Corporation - putting his name forward. JTC Corporation subsequently called a press conference in which it described Mr Kuan's work performance as unsatisfactory - an assertion which was rebutted by Mr Kuan.
Ultimately, the Presidential Elections Committee considered Mr Kuan ineligible for the election. It felt his seniority and responsibility as JTC's group CFO were not comparable to those required under the Constitution.
Speaking to Today, Dr Tan said he was not worried about any potential attacks on his track record.
"For 26 years, I've served as an MP and nobody has thrown mud at me. I've been doing my job," he said.
Dr Tan had resigned from the PAP earlier this month, ending decades of association with the ruling party. Asked how he feels about potentially running against a PAP-endorsed candidate, Dr Tan said: "The better man would win, that's all. This election is not about politics, it's about which candidate voters feel will be able to fulfil the main tasks of a President, which is to guard our reserves and to appoint the top echelons of Government servants."
Adding that the recent General Election has polarised Singapore society, he said: "The President should be a unifying figure for all Singaporeans of whatever political affiliation, race or religion."
Speaking to 938Live yesterday, Dr Tan reiterated that his "affiliation with the PAP is not an advantage".
He said: "I've said many things which my party doesn't agree but I think I have to say it. So Singaporeans have to judge me slightly differently."
He added that it was important for any presidential hopeful to declare his or her intentions early.
"I want to be an open book for Singaporeans to examine me," said Dr Tan, "I set up the blog, Facebook ... I let the young people study me - to do that, I've some videos of what I've done in the past ... I assume all the young people have never heard of Tan Cheng Bock."
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Dr Tan Cheng Bock speaks his mind and stands for what is right
More archives of how Dr Tan stood against Philip Yeo (EDB Chairman) could be found in newspaper archive if you bother to go to the library to check out the old newspaper.
The Straits Times, 11 March 1998, Page 46
Record speaks for itself I REFER to the report "EDB chief rapped for asking MP to quit over bond-breaking issue" (ST, March 10). It is worrying when we see the two Members of Parliament, Mr Chng Hee Kok and Dr Tan Cheng Bock, disagree with the Economic Development Board's approach (239 words)
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Who's who in the Government Parliamentary Committees [Articles]
The Straits Times, 24 March 1987, Page 10
Who's who in the Government Parliamentary Committees Communications Yeo Toon Chia and Information Ow Cnin H ock Committee Goh Chee We e Dr Arthur Beng (Chairman) Health and Tang Guan Seng Environment Yeo Choo Kok Committee Lai Tha Chai Dr Aline Wong Dr Wang Kai Yuen (Chairman) Dr Ang Kok (190 words)
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Mr Chug's meeting with Mr Yeo [Articles + Illustrations]
The Straits Times, 15 March 1998, Page 2
Mr Chug's meeting with Mr Yeo Mr Yeo did indeed tell Mr Chng that MPs who held such views should resign. It was wrong of Mr Yeo to say this. I have told him so. I have reminded him that it is for the party leadership and the Whip, not (1009 words)
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Two versions of breakfast meeting [Articles]
The Straits Times, 12 March 1998, Page 34
Two versions of breakfast meeting EDB and MP Chng Hee Kok tell their stories What was said in that Jan 1 9 breakfast meeting between MP Chng Hee Kok and EDB chairman Philip Yeo? On Monday, the House heard that Mr Yeo had told Mr Chng to resign if he (181 words)
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Dr Tan Cheng Bock took EDB Chairman Philip Yeo to task
Source: http://misterbrown.tripod.com/sne36.html
That the chief of EDB who named three scholars for breaking their bonds has been himself named during a Budget Debate by MP Chng Hee Kok (MP in East Coast GRC), whom he pissed off.
He was also taken to task by other MPs like Dr Tan Cheng Bock (MP for Ayer Rajah). In that session, MP Chng Hee Kok, as well as MP Leong Horn Kee (MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC), also came out of the closet to reveal that they too were bond breakers once.
Life moves in strange circles.
5. That bond breaking is officially wrong, dishonourable and immoral, according to BG Lee's spirited defence of Philip Yeo's Name-and-Shame policy. I wonder what they are going to do with all those bond-breaking MPs in Parliament now. Good men are so hard to find these days.
6. That EDB Chairman Philip Yeo lives in West Coast Rise which is under Dr Tan Cheng Bok's constituency. Will Dr Tan still be hanging his campaign posters at the lamp post outside Mr Yeo's house next election? Will Mr Yeo still invite Dr Tan in for drinks during the next election walkabout? Gee, if any upgrading takes place there, I hope they do not pass Mr Yeo's house over.
7. That after the Chng-vs-Yeo fracas over the incident where EDB chairman Philip Yeo allegedly tells MP Chng Hee Kok (who opposed his naming-bond-breakers policy) to resign if he does not agree with his policy, the Government may seriously reconsider calling the Administrative arm, the CIVIL Service, and its people there, Civil SERVANTS.
8. That when Members of Parliament and powerful Civil Servants clash, in full view of the media and the public, it is not a pretty sight. But most definitely more enjoyable than "Shiver". At least there was no biting of ears. Now why can't TCS have "Shiver" or "Fame Awards" plots like this?
"Tonight With Gurmit! His guests MP Chng Hee Kok and EDB Chairman Philip Yeo face off! Gurmit will try to keep things CIVIL (rim shot) and humorous! You are bond to be entertained (rim shot)! Special guest appearance by Sonny 'Larry King' Lim! Don't miss it!" (Cue: same old shot of same old orgasmic audience clapping and cheering like they are high on superglue)
9. That it was morally wrong for Gurmit to call himself "The Most Powerful Dude in Town". That title belongs to Philip Yeo of the EDB.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock said Mr Phillip Yeo was getting "too big for his boots".
Found this article at this link:
EDB chairman criticised by MPs (Dr Tan Cheng Bock) over naming scholars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 9 - Several MPs have criticised the recent move by the Economic Development Board and the National Computer Board to name scholars who break their bonds. The MPs felt the action by the two statutory boards would go against efforts to develop the best talent.
They said bond breaking was a breach of contract between the scholar and his sponsor, not a crime. "It is not gentlemanly, and should be discouraged, but not by naming them in public." Bishan-Toa Payoh MP Leong Horn Kee, who broke a bond himself, said many local leaders including MPs had done the same. But the most important thing was that they came back to serve the country.
Another MP said moral responsibility works both ways. "When a government agency uses the moral argument, it must remember that it owes a higher moral duty through its sheer size, influence and clout not to overuse its power on individuals it comes into contact with." And Mr Chng revealed that EDB chairman Philip Yeo had told him to resign when he disagreed with the EDB's action.
Fellow MP Tan Cheng Bock felt this was an insult to MPs, for asking an elected MP to resign simply because the MP did not agree with the chairman's views on naming the bond breakers. Dr Tan said that not even the Prime Minister has asked for the resignation of any member when they have differing views. This, he said, is an insult to the office and asked if the chairman, Mr Phillip Yeo was getting "too big for his boots".
He said the naming of bond breakers is a departmental policy and not a governmental one. Dr Tan said not even the PSC was agreeable to naming scholars who have broken their bonds. He said for Mr Yeo to have asked for MP of the East Coast GRC, Mr Chng Hee Kok's resignation is unfair. Quoting an interview given by Mr Yeo to Pioneer IT, a computer magazine, he said Mr Yeo himself had disagreed with the government's upgrading plans. Yet steps were not taken against him for his views.
Monday 23 May 2011
Dr Tan Cheng Bok is one of the not many PAP MPs I have regard.
Read what other people wrote about Dr Tan at this Forum:
seiyup warrior wrote:
“Dr Tan CHeng Bok is one of the not many PAP MPs I have regard.
I remembered vividly in one parliamentary meeting he raised doubts and concerns on importation of foreigners.That OLD Dog immediately jumped onto his feet and told Dr Tan,in his dictatorial tone,"YOU KNOW BETTER OR I KNOW BETTER"
Dr Tan obviously saw the futility to continue the debate.Dr Tan,like many Singaporeans in their heart of heart,is simply pissed off with such arrogance . . .”Read on: http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?93710-Dr-tan-cheng-bok-a-decent-ex-pap-mp&p=738720#post738720
President S.R. Nathan's salary of Sg$4.27 ($3.45 million) a year will be included in a cabinet pay review announced
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-cut-huge-salaries-president-cabinet-113211485.html
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday ordered a review of the multimillion-dollar salaries of Singapore's president and cabinet as part of measures to quell public anger after a landmark poll.
He said President S.R. Nathan's salary of Sg$4.27 ($3.45 million) a year will be included in a cabinet pay review announced on Saturday at the new government's inauguration.
Cabinet members in 2009 earned between Sg$1.57 million ($1.27 million) for a junior minister and Sg$3.04 million ($2.45 million) for the prime minister, according to figures published by local media.
Singapore has long justified the salaries, among the world's highest for public officials, as necessary to attract talent and prevent corruption but they became one of the hottest issues in the May 7 general election.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) saw its share of votes fall to a record low of 60 percent, and only a controversial system of electing lawmakers in clusters restricted the opposition to six seats out of 87.
The salary of the president -- a separately elected but largely ceremonial post -- was raised by parliament to its present level only in March.
Salaries of all members of parliament, who earn a fraction of cabinet ministers' pay, will also be part of the review.
Since the mid-1990s, cabinet salaries have been pagged to two-thirds of the income of the top four earners in six fields: banking, accountancy, engineering, law, local manufacturing and multinational corporations.
This meant ministers' pay could still rise despite economic recessions, stoking public anger as the income gap between rich and poor Singaporeans widened through the years.
Lee said in guidelines to the review committee that "general wage levels in Singapore" must be taken into account in setting the new pay scales for the country's top officials.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock stands on his conviction and NOT on party loyalty
Read how Dr Tan Cheng Bock stood up against what is right. He stood on his conviction and let conscience be his guide. He was torn between party loyalty and doing what is right. Read some extracts of what he did from this article posted at SMA website.
http://www.sma.org.sg/smj/4004/articles/4004ia5part1.html
I was torn between party loyalty and my strong convictions on the Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP) concept. I believe that those who want to serve must fight for a place in the House. Accountability is important, yet the NMP has no constituents to answer to. I voted against my party in the House and received a warning. This was not the first nor last time that I voiced issues which were considered ‘controversial’. In the debate on Foreign Talent, I asked the government to tone down its repeated messages on the need to draw in foreign talent as they did not go down well with Singaporeans in these difficult economic times.
Perseverance and determination are important to push you to do what you believe in. I fought many years for CPF to be used for tertiary education before it was finally allowed. I convinced the Ministry of National Development (MND) to let Singaporeans park their cars for free in HDB estates on Sundays and public holidays, to promote family togetherness. Till today I still receive warm "thank you’s" from those who remembered. Also, I was overjoyed when the government did away with the monolingual and extended labels for our students.
I have always believed in a multi-racial society, hence I expressed my desire for the twinning of Special Assistance Programme (SAP) Chinese schools with national schools to promote interaction between students of different races. I have not had much success in this but I will continue trying. In the latest parliamentary debate, I was so disturbed by the constant use of the term "Chinese Elite" that I called for the dropping of this divisive label. 1st DPM Brigadier General (BG) Lee Hsien Loong has promised to look into this.
Many friends thought I would be a "one-term MP" after my first frank press conference and maiden speech in Parliament. I had accused the government’s education policy of creating class divisions. Then Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Dr Goh Keng Swee took a cutting of the newspaper headline to the House, slammed the paper down and rebutted point by point all that I had said. I was wounded and speechless. Older MPs advised me to lie low, but I was determined to convince him that the policy was wrong. At the next sitting, I brought a stack of books from my daughter, who was in Primary Three, and put them on the rostrum. I started blasting the ministry on the way the textbooks were written and on how streaming would stratify our society into monolingual, extended and normal Singaporeans. The reply from DPM was less searing but still memorable. I felt better that I had redeemed myself.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock questioned Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew on SIA Pilots Saga
Some people think that Dr Tan is a Yes PAP man. Read this for your self. Article is from: http://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=2340
MP questions SM's intervention in SIA saga
(Today Online)
16 March 2004
VETERAN backbencher Tan Cheng Bock yesterday asked why it was necessary for Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew to intervene in the Singapore Airlines pilots saga, when younger Government ministers were capable of handling the issue.
MP questions SM's intervention in SIA saga
VETERAN backbencher Tan Cheng Bock yesterday asked why it was necessary for Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew to intervene in the Singapore Airlines pilots saga, when younger Government ministers were capable of handling the issue.
Said the outspoken MP for Ayer Rajah: "Now, many have told me that SM should have let the younger ministers handle the issue by taking a back seat. They asked me: 'Why must SM run to their help so fast? They want to know'."
Handling the pilots' union was a matter that required "people management", "EQ (emotional quotient) as much as IQ (intelligence quotient)" and "political judgement", he said. "Do I believe that the new leaders can handle this issue? Yes. I'm sure they can," he asserted.
"You watch how our new leaders handle Sars, you watch how they handle the Asian financial crisis and you watch how they are managing our economic downturn," he said, noting that they had the confidence and ability.
And, for emphasis, he added: "When Singaporeans are afraid that our younger leaders cannot manage without Mr Lee Kuan Yew and are losing their sleep, I tell them: 'Don't worry. Our younger leaders can do it'." VETERAN backbencher Tan Cheng Bock yesterday asked why it was necessary for Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew to intervene in the Singapore Airlines pilots saga, when younger Government ministers were capable of handling the issue.
Said the outspoken MP for Ayer Rajah: "Now, many have told me that SM should have let the younger ministers handle the issue by taking a back seat. They asked me: 'Why must SM run to their help so fast? They want to know'."
Handling the pilots' union was a matter that required "people management", "EQ (emotional quotient) as much as IQ (intelligence quotient)" and "political judgement", he said. "Do I believe that the new leaders can handle this issue? Yes. I'm sure they can," he asserted.
"You watch how our new leaders handle Sars, you watch how they handle the Asian financial crisis and you watch how they are managing our economic downturn," he said, noting that they had the confidence and ability.
And, for emphasis, he added: "When Singaporeans are afraid that our younger leaders cannot manage without Mr Lee Kuan Yew and are losing their sleep, I tell them: 'Don't worry. Our younger leaders can do it'." VETERAN backbencher Tan Cheng Bock yesterday asked why it was necessary for Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew to intervene in the Singapore Airlines pilots saga, when younger Government ministers were capable of handling the issue.
Said the outspoken MP for Ayer Rajah: "Now, many have told me that SM should have let the younger ministers handle the issue by taking a back seat. They asked me: 'Why must SM run to their help so fast? They want to know'."
Handling the pilots' union was a matter that required "people management", "EQ (emotional quotient) as much as IQ (intelligence quotient)" and "political judgement", he said. "Do I believe that the new leaders can handle this issue? Yes. I'm sure they can," he asserted.
"You watch how our new leaders handle Sars, you watch how they handle the Asian financial crisis and you watch how they are managing our economic downturn," he said, noting that they had the confidence and ability.
And, for emphasis, he added: "When Singaporeans are afraid that our younger leaders cannot manage without Mr Lee Kuan Yew and are losing their sleep, I tell them: 'Don't worry. Our younger leaders can do it'."
Govt intervention in SIA, PSA sends wrong signal: MP
It has not shown the will to let go: Inderjit Singh
Government intervention in state-owned companies like Singapore Airlines and PSA Corporation isn't helpful to what Singapore wants to promote - a reduced government role in business and more competition, Member of Parliament Inderjit Singh said in the Budget debate that kicked off yesterday.
'In both cases, we see very senior ministers getting directly involved, despite the fact that both companies already have supposedly very strong management teams and boards running them,' the MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC told Parliament. 'This is not a good signal and is not in line with what the government has been saying about its role in managing companies owned through its investment arms.'
Mr Singh did not elaborate on the government's 'involvement' in SIA and PSA but Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew was very much in the thick of an effort to settle the recent dispute between SIA pilots and management over wage cuts and other industrial relations issues.
Through investment company Temasek Holdings, the government owns 57 per cent of SIA. It also has substantial stakes in seven of 10 of Singapore's biggest publicly traded companies, with its stake in them worth about $28 billion.
'I feel that the government should shed its 'I know best' attitude when it comes to the management of these companies,' Mr Singh said. 'Many a time, many Singaporeans have given feedback to the government, the latest being the recommendations by the ERC (Economic Review Committee), where the recommendations are for government not to interfere and be involved in business.'
While the government has been receptive to the feedback and recommendations, according to him, it has not shown the will to let go.
'While many of them are already listed companies, we continue to see the strong influence of the government, including giving helping hands to these companies, hence creating an unlevel playing field to the detriment of the private sector,' Mr Singh said.
From the Wall Street Journal's editorial page
When foreigners choose to adopt an Asian country as their long-term home, one crucial consideration is some assurance of their right to continue to live there. It's a situation which has been improving in recent years, as countries across the region recognize the importance of such residency rights in attracting and retaining foreign talents.
Hong Kong now grants permanent residency to almost everyone who lives there for seven years, making it impossible to deport them under any circumstances. Japan has begun making it easier for long-term foreign residents to gain similar residency rights. Even China recently announced its own version of America's green-card system.
Singapore too, has generally adopted a policy of encouraging long-term foreign residents, to help alleviate shortages in the island's workforce. Many have been encouraged to apply for permanent residency and the number enjoying this status has shot up in recent years -- reaching 7.2% of the city state's population in the 2000 census.
But a recent case may cause many to reconsider just how much security that status really provides in Singapore. On Saturday, the island's immigration authorities announced they were stripping Singapore Airlines pilot Ryan Goh Yew Hock of his permanent residency. No reason was given beyond the fact that the minister for home affairs had decreed that Mr. Goh, who is Malaysian, had suddenly become an "undesirable immigrant" after 26 years of living in Singapore.
It's not difficult to divine the reason. Only a week earlier Mr. Goh, a former senior figure in the local pilot's union, had the misfortune to run foul of the man who many believe still runs Singapore. At a Feb. 26 meeting with pilots' leaders, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew angrily accused Mr. Goh of being the "prime mover" in persuading pilots to sack their union leaders last November. The fired leaders had backed the pay cuts and layoffs proposed by the airline in response to last year's economic downturn. And reading from a file that showed someone had been delving into the pilot's personal history, Mr. Lee accused Mr. Goh of concealing the fact he'd moved his wife to Perth and taken out permanent resident status in Australia.
Now it's no crime to be a resident of two countries. Far from it. We'd have thought the fact that some skilled workers were hedging their bets by seeking residency rights elsewhere would be reason enough to step up Singapore's efforts to retain the human capital on which its prosperity depends. We're still waiting to hear why the long-term resident is being stripped of his residency rights. The Ministry of Home Affairs told us it would be "inappropriate" to elaborate because Mr. Goh still has the right to appeal against the decision to immigration authorities. They also said his case was not unique.
Nonetheless the action has reinforced a perception in some quarters that Mr. Lee's word still amounts to law in Singapore -- hardly the sort of image the island state wants to project in the run-up to his son's expected assumption of the premiership. Lee Hsien Loong may become prime minister in the next few months.
"It shows that if you run foul of the first family then you're out," one concerned foreign resident told us this week. The Singapore media put it more politely. "Revoking someone's PR status gives other people a feeling of uncertainty about what they can or cannot legitimately do," social activist John Gee was quoted as saying by the Today newspaper.
And in the long run, that threatens to do far more damage to Singapore's attractiveness as a place to live than any amount of industrial action by airline pilots.
11 March 2004
Sources and Relevant Links:
Today Online MP questions SM's intervention in SIA saga 10 March 2004
Business Times: Govt intervention in SIA, PSA sends wrong signal: MP It has not shown the will to let go: Inderjit Singh 9 March 2004
Yahoo Asia News: Govt's intervention in issue of SIA pilots' union to improve relationship 30 November 2003
Sunday 22 May 2011
What are the qualifications required to stand as candidate for the presidential election?
By yl | Published: May 14, 2011
Seeing as the presidential elections are coming up in Singapore, I was just wondering what it takes to land the 4-million dollar job. The short answer is that it takes a lot.
To qualify to be elected as president, the candidate must be
a) a citizen of Singapore
b) more than 45 years old
c) present in the current register of electors (probably means if you skipped the parliamentary elections and don’t apply to have your name reinstated in time, you don’t qualify)
d) a resident of Singapore (see the statute for a more precise definition)
e) not subject to any disqualifications in article 45 of the Constitution. They are the same disqualifications that apply for Members of Parliament
f) satisfies the Presidential Elections Committee that he is a person of integrity, good character, and reputation
g) is not a member of any political party on the date of nomination
h) an office-holder of not less than 3 years as Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker, Attorney-General, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Auditor-General, Accountant-General, Permanent Secretary, chairman or CEO of a statutory board, or, chairman or CEO of a $100million company. Other positions would also suffice provided that the Presidential Elections Committee finds that they give him the competency to handle the duties of the President.
Requirements f) and h) are the more controversial ones which are more specific to Singapore. The requirements above have been somewhat edited. To get the accurate picture, refer to article 19 of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore.
Sadly, chances are you don’t qualify. Neither do I. Nobody said getting a 4-million dollar job was easy.
But Dr Tan Cheng Bock qualifies. Finally we have an opportunity to Elect our Elected President. Otherwise we will have another SELECTED President and it defeats the purpose of an Elected President. Support by getting more likes at www.Facebook.com.President.TanChengBock
Dr Tan Cheng Bock- the Company Director
http://chuanhup.listedcompany.com/misc/ar2010.pdf
Most people know Dr Tan Cheng Bock as the kind and caring Member of Parliament of Ayer Raja Constituency and a General Practitioner. He does not talk much about his appointment as Chairman of Chuan Hup and as Director of several public and private companies and government insitution. Below is a list of some of his appointments extracted from the Financial Statement of Chuan Hup Ltd.
Dr Tan qualifies to be the candidate to stand for election as the next President of Singapore.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock
Non-Executive, Independent Director and Chairman
Dr Tan Cheng Bock is a Non-Executive, Independent Director of CHH. He was appointed as Chairman on 12
February 1991 and was last re-elected on 17 October 2008. He will be due for re-appointment at the coming
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) under Section 153 of the Singapore Companies Act, Cap. 50. He is also the
Chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees.
Dr Tan is a Director of PCI Limited. He is the Chairman of its Remuneration and Nominating Committees and a
member of its Audit Committee. He is also a Director of M&C REIT Management Limited and M&C Business
Trust Management Limited and sits on the Audit Committees of both companies. He is the Chairman of
Dredging International Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and a Director of ING Private Bank. He was a board member of
Land Transport Authority until 2005.
Dr Tan served as a Member of Parliament for Ayer Rajah from 1980 to 2006. He was also the Leader of the
Singapore Southeast Asia Parliamentary Group, Chairman of the West Coast - Ayer Rajah Town Council, Vice-
Chairman of the South West Community Development Council and member of the Government Parliamentary
Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs.
After retiring from politics, he continued to serve the Ministry of Health as Chairman of the Jurong Medical
Centre. He is a Director of Jurong General Hospital and a board member of the Council for the Third Age.
A private medical practitioner by profession, Dr Tan obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree
from the then University of Singapore in 1968. In addition, he is a Fellow of the College of Family Practitioners
and an Honorary Member of the Singapore Medical Association.
Mr
See what Dr Tan Cheng Bock, ex-PAP MP says in his blog
A New Political Reality in Singapore
Tonight a group of friends will gather in my house to witness a historic event in Singapore Politics. The outcome of this 2011 General Election will be very interesting.
Is PAP going to win all? Or loose 3 GRCs and 2 singles as postulated in the press? Will there be a freak election? What ever happens it will be a wake up call for the ruling party.
Never in the history of electioneering has the new media play such a pervasive role. Every candidate is examined under this media microscope and screened on the internet for what he or she is worth. So also for political parties. It can be very traumatising and humiliating for some while making others celebrities. Also the new media have forced the press to be more balanced in their reporting but others think there is still some way to go. Whereas in previous times, citizens have to get their news and views from the daily papers, with the internet the issues are debated, analysed and rebutted and transmitted almost instantly. All views can be heard. Everyone has an equal voice.
The ruling party’s defensive stand shifted to being apologetic towards the closing of the campaign while the opposition became bolder and more aggressive. At the closing, a moving appeal to transform the ruling party after the elections rounded up the debate.
Singaporeans have awaken to a new political assertiveness. Singapore politics is not going to be the same as before.If the citizens want more accountability and transparency new media will be their platform.
Very interesting post from Dr Tan Cheng Bock, which gives you insight to what is going on his mind. He even posts it on Polling Day itself!
Dr Tan has been known as the "opposition within the PAP", something like Dr Toh Chin Chye, one of PAP's pioneering first generation leaders.
When I was a kid and too young to vote, my MP was Dr Toh. Dr Toh did many things for us under the Rochor constituency. When he was "retired", many constituents were not too pleased. But at that time, only print media was around and Old Man Lee was young enough to scare the pants off you, such that no matter what, you would still return PAP to power.
Like Dr Toh, Dr Tan looks prematurely retired. I know how Dr Tan's former constituents feel.
Source:
http://wherebearsroamfree.blogspot.com/2011/05/see-what-dr-tan-cheng-bock-ex-pap-mp.html
Saturday 21 May 2011
Role of President to protect our Reserves
Under the Singapore Constitution, Temasek is a Fifth Schedule Company, directly and independently accountable to the president of Singapore for the protection of Temasek's past reserves.
While the president does not direct Temasek's investment and company decisions, prior approval from the president is required for any activity which may draw on Temasek's past reserves.
To date, Temasek has not drawn on its past reserves.
Temasek does not manage or invest any CPF money. Nor does it manage the foreign reserves of Singapore.
Read more here
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/views/story/0,4574,439752,00.html
Vote for Dr Tan Cheng Bock as President or else we will have a walk over and lose the meaning of having an “Elected President” to protect our Reserves!
Don’t just listen. Act
Lesson from ’84: don’t just listen, act
Shortly after the 1984 GE, the government set up a Feedback unit to better understand the concerns off the public. Dr Tan was appointed as its head.
In a video on his website, Dr Tan recalls how one minister asked him in a manner he interpreted unkindly: “Do you have any other worthwhile feedback to give to me?” Dr Tan, not liking the tone in which the question was asked, was angry enough to cut him off from his feedback loop.
Somewhere between 1984 and 2011, perhaps because of less brutally honest feedback heads than Dr Tan or a confusion of the act of listening for the actual need to act on feeback, the PAP lost sight of the anger at its policies and Dr Tan’s words have returned to haunt them.
PM Lee has taken an important first step at removing the unpopular ministers behind its proposals, but he needs to understand that a personnel reshuffle without a substantive change in policy delivery would create disillusionment and a backlash far worse than GE 2011.
Unpopular policies such as the income ceiling for HDB buyers, the government’s laissez-faire immigration policy, and their miserly attitude to social assistance have to be re-thought.
More fundamentally, the much talked about “transformation” of the PAP propounded by George Yeo has to be a principled one.
The root of the resentment that the PAP feels stems in large part from a sense that it does not play fair. Unless this sentiment is addressed, in the words of new PAP MP Tan Chuan Jin, the PAP’s moral authority will erode. As Mr Tan accurately notes, in politics, perception is reality.
The start to renewing the moral authority of the PAP should be the abolition of the GRC scheme and a reduction in ministerial pay.
These two issues form the twin pillars of visceral resentment against the PAP: the first is a noble sentiment for minority representation twisted for electoral self-preservation, the second runs contrary to the laymen’s sense of what public service should be.
For its long term survival, the PAP has to understand that unless these twin sources of anger are allayed, its vote share will continue to fall.
The PAP’s reliance on performance legitimacy will increasingly become less persuasive as the opposition continues to recruit better qualified candidates. Also, as Singaporeans become wealthier and better educated and move up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the attraction of a more pluralistic democracy will grow.
Source :http://www.zoroukah.com/toc/toc-editorial-bold-cabinet-line-up-now-for-the-follow-through/
source : www.tanchengbock.org