Tan Kin Lian's Blog: Personal sacrifice by Goh Meng Seng

Monday, April 19, 2010

Personal sacrifice by Goh Meng Seng

Goh Meng Seng helped me to deliver the Mandarin version of my speeches on several occasions to the investors at Hong Lim Park in the last quarter of 2008. His assistance to me, and to the investors, was invaluable.

A mutual friend told me that Meng Seng is selling his HDB flat to raise funds for the general election campaign in Tampines. He is the Secretary General of the National Solidarity Party. I check with Meng Seng to verify the accuracy of this information and he replied:

Quote
Yes, I am selling my flat to raise some funds for my campaign. As the leader of the party and the Tampines team, I need to build up my war chest in preparation for the eventual battle.I am able to do this basically because my wife and daughter are working and studying in Hong Kong and I am taking care of my aged mother (81 years old) by staying with her now. Most importantly, I am fortunate to have a very understanding and supportive wife. Freedom is not free. Pursuing Freedom and providing others the freedom of choice is not free. Some have asked me why don't I just take a personal loan. I don't like to have too many liabilities in life. On the other hand, selling my flat may serve me well. If I lose, so be it. Maybe by then, it would be much easier for me to join my family in Hong Kong to start fresh again. It is never easy to maintain a family in two places. If I win, I would be able to buy a flat in Tampines and become the Full Time MP there. Things will have to be rearranged in either outcomes.I think the most important thing is for people to realize that politics is about public service; not just opposition politics, but it is expected of the ruling party politicians as well. Public service may mean sacrifices on both financial as well as family time. Meng Seng
Unquote

My comments
Meng Seng is sincere and willing to serve the people of Singapore. I like to wish him success. I hope that Singaporeans realise the personal sacrifice that people like him have to make to make to provide an alternative voice for the people.

60 comments:

Chrisloup said...: while I applaud his sacrifice,

a) how much does he have to return to cpf board?

b) what is left over is enough to campaign on?

c) if I were to play devil's advocate, I can possibly see it though as, win = good for him, lose = take cpf out for good and quit to hk.

d) pap will say this is why high flat prices are good, cos when you need to monetize/liquidate the asset, you get more than you paid for.; April 19, 2010 6:05 PM
sgcynic said...: He has my respect and support.; April 19, 2010 6:11 PM
Anonymous said...: respect and great commitment; April 19, 2010 7:18 PM
Anonymous said...: How are your plans like, Mr. Tan?; April 19, 2010 7:21 PM
Anonymous said...: But he also said he will quit for good if he loses.

Hmm, GMS has an interesting strategy. And unique too. Because I cannot recall any other opposition candidate publicising in this manner before an election.; April 19, 2010 7:48 PM
Anonymous said...: GMS is a model for the PAP MPs, who I doubt put up such a sacrifice.; April 19, 2010 8:01 PM
Anonymous said...: m very touched by both your action & i like what Mr Goh Meng Seng said,"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!"
is a few good men like u make dream a hope, hope into action & action hopefully to reality...
i wish that Mr Goh Meng Seng speech could rally around his sentence that..."freedom is not free!"& HOW TRUE ESPECIALLY IN SINGAPORE CONTEXT...trust me, we are listening & shall silently garner the support u needed in this coming election!; April 19, 2010 8:07 PM
Anonymous said...: I am a retiree but would like to contribute something in order to help him raise the funds needed for his campaign. How do I go about it? I also hope that others will chip in as well. Although I am not a resident of Tampines, I wish him all the best.; April 19, 2010 8:21 PM
Anonymous said...: I stay in tampines and I welcome you, Mr. Goh Meng Seng. . Thou I do not know you in person but u are recommened by Mr. Tan and u will have my support. You guys are the one who truely wish to help those investors instead of those excuses from other people like with your eyes wide open. Please come to contest in tampines to show my support to you. I'm tired of the relentless rising cost of HDB, Cars etc. I tired of having to pay and pay whenever the leaders want to 'help' us. I'm really tired, tired.; April 19, 2010 9:05 PM
Anonymous said...: I think if Mr. Tan you are to join the Opposite and contest in a GRC, such as Tampines or Bishan-Toa Payoh, you and your team will be strong contender to PAP. Whatever you want to get done will be more effective than publishing a book or updating your website.

I would just: "Just Do It!"; April 19, 2010 9:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Goh Meng Seng,

I hope your scarifice is not wasted. I hope singaproeans are not afraid to vote for you. Singaporeans are generally afraid to vote for opposition as they worry that they will be "marked" by the goverment. Please consider twice to sell your HDB. If you do proceed ahead to sell your HDB. i wish you success and may your bring happiness to Singaporeas.; April 19, 2010 9:23 PM
Anonymous said...: How can we help Meng Seng financially? Tampines is a pretty well run estate, i think it may not be easy to contest. I hope the opposition parties can come to a consensus and avoid a 3-party or more fight; April 19, 2010 9:35 PM
Anonymous said...: I wish GMS all the best. We need somebody to take the lead. FROM CASHEW NUT.; April 19, 2010 10:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I hope Tampines residents can appreciate the sacrifices made by alternative parties to serve them and act as their 2nd sincere voice in parliament. It is time Singaporeans wake up and see that this country they used to live is very different from the past - in a negative ways - and nobody is really happy about it. Thus many people are putting in effort and sacrifices to make things right again.; April 19, 2010 11:02 PM
Anonymous said...: while i can't appaul him enough for taking a bold step forward, somehow i felt very disturbed by what he is doing. i looked at myself, and i felt helpless resigned to my fate to work like a dog to service my house, bring up my two young kids ... i seriously doubts he would win, but still i would like to wish him all the best - even to the extend of wishing him be reunited with his family in HK.; April 19, 2010 11:02 PM
A Singaporean said...: I wish Mr. Goh well.

It is very interesting that he has an exit strategy should things doesn't work out. Surely PAP is going to make a lot of noise about this and say that Mr. Goh is not committed to Singapore et cetra. But given PAP's history of oppressing members of the opposition, I think this is a very smart strategy.; April 19, 2010 11:04 PM
Anonymous said...: He is practical person, with the right spirit.... we need good spirited persons. He would have my support if he is in my GRC-; April 19, 2010 11:42 PM
Anonymous said...: This why when we turn the spot light the other way towards the PAP candidates, we realise how the ruling party has become a joke. A total, complete, sick joke.; April 19, 2010 11:47 PM
well-wisher said...: "To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself" - Sun Tzu; April 20, 2010 12:12 AM
Anonymous said...: Pls Meng Seng to drop the idea completely cos the PAP will win hands down with the CCL and other major infastructures completed and running. And not forgetting the economy is recovering strongly.; April 20, 2010 12:20 AM
michael said...: The best effective way to arrest the problems of the policy's excesses and failures is to encourage and support a sufficient number of candidates who are sincere, capable and committed to come forward to serve by standing in the next General Election. To start developing a two-party system is a good guarantee that our nation will continue to enjoy many more good years of peace, progress and prosperity because the high trust-level and the strong bond between the people and the government ensure that. BTW, Mr. Tan should consider seriously to take the plunge. I sense that Singaporeans are becoming much more mature politically this round.; April 20, 2010 5:55 AM
Anonymous said...: Mr Goh is truely effectively billingual. He is able to reach out to ore people.; April 20, 2010 6:15 AM
Anonymous said...: Reference Mr Goh Meng Seng's last paragraph:
"I think the most important thing is for people to realize that politics is about public service; ......
Public service may mean sacrifices on both financial as well as family time"

What an astonishing idea!

I've never heard of such a concept in Singapore before. Much less practised. Are you sure Mr Goh is a Singaporean? And Mr Goh, are you sure you are running for public office in the correct country?; April 20, 2010 7:47 AM
jobless said...: It has always been a challenge to unseat any MP, let alone to form a new government.
The sweets have been put on display already, to tempt voters.

A) CPF rates ( in words only )
B) more land for housing
C) openning of Circle Line
D) High GDP numbers
E) Clamp down on illegal HDB renting
F) clearing up Gelyang foreigners
G) Anti property speculation

and more to come..

I am certain the opposition is fully aware of all these. I am also certain that most Singgies will not want a total change.
But I am certain that I want a louder and effective presence in paliarment to counter the views of one party.
It may be divisive, it may give a "bad" impression to the investing community, it may affect job creation.. so? sell my soul?
So be it. I get to hear a different point of view which I am unable to now.

I only wish that the opposition is able to put up strong and robust counter points. This will allow us to weigh and decide with full cognitive conscience. Please.; April 20, 2010 8:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Tampines Residents should contribute if they sincerely wants a change of leadership. I'm sure non-residents are welcome too.; April 20, 2010 9:22 AM
Anonymous said...: Ref. Straits Times, 20 April, "UN a small dog, not an elephant", page A23. Paragraph 3.

Another great example of public service

Sir Richard & UNICEF managed to get 80% of the world's children immunised within 8 years and cut the number of children dying from curable diseases from 15 million a year in 1982 to 9 million a year now.

I'd like to see some public servants benchmarking their service, contribution and salaries against Sir Richard.; April 20, 2010 10:37 AM
Anonymous said...: many people wish TKL to enter opposition politics, but his family is the stumbling block, esp his wife. So we have to respect that.
It takes a lot of sacrifices to enter politics in a pseudo democracy like Singapore. Just hope that Mr. Goh would pick the Centre Part of Singapore like the AMK GRC, since he is betting his HDB flat and has an exit back up strategy should he fails. Gamble big and pick the PM's GRC, and if he wins, all Singaporeans would sit up and take part in the changing political scene. He would be the Kai Quo Wang Di.; April 20, 2010 10:46 AM
Anonymous said...: "Pursuing Freedom and providing others the freedom of choice is not free"
- Goh Meng Seng,
- Singaporean, April 20, 2010

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”

- Thomas Jefferson,
- April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826,
- 3rd President of the United States (1801–1809),
- Principal author of the American Declaration of Independence (1776); April 20, 2010 11:57 AM
Anonymous said...: Anon 10.37am's posting on UNICEF and Sir Richard.

After such great public service, Sir Richard should reward himself and his family with a cooking course in France at Le Cordon Bleu ... just like one of our own.

Source:
http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&as_q=singapore+civil+expensive+overseas+cooking+course&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=10&lr=&as_filetype=&ft=i&as_sitesearch=&as_qdr=all&as_rights=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=images; April 20, 2010 12:30 PM
Anonymous said...: """"Sir Richard & UNICEF managed to get 80% of the world's children immunised within 8 years and cut the number of children dying from curable diseases from 15 million a year in 1982 to 9 million a year now.

I'd like to see some public servants benchmarking their service, contribution and salaries against Sir Richard.""""

Big fat chance for any PAP members or Govt official doing that.

They rather go for a few weeks holiday and enjoy life in comfort in a nice foreign country. Taking up inconsequential activity like, French cooking and paying top dollars for it....say around $50,000 for that few weeks.

Sincerely help other people? Naahhh!; April 20, 2010 1:01 PM
Anonymous said...: 'Freedom is not free'. But 'True democracy is also not free'. So Singaporeans have to decide what do really want? LKY used to say 'Nothing is free'.; April 20, 2010 1:13 PM
Abao said...: I've seen Mr Goh Meng Seng a couple of times at his computer shop and though ideals might be different but he is sincere in his beliefs for a better Singapore.

Wish him all the best.; April 20, 2010 1:55 PM
Anonymous said...: salute and respect...
i wish someone like you will come to my GRC ...
Can we pooled in to up your war chest ?; April 20, 2010 1:57 PM
Vincent Sear said...: Well, there's no secret that I'm the mutual friend who passed the news to TKL.

I'd like to share an old World War II tale here, by a German named Martin Niemoller:

"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."; April 20, 2010 2:34 PM
Anonymous said...: He is a good man and really wish and pray hard for his success to bring down the ruling croonies now in Tampine !!!

Where to donate to help Mr Goh Meng Seng ?? Please advise we shall do our small part too !!!

I don't wish our next generations be pack into sardine can MRT and had to go oversea as maids... we had to close this wide-open floodgates and send them home (Foreign Trashes back !!!!).

We are overwhelm by this regime with lies and keep taking us for granted !!!!!!; April 20, 2010 2:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Forget it Mr Goh...Tampines might just end up in T.Pagar GRC :); April 20, 2010 3:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Freedom is not free. Pursuing Freedom and providing others the freedom of choice is not free - Goh Meng Seng

This is my new tagline on facebook; April 20, 2010 3:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Qn is, is mr goh gg to leave sg if he lost in tis election? Although I respect his actions, I'm kinda affected by his comment os "easier for me to return to hongkong". The difference between a politician and a politic player (政客) lies in a delicate line.; April 20, 2010 4:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Heart

He has the heart for Singapreans. We need more of this type of people with heart rather than many scholars with no hearts!; April 20, 2010 4:17 PM
Vincent Sear said...: To: Anonymous 4:11 PM

He's being sincere and frank, and holds nothing up his sleeves. He would have nothing left in Singapore if he doesn't win.

He's not the type who would say let's see how, maybe Changi Beach pitch a tent, when that wouldn't be true. If he has another country to go to, he'll say it upfront regardless of political cost. If he has to leave Singapore, I believe he'll cry, but he has family to take care of.

I know that he loves this country more than many. He had his good times in Singapore. He's from River Valley SAP, Hwa Chung JC, NUS Econs. Hons. and SAF Captain.

Why is he doing all these? He could live a good life by simply complying with the PAP system with his qualifications and credentials.

The thing is he cares and feels too much to be comfortable living a good life out of the miseries of a layer of at the bottom.; April 20, 2010 4:50 PM
Anonymous said...: How many people in spore can switch between Engish & Chinese at ease like him? Very few right?
For this alone I respect him.; April 20, 2010 5:30 PM
Anonymous said...: To: Anonymous 4:11pm

Have you ever question any PAP candidates if they have prepared a way-out if they lose a elections?

None of them ever need to answer this question cos they know they will win.

Lets see if something really bad happen to Singapore, who are the first to run road. I know who they are!; April 20, 2010 6:03 PM
Anonymous said...: GetToKnowHim

People need to know him more. Can someone knew him, publish his CV with back up?; April 20, 2010 6:09 PM
Anonymous said...: REX commnets as follows,

I don't think anyone should worry about where a candidate goes if he/she lost in the election. What is the point of such question?

If a person lost an election and chose to go to Timbuktu, that is his choice. If PAP candidate lost an election and go back to private practice, or migrate to Canada, what's the problem?

We should focus on what a candidate wants to do if he succeeds. We should focus on his manifesto. We should focus on whether we think he talks sense. Anything else, like where he goes if he loses, or like, his past history, is immaterial. Don't let anyway lay a trap.

One tip: Sue anyone who lays such traps (libel!) ha ha ha!!

I support.; April 20, 2010 6:56 PM
jagan takut said...: I believe Goh Meng Seng fully understands the political scenario in Singapore. This will probably be the last chance for Singaporeans to vote for alternative candidates to represent them with integrity.

The influx of foreigners by the millions and still counting, is the main reason it will become pointless for people like Goh MS to continue for subsequent elections......outcome is obvious.

If Singaporeans fail to see the PAP's motive is to perpetuate their rule instead of serving the people, then it is only fair they live with the consequences.

Dear fellow Singaporeans,
please don't expect good men to hang around and sacrifice forever.; April 20, 2010 8:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi,
I salute to Mr Goh for his selfless political sacrifice. However I hope he can hold his horses. Why? Singaporeans are not worth the effort at all. They only care for the sweets given out by the government. If he thinks that Singaporeans will change in the coming election, I don't think so. Just let our nation dying slowly!; April 20, 2010 11:12 PM
Anonymous said...: If only the MIW leaders exhibit such sacrifice for the people/nation. All MIW care about is that their salary must be as high as the top earners in the private sector!

Then hor....they tell us to moderate our expectations!; April 20, 2010 11:32 PM
fievel said...: Yes I'll like to offer my humble donation too. I'll gather my friends for the donation as well. Please set up a easy online paypal donation link or something of the sort.

Nothing like a man of the people for the people, unlike the incumbent Mah Bow Tan. Stay in his far away seven-heaven castle looking down on earth saying everything is fine.; April 21, 2010 2:52 AM
Bryan said...: Mr Goh Meng Seng, you have my utmost support and respect.

By walking the talk and taking action, you are already a notch above us all here; sad to say some of us are crotch politicians.

I'm in marine parade grc, it is going to be another walkover ..; April 21, 2010 3:06 AM
BryanT said...: For quite a while, GMS has been railing against the runaway prices of HDB flats as part of his strategy to strike at MBT, ala the humorously named “minister-specific” strategy.

Currently HDB resale prices are very high, as indicated by the large quantum of COVs being offered or demanded. GMS blames the government (and MBT) for its foreigner/immigration policies that he says caused this escalation.

Since his family is overseas and he is staying with his aged mother the house has probably been rented out or been left standing idle.

Ironically, he and his party are now BENEFICIARIES of the runaway HDB prices. Perhaps he should be thanking MBT for inadvertently creating the conditions such that his campaign can be better funded.; April 21, 2010 5:51 AM
Anonymous said...: Me stays in Tampines.

I will vote for Goh Meng Seng if he conrest at this Ward.

patriot; April 21, 2010 1:37 PM
Anonymous said...: To BryanT:

If GMS is a potential beneficiary of runaway HDB prices, then what do you say to those who peg their salaries to the highest paid while causing untold sufferings to Sporeans?

Your attempts at distraction is tasteless, a reflection perhaps of your feral moral bearings.; April 21, 2010 1:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Sammyboy Scroobal's reply:

Yes indeed. Its tell you how silly the PAP is having painted itself in a corner with a policy that has gone all wrong.

Its shows GMS political acumen in hanging MBT and the PAP with a rope that they gave him. It reminded me of the old man who badly wanted the Chinese speaking votes and introduced Mandarin and somehow convinced them that it was their mother tongue. In the meantime he closed Nantah and he still got his votes.

In fact this is the 1st time that a member of the opposition is using a PAP policy to screw the PAP and it does not look pleasant.

Thanks for raising this as it helps highlight and educate voters how silly the PAP has become. When GMS first made known that HDB is an issue and he will face off Mah to make his point, the PAP failed to act on it. All we got were throw-away lines and threats from the old man about people homes becoming worthless and Mah telling us how he was raised by a single parent and grew up in a one room flat.

We need more people like you to highlight issues where the PAP is caught napping etc.; April 21, 2010 2:24 PM
Anonymous said...: REX comments further,

People like GMS may not be that rare in terms of passion and inclination, and perhaps intelligence too. what is really rare is mentioned in his message "supportive wife".

I think there are no shortage of leaders and men with ideas how to move SINGAPORE to the next step and how to correct the aberrations of the incumbent. The problem is the woman!!

How many politically inclined men in Singapore, don't take the next obvious step because the Minister of Home Affairs says "NO!"

There are two things one loses when going into politics,

1. Husband wife relation may go bad if wife not politically inclined, Security is uppermost in Woman's psyche and, anti PAP is not a secure proposition.

2. Privacy is lost; cannot go to the supermarket of cinema without people noticing you. Children's privacy also affected!

So it is difficult to find the men coming out every election year.

On the brighter side, now that 30000 PMETs are out of job, i hope some of these PMET come forward and become politicain instead. Tell the Minister of Home Affairs, pay is good $13,000, much better then taxi driver job.
There has never been a better time for retrenched PMETs to go into politics. So much free time; just cut and paste the best ideas from the various blogs and make the manifesto. The hard part is to convince the Minister of Home Affairs.

rex; April 21, 2010 5:43 PM
Vincent Sear said...: To : BryanT and others concerned

GMS will not be profiteering from his sale of flat. He bought it at S$310k in 1997. The expected valuation level is now S$400k+. Less renovation costs and mortgage interests, he's just taking back his own money. And more importantly, he's going to use his own money for a national cause.

Buy high sell high. That's the norm in housing markets now. It makes no difference in terms of profits in a buy low sell low market. Except, in the market spiralling upwards, and HDB new flats benchmarking to market prices, even new flats become unaffordable to new families buying flats for the first time.; April 21, 2010 7:51 PM
Anonymous said...: I wonder why such a intelligent man like President Obama and Premier Hu did not ask for equivalent S$3.2 million a year salary?

I think they put nation and service in front of them instead of money.

In Sgp, since Govt has set a bad example it is very difficult for the peole not to be materialistic.

I can never get over the fact that a person earning $250,000 a month telling another person who earns #1,500 to:-

i) go for skill upgrading,
ii)not to spent too much time at work,
iii) spend quality time with family
iv) be faster, cheaper and better at work
v) Stay healthy and exercise
vi) Eat healthy like cook at home and buy good food

Then at the same time allowing 1.25 million foreigners into Singapore to work.

No wonder the $1,500 a month heartlander is stuck and confuse from listening to the $250,000 a month person. Kana left and right and still don't know what hit him....

Solution? Come to TKL blog and learn to think for yourself.; April 21, 2010 8:27 PM
Anonymous said...: """There has never been a better time for retrenched PMETs to go into politics."""

When they are already "retrenched", where got money???; April 21, 2010 10:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Rex comments on anon 10.05 pm

That is an interesting comment, "already retrenchd where got money".
How much money is needed to run?

Basically, going into opposition is a Business risk. No risk no gain. If you succeed you get $13,000 per month MP's pay. You have to assume you succeed, and you are MP for 5 years. 13,000 x 12 x 5 =$700,000. This is likely to cover a large part of the election costs, yes? PLAY TO WIN!! PLAY TO WIN!!!

Therefore, a retrenched PMET who has a bit of retrenchment benefits,a little bit of brains, a passion for doing justice, can really consider it.

Because there has never been a better time to enter politics. A retrenched PMET who cant find a job for 2 years is the ideal opposition politician - what is there to lose? Keep waiting another year and another, you think you can find a job at your age, and especially compete with "foreign talent"? Tang Gu!! You have nothing to lose!!
GO GO GO.

But read my post earlier, you have to convince the Minister of Home Affairs. That is where the obstacle is. Money problems can be solved, be optimistic and look at the $700,000 ahead of you.

There has never been a better time for mid-level professional PMETs to come out and do something for the country!!!
GO all ye retrenched PMET GO PMET GO PMET!!

rex; April 22, 2010 8:35 AM
Vincent Sear said...: Many people mistaken that once a candidate (whether PAP or opposition) gets elected, he'd get to keep all the S$13k or so allowance. That's not the case.

An MP has to contribute to party funds (the party that fielded him/her and helped him/her get elected) and his/her personal grassroot support expenses.

I estimate that an MP gets to keep between 1/3 to 1/2 of allowance.

A minister is different. The multi-million dollar salary is all his/her to keep. No opposition MP can be a minister unless PAP loses more than half of the seats.; April 22, 2010 12:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Monthly allowance of 13k is really peanuts to them. It is the connection that counts eg appointed to ....etc; April 23, 2010 4:05 PM

Monday, April 19, 2010

Personal sacrifice by Goh Meng Seng

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