I will write a note each day giving my personal perspective of the major events that have occurred during the my participation in the Presidentail Election 2011. I will start with the shocking results of polling only 5% of the votes among a field of 4 candidates.
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Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian, thank you for putting yourself forward. You have what it takes to be a good president but it was a fierce 4 corner fight, and I think many voters were still politically motivated, voting candidates related to the parties of their choices. I used to respect you. Now I respect you more.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr Tan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in this Presidential Elections (PE)and giving people another choice for voting. Don't be too disappointed with the outcome. You are still the person whom I respect and trust. I believe in your 5 values.
Although the PE is termed as a "non-political event", it is actually very political. Those candidates who managed to receive more votes have strong "political" background and they were involved in previous General Elections (GE) as well. There are groups behind supporting them for reasons best known to themselves. You are the only non-partisan candidate whose sole purpose is to serve the public and to be the Voice of the People. For that reason, it could explain the low votes that you have garnered.
Another reasons for the low vote could be that you did not have a very strong team supporting you on communication and public relation so that you can appear "good" in public's eyes in terms of your strategy and appearance.
I like you being frank and honest eventhough your words may not be too kind to some. However, there are still many people who like to hear words that are "politically" correct. As your daughter Su Ling has said, you cannot be a good politician, but you can be a good President. People should learn how to separate "politics" and "President" after this election.
Being an independent candidate, you also lack strong financial and large organisation's support.
I hope you can participate in the next PE again and the preparation can start slowly from now. By then, most Singaporean would have known you better for being outspoken, honest and frank. Not forgetting, your passion to serve the public. We really need a person like you who is non-partisan and care for the people.
Take care and all the best! I will vote for you again should you take part in the next PE.
Mr Tan, as anon 10:21 put it, many thanks for standing up. The campaign team and yourself were greenhorns. Take heart that you were sincere.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr Tan
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest you consider taking a well earned one week break before doing any post-mortem.
A good rest may give you a better perspective. And also a chance to talk to your friends.
I'm just concerned for you. And don't wish you to say anything that perhaps could be better said after a good rest. (c.f. George Yeo "I'm a free spirit" comment).
Best wishes from my family. All of us voted for you.
Reply to 2:35 pm
ReplyDeleteGeorge Yeo was unfairly attacked on his "free spirit" statement. It shows how nasty and unfair people can be.
No matter how careful a person is, he is likely to be attacked by someone who wants to attack him. I have also been a regular victim of these types of nasty attacks, so I empathize with George Yeo.
We should adopt a positive attitude towards other people, and not try to give a negative connotation to any statement and attack that person.
After GE, George Yeo seek for higher wisdom in India & China.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, TKL better spend some time to read philosophy.
Seriously Mr TanKL, which issues did you really raised up that you are confident of solving or at least come out with clear action plans.. Personally you come across to me as a president wannabe and try 'buy' and beg for votes.. Your campaign was clearly short of substance like the other candidates, and Unlike yours, most of them try pull votes without compromising their dignified approach.. I should believe the debate should be more on the responsibility of the president and how he could help unify singaporeans instead of increasing some of the resentments we might have against certain rulings.. Please don't take it personally, your 5% says it all... And you are supposed to be the people's person? With many support? Lastly I am sorry for those few charities that supposed to have your 2 million donations every year..
ReplyDeleteRead http://yeejj.wordpress.com/ analysis.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, you and your team were overly positive about your expected performance. Many takeaways and lessons to learn. Let's hope you and your team will learn the rights ones and not the drivel that is being given to you.
TT had the media and establishment.
ReplyDeleteTJS was vocal and anti-establishment.
TCB was seen as in between.
Those 3 had their respective niche which led to many supporters (friends) and many detractors (enemies) for each of them.
You had no niche. Few enemies but also few friends.
Unfortunately, your campaign of trying to please everyone led to you pleasing noone.
Dear Mr Tan,
ReplyDeleteMoving forward, there are still many useful & meaningful things that you could do for the people of Singapore if you still wish to continue doing so. You need not be a President to do all these.
Infact, it might be more restrictive by being a President as far as public services are concerned.
I wish you & your family well. Thank you.
Best Regards,
TJ.
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteYou may also not realised that during the last Lehman crisis, while it is very good of you to stand up for Singaporeans who lost money, you have also polarised and indiscriminately slammed and bad mouth people working in the finance industry, many are also ordinary Singaporeans working hard for living and also suffered from this.
So it is widespead that many Singaporeans working in financial institutions and banks (not just the sales staff, even the tellers etc)have the impression that you look down and hated them.
Many rank and file bank employees are not your so-called high paying jobs.
Just my observation for your future campaign and not to hurt your fellow Singaporeans feelings.
Dear Mr Tan,
ReplyDeleteThe President Election is now behind us. My guess is you're unlikely to stand again in future but I think you would continue your high spirited 'public servies' works. This is what Singaporeans should remember you as, rather than a candidate for the last President Election.
That said, after a good deserving good rest, may I suggest that you make known or list down at least 5 things that you wish to pursue on your public services in the coming 12 to 24 months. People, even those who did not vote for you thsi time would appreciate this!
Thanks.
B Regards,
DT
While I thank you for running for Presidency and allowing me chance to vote, I have to say that I am not a bit surprised with the outcome.
ReplyDeleteYou take almost all comments as an attack against you while you freely make negative comments against others and not see them as attacks.
I hope you take my feedback positively as I have no intention to attack you.