Tranparency and Political Salary

http://singstatistician.blogspot.com/2011/06/tan-kin-lian-leads-way-with.html

CV of Tan Kin Lian up to 2007

Here is my CV up to 2007 - the time that I retired from NTUC Income.

Safeguarding the reserves

Many people have asked me, "Mr. Tan, if you were the Elected President, what would you do to follow the steps taken by President Ong Teng Cheong to safeguard our reserves"?

I have written this paper to explain the issues involved in performing this role and the new approach that I intend to take, if I were elected as President.

http://tankinlian.com/Frame.aspx?PK=ca7880a4e1f0102eac426aee6a492e0e

I have now decided to contest the Presidential Election (if I am given the Certificate of Eligibility). I shall issue a full statement today or tomorrow.

Transparency of reserves

Dear Mr. Tan

I like the part which you said as a President, you will improve the transparency of our reserves. That's a mammoth task and a huge undertaking in terms of responsibility and duty to the people. But I am confident that you will be able to deliver it, given your experience in finance.

REPLY

I will writing on this matter soon - what is the challenge and how to approach it.

Ask Tuition

Dear Mr. Tan,
Inspired by your actions, I would like to recommend to your readers a website: www.asktuitionsg.wordpress.com
My son has been using it for his academic studies. This website helps to clarifies and provides solutions for students without any charges. I think it will greatly benefit needy students whose parents who cannot afford the expensive tuition fees.
Roger Lim


REPLY
I have posted a link in my Blog Roll. All the best.

Shares the same values

There is a difference between people who work together because they share the same values and those who work as "yes" men.

An ex-colleague has given his views about my management style and being surrounded by "yes" men. I do not mind his observation, but it is unfair to my former colleagues who are tainted by his statement. I have posted this reply in his blog. Read here.

The meaning of public service

I wish to explain my concept of public service and to introduce an idea for a new charity to help poor families to pay the school fees of their children and hospital bills of the elderly people. 


It will be funded by a significant portion of the salary of the President, if I were to be elected into this office, and will seek  the support of many kind hearted and wealthy people in Singapore. Read here.

Posting in Yahoo website

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/netizens-list-choice-pore-next-president-162712525.html#mwpphu-container

Like to read comments about Tan Kin Lian, former CEO of insurance company INCOME.

He was prepared to act independently in 2008, duing the financial cirisis, to support those who had been mis-sold structured financial product. He did not wait till 2011 when it became clearer that many people were disenchanted with the PAP style of ruling the nation.

In INCOME, he was always advocating that the investment gains should go to customers rather than to pay fat commissions. Inspired by Dr Goh, He pushed INCOME to never forget the low wage customer while foreign insurance companies preferred to chase the more well-off customers.

Now he says he will donate a large part of the EP salary to charitable purposes. http://preview.tinyurl.com/6jtzvep

Some say he is not a very sociable guy -- but actually, if you put your heart into the job, its not very hard to fulfill the ceremonial functions and to go around making small talk, shaking hands, holding babies and posing for pictures with the public. This is not the hardest part of the job -- the really hard part is to have enough understanding of the complex financial world to ensure our reserves are well managed (decent returns with minimum risk) and guarded.

Anthony Chia

Lehman investors get $100 million surprise - Australia

http://www.theage.com.au/business/lehman-investors-receive-100m-surprise-20110516-1eq25.html

Deposit Insurance Scheme

The Government guarantee, given during the 2008  financial crisis, on all bank deposits in Singapore will expire soon (or has expired). In the future, bank deposits will be covered under the Deposit Insurance Scheme. This FAQ explains how the deposit insurance scheme works. It will also be the agency for the Policyholder Protection Fund (which comes into operation when an insurance company becomes insolvent).

Operation Spectrum 1988

Here is an article of Operation Spectrum, which was used to arrest 22 social activists and professionals on the accusation that they were "Marxist conspirators". They were detained under the Internal Securities Act, without trial.  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Spectrum.

Recently, I met Vincent Cheng and Teo Soh Lung, who were alleged to be the ring-leaders. They told me about his activities at that time (mainly as social workers to help people with difficulties) and their treatment under detention. Both are mild mannered and soft spoken and can hardly be considered as people capable of conspiring to overthrow the Government.

When the operation occurred in 1988, I did not follow the event closely. I was not active in the grass-roots or political work and not connected to the church. I did not have any source of information apart from the newspapers and was quite skeptical about what was being reported. There was no Internet at that time.

This kind of abuse of the Internal Securities Act is less likely to happen today, due to the availability of alternative media, such as the Internet, blogs and facebooks.

Tan Kin Lian
 

Follow TKL blog

You can register to follow this blog. Click on the icon on the right. Each morning, you will receive an e-mail showing a summary of the new postings in this blog. I have registered as a follower only recently, and I now get a daily e-mail. It is a useful summary.

Denise Phua and Ministers' Salaries

Hi Mr Tan Kin Lian,

 

I have followed your blog since 2007. Find that most of the posted issues are factual and objective. These are the reasons that your blog is so popular and has a record of about 3 millions visitors record till date. In fact, some of my friends read your blog first in every morning.

It is my sincere hope that you can post the attached Denise Phua's speech on your blog. This can be a good reference for the Salary Review Committee.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/denise-phua-lay-peng/on-ministeral-and-civil-service-pay-april-2007-denise-phua/223223204357421

 

As regard to your decision to run for the presidency, it is a noble thought that you do not want any walkovers. The only thing is to participate in the race. LET THE BEST MAN BE THE WINNER.

 

Paul 

 

The toxic investments saga in 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26GKHmbZCzQ

Powers of the President of Singapore

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powers_of_the_President_of_Singapore#Internal_Security_Act

Create the Singapore we used to love

http://singaporeshortstories.blogspot.com/2011/06/support-tan-kin-lian-as-president-of.html


I really hope Tan Kin Lian will become Singapore's next President and help recreate the Singapore we used to love. A Singapore where people are friendly to each other, a Singapore where money does not divide or dictate the status of a person, a Singapore where Singaporeans can feel home, can feel the true quality of life, and not via measure of how much a person earns.

Mr Tan, would really hope you can be our President of Singapore and bring enlightenment to our Singapore Society which is now lost due to money.

Misplaced trust in the system

Dear Mr. Tan,

May I know if you were elected president, would you be able to set up a board of inquiry into the many different cases where innocent consumers lost money because they trusted the system too much?

- true spa subtle senses wax in the city wellness village naughty by nature etc
- land banking
- minibonds
- teachers who have to pay liquidated damages for failing their practicums

I hope you will expose the many injustices in Singapore.


Victim


REPLY
I do not know if this is possible, but I will give it some thought.

Encouragement from a student of SMU

Hi Prof. Tan

I was a staunch believer of the Singapore government and their way of doing things. But as time passes and at this present time, I finally begin to understand the simmering unhappiness among many of our citizens. I begin to see and acknowledge that there is a wide group of people that have fallen through the cracks and our country is no more what it used to be in the 1990s, a melting pot of diverse cultures but one where people who were born here cannot really call home anymore. The familiar feeling of being unfamiliar is ever present.

But alas, the elections has indeed brought about change. Today’s Straits Times mentioned about how a mother used to write to MOE but fail to get a response in the past, but now she gets a response on her feedback. This can only be good for Singapore in the long run and I believe you would act as a good check and balance on the PAP government. I have attended numerous opposition rallies and have learnt a lot from those.

I trust you would make a good president. Regarding the prospect of smear campaign, I think it is inevitable given this day and age of the Internet but I feel that as long as you are answerable to yourself and believe what you are doing is right, everything is justifiable.

Hope this personal encouragement message reaches you well and all the best!:)

Student of SMU

Questions for Tan Kin Lian

Samantha Anne Wimala4:44pm Jun 5th

Dear Mr Tan

As a concerned citizen of this country and first time voter, I would like to ask two possibly very difficult questions:

1) If elected, how do you propose to look after the reserves of our country? I do know that you have a wealth of experience and would be more than qualified to handle the task at hand, but it would be most helpful if you could give an insight as to whether you would do anything similar or different from the past presidents.

2) Secondly, a question has emerged among netizens as to the involvement of Dr Tan Cheng Bock in Operation Spectrum. In the interest of fairness, I would have to ask you, most respectfully of course, if you agree with the manner in which the operation was handled? Also, in keeping with the theme of this question, I wish to ask (since I did ask Dr Tan the same question), if elected, would you work towards the phasing out of the Internal Security Act or do you feel that the Act is still relevant today?

I would be most grateful if you could answer my questions. It would be most helpful for us voters to have a clear insight into who we wish to see in the Istana.

I would like to end off by thanking you for wishing to run for president, and to speak up for the common man.

Many Thanks and Best Regards,

Samantha

REPLY

I will give my reply to your issues in due course.

HK and mini-bonds

SFC’s strategy in resolving Lehman Brothers-related matters bears fruit
http://www.sfc.hk/sfcPressRelease/EN/sfcOpenDocServlet?docno=11PR61

Vera visits Sydney Aquarium

Vera is my grand-daughter. We took the Sydney monorail and visited the Sydney Aquarium.
stttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYDnJ_SgJWE

Service to the country

Dear Kin Lian. 
Back in the early eighties, I used to be a part-time insurance organiser under you. We like your management style. Very clear and pro-people. To be an EP is a service to the country. You are not that old? You see Dr Tan already 71 yo and he is so keen to run. I think in the best of my knowledge you are the most suitable. Second would be George Yeo. 
K Wong

The Presidency - better the devil you know

http://thetwophilo.wordpress.com/2011/05/29/the-presidency-better-the-devil-you-know%E2%80%A6/

Beliefs and principles

Dear Tan K L, 

You are the right man to run for President. My family will vote for you.

Once I had an email exchange with you when you were CEO Income. Though we could not agree, you have gained my respect. You stood by your beliefs and principles and did what you thought was for the overall good of the motor insurance industry. You also took the trouble to personally handle your email with your customers. That clearly shows your concern for your customers, whether they agree with you or not. 

I believe you have an independent mind and clearly wants to do what is truly good for the people of Singapore. We need more independent minded, able and honest people like you to stand up for the people of Singapore. Institutions like the Presidency can only work well if they are helmed by good people. 

It is time to show PAPhile 

Singaporeans that the incumbent ruling party does not have a monopoly of good people. If anything, GE2011 shows that they are already scraping the bottom of the barrel.


Clement Song

PAP getting a fit

http://rogerpoh.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/tan-kin-lian-for-president-pap-getting-a-fit/

Be our People's President

Dear Mr Tan

 

I am deeply delighted and pleased to read about your consideration to stand as a candidate in the coming Presidential Election.

 

Singapore needs a People's President, a President who is not only well-loved by fellow Singaporeans but one who will be a strong advocate of Singaporeans and champion their rights and interests.The results of the General Election have shown that Singaporeans are generally not satisfied with life as it is now in Singapore. We need a President who will be able to feel for the common men and women on the streets and act on their behalf.

 

In the last few years, Singaporeans have seen how you are a strong advocate for Singaporeans, e.g in the advocating of the rights of ex mini-bond investors and most importantly you have been giving invaluable advice to Singaporeans on various arenas of life in your blog and website.

 

My friends, colleagues and I really hope you can contest in the coming Presidential Election and win the election to be Singapore People's President!

 

Thank You.

 

Best Regards,

 

Singapore Short Stories

 

Letter of appreciation

Hi Mr Tan,

This email is not meant to influence your decision whether or not to run for the presidential election. It will be selfish of strangers to ask you to stick out your neck so that our reserves can be safe-guarded by a man who can be trusted to do the right thing without fear and prejudice. I think your family members are the best people to do so because they will be the ones who will be directly affected by your decision.

However, I want to let you know that you have my vote if you stand for Presidency. I will also persuade my wife to vote for you as the President.

The reasons for my supporting you is clear from the letter of appreciation that I wrote to you one year ago.


hyom

Blog: Why Tan Kin Lian must run for President

Hi Mr Tan

 

I did the following blog posting. Just another small voice urging you to run.

http://singstatistician.blogspot.com/2011/06/why-tan-kin-lian-must-run-for-president.html

If you run, I believe that you will have a very high chance of winning. 

 

Best Rgds

Aurvandil

TKL speech at the NSP rallies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGx-W89zxM

Facebook Page - Tan Kin Lian for President

Dear Mr Tan, I'm the guy that set up the Facebook Page, Tan Kin Lian for President:http://www.facebook.com/TanKinLian Many of your supporters want you to stand. You are the only one we can count on to be truly independent in the position of Elected President. Don't disappoint us! If there are any links you want me to send through the page, let me know. Cheers, Kenneth MESSAGE FROM TAN KIN LIAN: Please go to the Facebook page and view the postings of materials relevant to my participation in the Presidential Election. http://www.facebook.com/TanKinLian

Speeches at General Election rallies

A journalist asked why I agreed to speak at the general election rallies for the NSP and the SDP and not for the WP and PAP.

The answer is simple - Goh Meng Seng (NSP) and the SDP organiser asked me to speak and I accepted. The WP and the PAP did not ask me.

Each party and each person has positive points, including the PAP. If I am invited, I will highlight their positive points and be honest about it.

I am not affiliated to any political party now (having resigned from the PAP in 2008) and have friends in all the political parties, including the PAP.

I believe that it is more important to identify the values that should guide us personally and to be shared in our society. I believe in the values of honesty, fairness, positiveness, courage and public service as explained here.

It is the values that people should focus on and not the party that they are affiliated to. I hope that my supporters understand and support me for the values that I represent. Please share your views in this blog.

Tan Kin Lian

An imperfect President

Read this observation by Dharmendra. They describe my character, values and shortfalls quite fairly - although Dharmendra puts them in a positive light as a friend.

TKL running for Presidency

Report by CNA

Report by Razor TV

Follow your heart

Dear Mr Tan,

I read your post today. And I think you should run for the Presidency. Singapore deserves an alternative voice.

I have been following your blog regularly and I think you will serve Singapore as a respectable and non partisan President. This is what Singapore needs.

However, please follow your heart. Whatever your choice is, I believe Singaporeans will fully support it.

Seng Ti

Principles of fairness and cost control

Hi Kin Lian,

I just read about your statement on standing for Presidency. I do sincerely hope that you will stand for Presidency. I like the principles (of fairness and cost control) you adopted when you were the CEO of NTUC Income. As a result, many policy holders (myself included) have benefited. As a President, a lot more S’poreans would be able to benefit from your work. You would be able to complete what the late Ong Teng Cheong started (and prevented from accomplishing) and go beyond.

I believe PAP has learnt their lessons from GE 2011, when all their smear tactics backfired, badly. Therefore, I hope your wife will support your contest for Presidency. Looking forward to that!!

TY

Good advisory team

Hi Mr Tan,

It's great to know that you are considering to run for the Elected President. Despite your doubts, I feel that Singaporeans need to have a counter-balance to the current government. I personally feel that the status quo is too pro-government at the moment. I think you can assemble a good advisory team and will make a great president.

weipeng

Spoke at NSP Rally

Mr. Tan,
NSP had won my vote because of your endorsement for the party. Should you decide to contest for the Presidential election - you have my vote.

 Cindy 

Video - speech at NSP Rally

Good moral people

Dear Mr. Tan,

I would like to urge you to stand for Elected President for a simple reason that in today's Singapore, we really need good, moral people at leadership positions.

The immorality (Guru Dick in my book) is really spreading far and wide into our Society. I mean they are everywhere. So, who can stop the menace and reverse the trend?

For the sake of millions of Singaporeans, come out and show them that there are good, moral Singaporeans around. I'll support you in whatever way I can.

Tommy Wong

Author - Wisdom on How to Live Life

Promoting the values

Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian

 

Thank you for promoting the values of honesty, fairness, courage, positive attitude and public service and Improve the transparency of the reserves

YOU CERTAINLY CAN HELP THOSE WHO NEED HELP and IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY :)

 

Many of us trust that you can win the 2011 PE

My family and I and friends (est total shd be at least 300) will vote you :)

I promise you from now onwards i will promote your values :)

 

Michelle Ang and friends

What "Tan Kin Lian for President" means

Here is a view from a former colleague.

Previous article, 18 October 2008

Previous article, 23 September 2006
 h
ere.
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Website - TKL for Elected President

I wish to thank well wishes for your e-mails and Facebook entries expressing support for the possibility of my standing for Presidential Election.

I wish to invite you to go to this website http://www.easyapps.sg/tklep/ (still under development) for the following:

a) Click on "Register" and give your particulars, if you are willing to help me in the campaign or in any capacity (indicate in the notes).

b) Click on "Opinion" (to be changed to "Endorsement" later), if you wish to say a few words to endorse my candidature. I will post them in my website.

Tan Kin Lian

Character and values

I believe in the values of honesty, fairness, courage, positive attitude and public service. It is explained in this paper which I teach my students in Singapore Management University.

Certificate of Eligibility for Presidential Election

My friend collected the Certificate of Eligibility form for the EP election on my behalf today. I have still not decided to stand for election, as my wife has reservation about my participation. 

Read this statement.


Png Eng Huat collect the forms

For the betterment of mankind

Listen to John Lennon’s song “Imagine” and read Tommy Wong’s books “Wisdom on How to Live Life”, you will find that amazingly both deliver the same messages for the betterment of mankind.

Tommy Wong’s books can be ordered here.

Pay and Pay

Read this article by Dr. Wong Wee Nam.

Dominique of IMF

A song

Car Pool

Join a car pool and have a comfortable and inexpensive ride to your workplace and home, and protect the environment as well. Read this message.

Advertisements in Business Mail

Click here for a list of these advertisements. Read only those that interest you and skip the others.

Consultations with Dr. Tommy Wong

Dr. Tommy Wong offers consultations on personal growth and happiness, based on the concepts in his book, "Wisdom on how to live life".

Singapore has highest concentration of millionaires

Singapore has the highest concentrations of millionaires, amounting to 15.5% of the population, followed by Switzerland and Qatar. Is this due to high property prices? Read this article.

Key financial figures of REITS

Many REITS (real estate investment trusts) give a dividend yield of more than 5%. The rentals are likely to increase over the long term. Even if the rentals drop due to a bad economic situation, the yield will adjust downwards, but will still remain attractive.

I have posted the key financial  figures for some REITS, as provided by a stock broker, in the FISCA website (www.easysearch.sg/fisca). They are available for members only.  Please note that this is just a brief summary - you have to get more details from your stock broker before you decide to buy them.

Tan Kin Lian

Asking for Advice

You have to present the full facts before you ask someone (like me) for advice or assistance. Read this article.

Non-disclosure agreement

Some consumers have a dispute with a financial institution. After lodging the complaint, they are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The consumer does not know what to do, or how to seek advice, as they are afraid to disclose the details of the negotiation to a friend for friendly advice.

When the consumer brings the case to FIDREC, they are also asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The consumer faces the same difficulty.

I have written a paper on this matter to guide consumers to how to get advice, after they have signed this agreement. This paper is available to FISCA members only, in the FISCA website (www.easysearch.sg/fisca).

Tan Kin Lian

Shape Quiz competiton - TKL office

You can organise a shape quiz competition.  The shape quiz book and minipak can be ordered here. The handling charge of $3 is waived during the promotion period. (You can also see a view of my office in the video).

The shape quiz is good for children, adults and seniors. It helps to train their mind in creativity and also to keep the mind alert. The book book comes with the puzzle and the solution.  You can also buy the tangram book.

Encouraging developments in Singapore

When PM Lee made the sweeping changes in the cabinet, I shared the views of many other people that the new ministers may not be able to handle the issues that they have to take charge of.

So far, the developments have been encouraging:

• The minister for national development has decided to build 25,000 new flats and over 10,000 rental flats quickly
• The minister for transport is seen taking buses.
• Many ministers are more proactive in getting feedback from the public and responding to them in a positive way.

We may be seeing a new style of governance and political climate in Singapore.

Tan Kin Lian

Interesting places around the world

Watch the power points and images in this website, contributed by Mike Hansford. Mike used to travel around the world when he worked for a reinsurance intermediary. He receives these power points from friends and wishes to share them with other friends.

Village in Holland - Giethoorn

Mike Hansford sent me this powerpoint about a picturesque village in Holland. Enjoy it.