Friday, August 09, 2013

Top award for ex-President Nathan

Ex President Nathan is getting the top National Day Award, Order of Temasek (First Class) for exemplary service to the nation.

I have mixed feelings.

I know President Nathan to be a fatherly, friendly and humble person. So, I am happy that he is recognized for this award.

I also share the views of many Singaporeans, that he was paid quite handsomely for his service as President - perhaps more than $40 million over the two terms. So, it is not the same as voluntary or meritorious service  to the nation.

It would be nice for ex-President Nathan to donate a large part of that generous salary to a charitable foundation?

Or, for the Government to give a similar, but posthumous award, to former President Ong Teng Cheong?

These two gestures could do a lot to bring the people of Singapore together again.

6 comments:

Lye Khuen Way said...

Mr Tan, same sentiments here. Yes, the late President Ong should be similarly honoured.

Tan Choon Hong said...

$100 million. Amazing amount for a position that is largely ceremonial. Agree he might like to set up a foundation to help the underprivileged.

yujuan said...

Need a regime change to have such honour bestowed on our beloved "the moon represents our heart" President Ong Teng Cheong.
So tan gu gu.
What a strange country, those who deserves recognition most often gets passed over.
Believe that man is born basically good. Give ex President Nathan the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he has had made contributions to charity discreetly. Or he has already made plans to form a charity foundation after the bull's head and horse's face come calling. A million of his huge wealth to start the ball rolling is sup sup sui to him.
Cross our fingers.

Tan Kin Lian said...

Someone asked where Choon Hong got the figure of $100 million. This was the original figure given by me. I realized later that it was over-stated, so I reduce it to $40 million.

michael13 said...

$100 million or $40 million. All highly-paid politicians ought to do the right thing by donating some of their fortune money to the underprivileged in our society, so that they would not encounter "too strong the resentment" from the voters again in GE 2016. The "sour mood" which was accurately described by George Yeo to LHL in his failed bid to recapture the Aljunied GRC in the last GE 2011.

Tan Choon Hong said...

Thanks Mr Tan KL for the clarification.

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