Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Presidential Election - George Yeo
Several journalists have asked for my comments on the decision by BG George Yeo not to run for the Presidential election. Here is my reply.
I have high regard for BG George Yeo and believe that he has the qualities to make a good President, if he is elected. I respect his decision not to contest the election and wish him all the best for the future. I hope that BG George Yeo will be available to contest in a future election.
I have high regard for BG George Yeo and believe that he has the qualities to make a good President, if he is elected. I respect his decision not to contest the election and wish him all the best for the future. I hope that BG George Yeo will be available to contest in a future election.
Statement on the Role of Elected President
This statement contains Tan Kin Lian's views on the role of the Elected President, in reply to the statements made by several government ministers.
Recently, some present and previous senior members of government sought to clarify the role of the Elected President as defined in the Constitution of Singapore.
I welcome these clarifications and in principle agree with and respect the prerogative and responsibility of the Government to govern. I accept that the President's office is NOT a separate political centre and does not have any executive power. My own published statements as well as those in my blog have made the very same points.
The gist of the comments has been that the Elected President has only "custodial powers" and not "executive powers". I agree with these comment and in doing so, I would like to point out that we should not suggest that these custodial powers are unimportant or ineffectual. By definition, custodial responsibility entails the provision of protective supervision and guardianship. The Elected President does not govern but is responsible for ensuring that the defined areas under his "custody" are properly and satisfactorily
governed. Much can be achieved in a climate of co-operation and mutual respect. This will inevitably lead to national harmony and progress.
I believe that one does not need to be armed with strong executive powers to make an impact. A well qualified and properly elected President will make his impact through the power to persuade, to influence, to counsel, to convey feedback and if necessary, to articulate informed positions on specific issues.
The founding fathers of the Elected President's office would have wanted it to perform more than ceremonial duties. To quote Law Minister Mr K Shanmugan, "the President's veto powers are an important check against a profligate government squandering the nation's reserves, or undermining the integrity of the public service". These powers and responsibilities cannot operate in a vacuum and the Elected President should be given all needed support by the Government and the Civil Service to discharge these.
If I were elected as the President, I like to be able to work in full co-operation with the Government within the roles defined in the Constitution of Singapore. I will not have any political affiliation and will be guided by my five values of Honesty, Fairness, Positive Approach, Courage and Public Service. I will at all times also be guided by the views of the people, which I will actively seek.
It is my hope that in his desire to ensure enlightened transformation, the Prime Minister and his Government will respect, support and facilitate a credible role for the Elected President, for the overall good of the People of Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian
Recently, some present and previous senior members of government sought to clarify the role of the Elected President as defined in the Constitution of Singapore.
I welcome these clarifications and in principle agree with and respect the prerogative and responsibility of the Government to govern. I accept that the President's office is NOT a separate political centre and does not have any executive power. My own published statements as well as those in my blog have made the very same points.
The gist of the comments has been that the Elected President has only "custodial powers" and not "executive powers". I agree with these comment and in doing so, I would like to point out that we should not suggest that these custodial powers are unimportant or ineffectual. By definition, custodial responsibility entails the provision of protective supervision and guardianship. The Elected President does not govern but is responsible for ensuring that the defined areas under his "custody" are properly and satisfactorily
governed. Much can be achieved in a climate of co-operation and mutual respect. This will inevitably lead to national harmony and progress.
I believe that one does not need to be armed with strong executive powers to make an impact. A well qualified and properly elected President will make his impact through the power to persuade, to influence, to counsel, to convey feedback and if necessary, to articulate informed positions on specific issues.
The founding fathers of the Elected President's office would have wanted it to perform more than ceremonial duties. To quote Law Minister Mr K Shanmugan, "the President's veto powers are an important check against a profligate government squandering the nation's reserves, or undermining the integrity of the public service". These powers and responsibilities cannot operate in a vacuum and the Elected President should be given all needed support by the Government and the Civil Service to discharge these.
If I were elected as the President, I like to be able to work in full co-operation with the Government within the roles defined in the Constitution of Singapore. I will not have any political affiliation and will be guided by my five values of Honesty, Fairness, Positive Approach, Courage and Public Service. I will at all times also be guided by the views of the people, which I will actively seek.
It is my hope that in his desire to ensure enlightened transformation, the Prime Minister and his Government will respect, support and facilitate a credible role for the Elected President, for the overall good of the People of Singapore.
Tan Kin Lian
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Exorbitant hospital bill
Dear Mr Tan
My friend's godfather had to be hospitalized for several days because of a heart problem, a samaritan from his church readily helped oversee his admission and treatment.
The samaritan settled the bill - I think it was $16,000 or $18,000 for - and then asked my friend to pay her.
My friend examined the bill and refused to pay her yet cos it was just too exorbitant. The medicines alone (including antibiotics) cost $6,000!
So she went to the Net to check (and found a certain medication cos far far less) and asked for a meeting with the hospital. Earlier, when she called the hospital, a medical staff couldn't explain why the charges were so high. (We suspect it could be a scam involving the Samaritan and the hospital staff preying on sick, retiring people.).
So she went to the Net to check (and found a certain medication cos far far less) and asked for a meeting with the hospital. Earlier, when she called the hospital, a medical staff couldn't explain why the charges were so high. (We suspect it could be a scam involving the Samaritan and the hospital staff preying on sick, retiring people.).
A Straits Times journalist did a story on the need to be transparent on the medical/medicine charges), taking up on an issue that Sylvia Lim had raised in Parliament. That was just a few months before the general election. I hope the new Health Minister would make improvements.
CJ
My grandaughters - Vera and Nadya
Here is a picture of my two grand-daughters, taken more than a year ago. I will put up an updated picture later.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=192550964125262&set=pu.184996368214055&type=1&theater
In case you wonder why they have Russian names, my son-in-law Vitali is Russian. (Hear this song Moscow Night)
You can join my facebook page here: www.facebook.com/tankinlian.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=192550964125262&set=pu.184996368214055&type=1&theater
In case you wonder why they have Russian names, my son-in-law Vitali is Russian. (Hear this song Moscow Night)
You can join my facebook page here: www.facebook.com/tankinlian.
Monday, June 13, 2011
FISCA Financial Planning Talk - 25 June 2011
This is a full day talk to cover many topics in financial planning. Register early. More details are found here:
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Event.aspx?id=5
Be educated on financial matters, and safeguard your financial future. Learn how to get a fair return on your savings.
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Event.aspx?id=5
Be educated on financial matters, and safeguard your financial future. Learn how to get a fair return on your savings.
Medical fees and medicines
Mr Tan,
The medical fees and medicine inclusive to be paid by a citizen of Malaysia, when he / she visiting a government clinic, do you know how much is it? If you read the next statement you are going to faint… It is only paying Malaysia Ringgit 1 only !
The Malaysia government able to survive for the good of all the citizens since then, I wander the government of Singapore has to charge her citizens so much more when paying a visit to the government Polyclinics?
It is all from the fund of subsidies whether willing to take care of her citizens’ welfare. How other countries going to care for the citizens sickness or health,perhaps you may able to enlighten us.
CSF
Affordable Health Care
Many elderly people are worried about the cost of health care. Here are some suggestions on how it can be addressed.
http://tankinlian.com/Frame.aspx?PK=4e0a3473e6be102eac426aee6a492e0eThe moon represents my heart (4 languages)
TAKE A BREAK AND ENJOY THIS SONG (1,500 Signaporeans have viewed it!)
I dedicate this popular song - "the moon represents my heart" - sung in four languages (Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil) to my fellow citizens of Singapore. I hope that you enjoy it. This song was sung at a charity concert in 2006.
Note: This song was the favourite of Mrs. Ong, the wife of President Ong Teng Cheong. It is also my favourite song. I also dedicate this song to the memory of President and Mrs. Ong.
I dedicate this popular song - "the moon represents my heart" - sung in four languages (Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil) to my fellow citizens of Singapore. I hope that you enjoy it. This song was sung at a charity concert in 2006.
Note: This song was the favourite of Mrs. Ong, the wife of President Ong Teng Cheong. It is also my favourite song. I also dedicate this song to the memory of President and Mrs. Ong.
Good democratic system
View by Michael13 (posted as a comment in my blog)
Personally, I find that any good democratic system needs to have two important characteristics:
1. Empowering the people.
2. Uniting the nation.
In Germany, the government is very responsive to people's aspirations and their needs. And the people are respectful to their elected leaders and willing to cooperate. The relationship is more on equal partner basis. Unlike ours which is talking about 'Masters and Servants'(far from truth). I think the German sound education system contributes a great deal towards this very desirable happy outcome. Anyone cares to share?
1. Empowering the people.
2. Uniting the nation.
In Germany, the government is very responsive to people's aspirations and their needs. And the people are respectful to their elected leaders and willing to cooperate. The relationship is more on equal partner basis. Unlike ours which is talking about 'Masters and Servants'(far from truth). I think the German sound education system contributes a great deal towards this very desirable happy outcome. Anyone cares to share?
View by Tan Kin Lian (in reply to Michael 13)
I have high regard for the German education system (which I wrote about earlier in my blog). I also the values and practical approach of Germany - including their democratic structure (although I confess that I do not know this matter in depth).
I also like their social security and health care system - which are based on the right balance between pro-business and pro-people.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Temasek Review - Facebook Poll
Here is an interesting poll conducted by Temasek Review on Facebook.
The ranking is
George Yeo
Tan Kin Lian
Dr. Tan Cheng Bock
D.r Tony Tan
S R Nathan
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=question&id=10150274773225783
The ranking is
George Yeo
Tan Kin Lian
Dr. Tan Cheng Bock
D.r Tony Tan
S R Nathan
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=question&id=10150274773225783
SGEP - Singapore Economic and Social Portal
This portal provides links to articles (appearing in other blogs and websites) on economic and social matters affecting Singapore. http://www.easyapps.sg/SGEP/Latest.aspx It also makes a brief summary of the article.
It is a useful portal to get a good view of the articles that are posted elsewhere. You can click on the link to go to these websites.
You will see comments from other people about Tan Kin Lian. Some of these comments are based on mis-understanding about my intents. Please correct them by referring them to the statements in my website on the Presidential Election (see http://www.tankinlian.com/Information.aspx?CatID=16)
Some people make defamatory statements about me. You can ask them to substantiate their statements or stop their defamation. Help me to combat these smears.
Tan Kin Lian
It is a useful portal to get a good view of the articles that are posted elsewhere. You can click on the link to go to these websites.
You will see comments from other people about Tan Kin Lian. Some of these comments are based on mis-understanding about my intents. Please correct them by referring them to the statements in my website on the Presidential Election (see http://www.tankinlian.com/Information.aspx?CatID=16)
Some people make defamatory statements about me. You can ask them to substantiate their statements or stop their defamation. Help me to combat these smears.
Tan Kin Lian
A view on the Internal Security Act
Dear Mr. Tan,
For me, everyone in this world, terrorists, criminals or not, deserves a fair trial. There might be times that the country must use draconian laws to detain a suspect based on intelligence that he might commit a large scale crime. However, at other times, if the country uses the draconian law at any slightest flimsy belief that a person is jeopardizing the security of the country, it can be said that the country is no better than a terrorist himself.
The president council, which advises the president on this matter, will play an important moral role in determining whether ISA should be deployed. The president and his council must not be seen as a trigger-happy entity. As such, the president council, upon receiving intelligence, information and recommendations from the home ministry that ISA should be invoked, must scrutinise the information very carefully.
Firstly, the president council must be at least 95% confident that the Home ministry's justifications on the use of ISA is valid. After that, the council may advise the president accordingly, and the president would have to scrutinise the information again and must be at least 95% confident that the council's justifications are valid. (As to what information and intelligence that can substantiate a 95% confidence, I am not privy to them so I think you need to do more research on it since you are running as president).
And so the Home Ministry gets the nod and proceed to arrest the suspect under ISA. Then, by all means a fair trial should be prepared immediately for him. The president might have no discretion on this matter, but I think it is fairly appropriate and within the constitution that the president can speak-up and urge on this matter and not maintaining silence, since the president is directly involve in the arrest. The president must show a moral authority that advocates a fair trial for everyone.
According to the constitution, the ISA detainee may be detained for up to 2 years, after which the Home ministry can extend the period indefinitely. It needs the assent of the president, but here the president have no discretion.
What the president should do in this case is to push for transparency as to why the ISA detainee is arrested in the first place. Since it is already 2 years, documents which leads to the arrest ought to be published for the public to see. Only then the public can perceive the government as free and fair. If 2 years is too short and the issue is still a national security where documents must be kept secret, then by all means extend the declassification to 3 - 5 years later. But whatever it is, at the end provide justification on the decision of the government and the president.
The president council, which advises the president on this matter, will play an important moral role in determining whether ISA should be deployed. The president and his council must not be seen as a trigger-happy entity. As such, the president council, upon receiving intelligence, information and recommendations from the home ministry that ISA should be invoked, must scrutinise the information very carefully.
Firstly, the president council must be at least 95% confident that the Home ministry's justifications on the use of ISA is valid. After that, the council may advise the president accordingly, and the president would have to scrutinise the information again and must be at least 95% confident that the council's justifications are valid. (As to what information and intelligence that can substantiate a 95% confidence, I am not privy to them so I think you need to do more research on it since you are running as president).
And so the Home Ministry gets the nod and proceed to arrest the suspect under ISA. Then, by all means a fair trial should be prepared immediately for him. The president might have no discretion on this matter, but I think it is fairly appropriate and within the constitution that the president can speak-up and urge on this matter and not maintaining silence, since the president is directly involve in the arrest. The president must show a moral authority that advocates a fair trial for everyone.
According to the constitution, the ISA detainee may be detained for up to 2 years, after which the Home ministry can extend the period indefinitely. It needs the assent of the president, but here the president have no discretion.
What the president should do in this case is to push for transparency as to why the ISA detainee is arrested in the first place. Since it is already 2 years, documents which leads to the arrest ought to be published for the public to see. Only then the public can perceive the government as free and fair. If 2 years is too short and the issue is still a national security where documents must be kept secret, then by all means extend the declassification to 3 - 5 years later. But whatever it is, at the end provide justification on the decision of the government and the president.
Sophia Ong
Payment to FISCA
Some people asked how to make payment of FISCA for subscription, event or donation. Please read here
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Guide.aspx?id=5
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/Guide.aspx?id=5
Do we need an Elected President?
There is a long thread in my Facebook account on this questions. I have joined in the conversation with this reply:
Many people think that we do not need to pay $4.2 million for a President to do the job. I agree. In my statement, I have stated that I would donate a large part of the salary towards charity, if I am elected. Read my various statements here:http://www.tankinlian.com/
Many people think that we do not need to pay $4.2 million for a President to do the job. I agree. In my statement, I have stated that I would donate a large part of the salary towards charity, if I am elected. Read my various statements here:http://www.tankinlian.com/
Financing your child's tertiary education
I saw an article in the Sunday Times about the high cost of financing your child's tertiary education and the need to make savings towards this goal. I wish to supplement the article with these tips:
1. Financing your child's education is only one part of a total financial plan. You also need to save for your own retirement needs.
2. You should set aside 15% (or more) of your monthly income towards savings, on top of your CPF contributions. There will be times in the future when your income drop or you have to meet unexpected expenses or you get unemployed - so it is important to make adequate saving when you have a steady income.
3. You have to invest your savings in a low cost investment fund to achieve a yield of 4% or higher for the long term. Your money in the bank earns less than 1% per annum. The bank may try to sell you a life insurance policy that give you a long term yield of less than 3% per annum (and it should be avoided).
4. Read about financial planning from my book here (www.tankinlian.com/ishop) or attend the educational talks organised by FISCA (www.easysearch.sg/fisca). Be educated about financial planning and be able to make the right decisions.
Tan Kin Lian
1. Financing your child's education is only one part of a total financial plan. You also need to save for your own retirement needs.
2. You should set aside 15% (or more) of your monthly income towards savings, on top of your CPF contributions. There will be times in the future when your income drop or you have to meet unexpected expenses or you get unemployed - so it is important to make adequate saving when you have a steady income.
3. You have to invest your savings in a low cost investment fund to achieve a yield of 4% or higher for the long term. Your money in the bank earns less than 1% per annum. The bank may try to sell you a life insurance policy that give you a long term yield of less than 3% per annum (and it should be avoided).
4. Read about financial planning from my book here (www.tankinlian.com/ishop) or attend the educational talks organised by FISCA (www.easysearch.sg/fisca). Be educated about financial planning and be able to make the right decisions.
Tan Kin Lian
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