Approaching unions for endorsements

At the Tiong Bahru market this morning, I met many people who recognized me. One man told me that he was a victim of the Lehman mini-bond but managed to recover 70% of his investment. He thanked me for my efforts. A few people recognized me as they were policyholders of NTUC Income. Some told me that they were vote for me, because I was willing to "speak out for the people". Another said that he supported me because I was the only candidate that is "neutral", i.e. not leaning towards the PAP or the opposition.

It was a great experience to interact with many Singaporeans who reacted warmly to me. During the last 35 years, I have made many friends and they are now coming forward to give me their support. I hope that this support will be reflected in the voting on 27 August.

The journalists asked for my views about the endorsements by several unions for Dr. Tony Tan. I replied that I would welcome endorsements from unions and cooperative societies, but I would not approach them as I do not wish to put them in a difficult position in having to decide on endorsing or declining a candidate that is not supported by the government.  I prefer to be endorsed by the ordinary people, who will be casting their votes in the Presidential election.

Tan Kin Lian

Remembering President Ong Teng Cheong

Mr. Ong Teng Cheong was the Secretary General of NTUC from 1983 to 1993. During this time, I got to know him, but not very well, as I was heading a NTUC cooperative.

In the early 1990s, Mr. Ong promoted the orchid motif as the symbol of the Singapore Dress. It was intended to be the national dress from Singapore, similar to the batik and barong talog used in our neighboring countries.

NTUC Income produced a set of ties in different colors using the orchid motif and presented them to Mr. Ong  on his departure from NTUC to contest the Presidential election in 1993. Mr. Ong chose the red orchid motif for his campaign and subsequently for his official photograph as President. I called it the "President's tie" and presented a tie to all Members of Parliament in 1993. Mr. Ong also used the other colors for other occasions.

President Ong was the founding patron of the Singapore Dance Theater. He asked the NTUC cooperatives to support the SDT  in promoting dance in Singapore. I promoted the SDT performances to the policyholders of NTUC Income and later joined the board of directors, where I served for 12 years.

President Ong was also the patron of the First Singapore Mount Everest Expedition which saw the successful ascent of the first Singapore to the highest peak in the world. NTUC Income was one of the main sponsors of this expedition.

I had the opportunity to know President Ong as a friend during this team as President where he asked for my help in the causes that he promoted. During the last two years of his term, I chaired the President's Charity event to raise funds for charity and to promote the Singapore Dress.

His wife was quite sick but she made a special effort to attend the second charity dinner. She passed away shortly afterwards. I organised 1,000 messages of condolences from Singaporeans, submitted through the internet, and presented the book to President Ong.

President Ong was a man of great talents - in understanding culture and the arts and in connecting with the people. He was willing to speak up for what he believed to be right, and carried out several bold initiatives that left their mark in Singapore.

Tan Kin Lian

Leadership renewal

Dear Mr Tan
Perhaps you may wish to incorporate the following yahoo forum posting in your blog.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The original spirit is for the EP to check on potential renegate ruling party. The effective EP should logically be a non-PAP minister/MP for proper check and balance.

Presidential election is for the people to decide.

Why did the elite "leadership" of unions and establishments so selfishly take side ? It must be for obvious reasons ie. to enjoy holding senior positions continuously 20-35 years ignoring the need for leadership renewal.

For the sake of Singapore's future, establishment-endorsed TT should graciously withdraw. Failing which, hope 2 out of the 3 other candidates will pull out.

This will help forge a Unifying Force (1-for-3 approach). The more focused voters will then be able go full steam help the Unifying Force garner a decisive 55-60% vote count, leaving TT with just 40% vote count.

Philip

Submitting the nomination papers

The Straits Times gave a sub-headline that I was considering to withdraw from the Presidential election. This is misleading and inaccurate and does not reflect my answers given to the media conference or posted in my blog. Channel News Asia has given an accurate report, which is stated here.

My supporters and I went on a walkabout at Ghim Moh market this morning. I was heartened by the warm reception of the residents and stall holders. Most of them recognized me and assured me of their support. Some, who have read the Sunday Times report, urged me to continue in the contest.

I wish to confirm that I will be submitting my nomination papers on 17 August.

Tan Kin Lian

Tips on buying insurance

This article contains some useful tips. Read them, before you buy any insurance.

Support Tan Kin Lian

If you support Tan Kin Lian for President of Singapore, you can leave your name and email address on this page: http://tiny.cc/3118j

Support for Tan Kin Lian as Singapore President

creator.zoho.com

SITF Award - British High Commissioner

This picture was taken at the SITF (Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation) Award ceremony. The tall gentleman in the picture was the British High Commission, Antony Phillipson. I asked him why he was so tall and he replied, "Yes, that is why I am called the 'High' Commissioner". 

Courtesy, SITF (www.sift.org.sg)

Statement - Participating in a 4 corner contest

My supporters and I had expected a contest of 2 or 3 candidates for the Presidential election. The issuance of the certificate of eligibility for 4 candidates has changed the landscape for the contest.

Some friends suggested that I consider stepping down to avoid splitting the votes of Singaporeans who prefer to elect a person who is truly independent of the PAP Government. They suggested that I would gain “political capital” for making this sacrifice.

Having thought over this matter, I am making full preparation for a 4 corner contest. My decision is consistent with the personal values that have brought me to this contest. These are the values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service.

I first articulated these values several years ago. I published these values in my blog and also teach the values to my students in a local university.

Earlier, I entered the Presidential contest to give a chance for the people to vote for a President and avoid a walkover. I also wanted them to vote for the values that will guide our country in the future.

My first goal of giving a chance for Singaporeans to vote has now been achieved, as there will still be a vigorous contest, if I decide to withdraw. But the second goal has still not been achieved.

As a public service, I had pledged to donate at least half of the salary to charity and other worthy causes. None of the other candidates have made any pledge on this kind.

As the voice of the people, I will convey the concerns and aspirations of the people to the government and work constructively with the government to find solutions that are best for the people.

Reflecting the value of fairness, I want to see Singaporeans enjoy a better quality of life, a lower cost of living and a narrower wage gap. I want to influence government policies to achieve this goal.

The Law Minister has said that these activities of the President are unconstitutional. I disagree. I have said - The constitution does not require the President to be dumb. By speaking out, the President will also be doing what is right for the people and the country.

It takes courage to argue against the Law Minister and other key ministers, and even to face the prospect of being removed from office. I am willing to speak up on what I believe to be right.

Being positive, I believe that my participation in the election is useful, as it gives the chance for people to think about this election from a different perspective – and to vote for person based on the values that he can bring to the country.

I also value honesty and wish to express my intentions clearly to the people of Singapore.

My friends have suggested that I shift my position either to the right to win the votes from the PAP camp or to the left to win the votes from the opposition camp. I prefer to avoid politics altogether and to approach this contest from a truly non-partisan angle.

I appeal to all Singaporeans, regardless of the political party that you support, to consider - Do you want to elect a President based on politics or on values that will guide our society and our country in the future?

I have served the people of Singapore in many capacities during my past 35 years. I was active in the grassroots movement and in working with trade unions, cooperative societies and in many government committees.

Many grassroots leaders, trade union leaders, cooperative leaders, civil servants and ordinary Singaporeans know me. They know the kind of person that I am and know that I have always been more concerned about the welfare of other people, rather than my personal gain.

I hope that the people who know me will give me your support – if you think that our country and our future can be better guided by a President with character and clear values and a heart for the people.

Tan Kin Lian

How to invest $100,000

Someone asked me, "how can I invest $100,000". I wrote this article to provide some tips.

Pivatisation of NTUC Income

STATEMENT FROM NTUC INCOME

The media had recently reported on Mr Tan Kin Lian's comments regarding his departure from NTUC Income. While it is not the policy of NTUC Income to publicly comment on staff matters, an exception has to be made in this instance so as to set the record straight.

In addressing his departure from NTUC Income in September 2006, Mr Tan had reportedly said that he 'fought suggestions (by the Board) that NTUC Income be privatised' and alluded to this as the reason for the Board asking him to leave.  The Board had no intention then and has no intention now to privatise NTUC Income.

Suffice to say, Mr Tan was asked to leave for other reasons. We do not think that it would be appropriate to disclose these reasons in the public domain.

STATEMENT BY TAN KIN LIAN
I welcome the statement by the board of NTUC Income that they do not intend to privatise NTUC Income. In my earlier statement, I had said that there were a few occasions during the past 15 years, when this issue was raised and discussed. As to the reason for my departure, NTUC Income had earlier issued a statement that the board wanted "to professionalise" the managment. It is the prerogative of the board to decide on the business strategy of the cooperative and I wish them all the best.

Statement by Tan Kin Lian - Getting the certificate of eligibility

I am pleased that the Presidential Election Committee has granted me the Certificate of Eligibility. From now on, all arrangements will proceed as planned, leading up to Nomination Day. At this juncture, I wish to assure the public and all concerned that my campaign will be run in a clean and dignified manner, as befitting the status of the office.

I will be collecting the certificate from the Election Department at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Tan Kin Lian

Contribution to NTUC Income policyholders over 30 years

My most important contributions over 30 years in running NTUC Income were providing insurance protection at lower premiums and giving a better return to policyholders on their savings.

The payout from the maturity of life insurance policies and the cash values paid on terminated policies were much higher than similar policies taken with other insurance companies, in most cases reflecting a difference of more than 20%,

When a policyholder received a payout of $100,000 on his or her matured policy, a similar policy taken from another insurance company would have paid perhaps $80,000. The difference of $20,000 is a large sum for the policyholder from modest background. The yield earned in the past was likely to be more than 5% per annum.

The higher payout was possible as NTUC Income was managed frugally during my tenure, and expenses were kept low. Furthermore, a larger portion of the investment gains were given to the policyholders in the form of high rates of bonuses.

For motor and health insurance, policyholders would remember that they paid lower rates of premiums compared to similar policies in the market and claims were generally settled promptly and fairly.

Many policyholders had seen the premium rates on their motor insurance increased significantly in the years after I have left. Although the increase was attributed to escalation of repair costs, the same difficulty was also faced during my tenure but my colleagues still managed to keep the premiums at a lower level.

My colleagues and I, who shared the cooperative principles, had done the best that we could over the 30 years to deliver to more than 1 million policyholders - the benefits that can be provided when an organisation is run with the values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service. I hope that the policyholders appreciate the contributions that we had made towards the welfare of their families.

I wish to bring these same values to the office of the President of Singapore. The government has done well but the people of Singapore will benefit even more when the policies of the government are also made and implemented on these values, especially the value of public service. I will use the soft power of the President and adopt a constructive and cooperative approach to influence the government to improve some of its policies, where appropriate, so that they can bring a better life for the people.

Tan Kin Lian


Video of my 30 years
Text of statement
National Day message

Guest book - TKL Blog

Thank you for visiting this blog. I wish to collect the email address of my regular visitors. Please sign in this guest book. Thank you for your cooperation.

Note: I have 2,500 unique visitors each day. I do not know who these visitors are. I hope that all visitors will sign the guest book. Thank you.

Latest: I am suspending this guest book for the time being due to malicious sabotage by an unknown person.

Concerns of the people

I read the views of Dr. Tony Tan on the role of the President. He now wants to understand the concerns of the people and to bring them to the attention of the government, using the appropriate channels, i.e.both formal and informal. 

Dr. Tony Tan now shares my position (stated in my statements found in www.tkl2011.com) that the President must speak up on behalf of Singaporeans. With our views converging, voters now have to decide on who can act independently of the Government in looking after the interest of the people.


It seems that Dr Tony Tan also disagrees with the Law Minister that the President cannot speak without the approval of the cabinet. 

Tan Kin Lian

Carrying out the pledges

Dear Mr. Tan,
You are the only Presidential hopeful who has pledged to donate at least half of the President's salary to charity. The other hopefuls are keeping silent on this point. 


You have also explained in detail how you wish to implement the "voice of the people" by forming a Presidential Personal Council. At least you have the plan to implement your key platform. I do not know how the other hopefuls plan to connect with the people. Maybe they will copy your idea - so you should copyright it.


Daniel

Limited period offer in i-Shop

There is a limited period offer of my books. You can enjoy discount of 50% on the following books:

Practical Guide on Financial Planning $6 (usual $12)
Get Value from your Life Assurance $6 (usual $12)
Practical Guide on Financial Planning - Chinese $6 (usual $12)
Intelligence Quiz Viol 3 $4 (usual $7.90)
Sudoku Vol 2 $4 (usual $7.90)
Wisdom on how to live life $20 per book (usual $25), $55 for 3 books.


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Reduction in yield

If you invest in a unit trust, look for one with an expense ratio of not more than 1%. If you buy a life insurance policy, look for one where the reduction in yield (similar to the expense ratio) is not more than 1.5%. The additional 0.5% is for the cost of life insurance protection.

Most life insurance policies have a reduction in yield of 3% to 4%. This eats into the return that should be given to the policyholder. A reduction of 3.5%, compared to a benchmark of 1.5%, means that one-third of the maturity value is taken away.

I wish to explain the reduction in yield. You can take the projected maturity or cash value of the policy at the end of (say) 25 years and the annual premium to calculate the actual yield, say X. The insurance company used a gross yield, say Y, to project the cash value. The difference (Y-X) is the reduction in yield. For example, if the insurance company uses 5.25% to projected the cash value and the actual  yield is 2%, the reduction in yield is 3.25%.

Read this article carefully to understand the impact. 

Statement from TKL - Prince Charles, voice of the people

At a recent Institute of Policy Studies forum, Law and Foreign Affairs Minister Mr K Shanmuggan noted that the law and conventions of the UK were distilled into the Singapore's Constitution i.e. the Singapore Constitution has been modeled on that of the UK.

While there were clear differences in circumstances, it t is interesting to note that former British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair indeed has had some issues and discomfort with Prince Charles who spoke publicly on various issues and hence, was playing his role as a Voice of the People. 

Notwithstanding this, Mr Blair eventually disclosed in a letter to the Guardian that "A prime minister may sound off from time to time, especially when sensitive discussions with members of the royal family leak into the papers, in the middle of some high-profile issue". He continued, "However, I want to make it clear that I always found my discussions and correspondence with Prince Charles immensely helpful. I thought he had a perfect right to raise questions and did so in a way that was both informative and insightful. So I welcomed his contributions, and have no doubt he will continue to raise issues with the new government as he is entitled and indeed it is his job to do, and that they will also find it helpful."

It is my hope that if I am elected President, I will have the meaningful dialog with the Government in my efforts to be the Voice of the People. It is my hope that this spirit of cooperation and mutual respect can prevail and that the outcome will be productive and beneficial for the people of Singapore.

Tan Kin Lian

More customer focused

http://singaporeactually.com/2011/08/10/i-felt-ntuc-under-tan-kin-lian-was-customer-focused-and-more-socially-conscious/

Razor TV - Voice of the People

http://razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/67096.html