Sunday, August 28, 2011

Appreciation from a supporter


Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for taking the courage to come forward to stand in the Presidential election, though you have not make it and lost your deposit etc. 

Mr Tan, I know you are the people's people and I am definitely sure there is a purpose for the defeat.  With your 'voices of the people' website I know moving forward singaporeans need an avenue for them to voice out.   A good example, the result shows the high percentage of singaporeans still unhappy with even the current policies and that is why they vote others instead and want a active President with transparency and not a passive President just lay back and collect $m.  Knowing how the current system works, probably any feedback given to the civil service will not be actioned.  This is proven todate.   With your website, at least other singaporeans will know what is going on

Mr Tan, though I was unable to assist you due to the demise of my father, my family would like to thank you for your presence during the wake despite your tight schedule   You are really a people's person.   Imagine during the wake period, no sight of the presence or a note of condolences from his MP.   This is really sad.  Compared to opposition wards I understand that their MPs make it a point to attend every wake in their ward.  This is really complacency and such MPs should not even exist.

Once again, thank you, Mr Tan.

David Soh

20 comments:

eric said...

Nice Try Mr Tan. U got the spirit to come out for the presidential election.although u lost but your voters will never give up hope on you. Please continue to serve the people i hope one day u will succeed

Soojenn said...

Most Sngaporeans, including myself, I believe appreciate what you have done, to provide an alternative to vote for in this PE, and you conscience on issues like the obsecene presidential salaries.

Anonymous said...

You know why you lost and got low votes, Mr. Tan? The truth is, ntuc income and the agents sabotaged you by campaigning against you.The agents were telling people not to vote for you because of this and that.

A Singaporean said...

Hi Mr Tan,

You had my vote. Thank you very much for you work in the past and standing up for the elections. You had gained my respect for the Minibomb incident and also your values.

Since you asked for feedback on why you did not win, allow me to give my two cents:

1. First and foremost, you are basically an unknown candidate to the majority of the electorate. That's the number one killer for you for this presidential election.

2. Your directions come across as unclear. You were speaking things left right up down, but without a clear central theme. In particular, whether you wanted to step down or not gave voters a very confusing signal. Being neutral by itself is rather meaningless, you can be neutral and have a stand.

3. Your exit from NTUC Income was well-known to be acrimonious. Whatever the reasons, you must have made a lot of enemies within the NTUC camp, and many within the general public seem to have a negative impression of you. People were asking questions like whether you have the ability to lead the country when you can't even properly lead NTUC Income.

4. During the election campaign, your comments on TJS came at an extremely bad timing and must have drove a significant number of voters away from you. Because of that, I almost voted for TJS instead. Your comments came across to me to be totally inconsistent on your "no personal attacks" policy in your blog, and a sign of saying that you have lost.

I am sorry that you have lost your deposit. Nonetheless, the campaign has raised your public profile, and you can continue your good work to serve the country in other ways as an ordinary citizen. However, given your past baggage from NTUC, I doubt you can easily convince a significant group of people to vote for you. Not being to unify people probably makes you a very weak presidential candidate, so I suggest that you do not join any future presidential elections, but contribute in other ways.

All the best in your future endeavors!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Anon August 28, 2011 3:35 PM. Ntuc insurance agents were spreading and telling people not to vote for you because of your blog exposing their incompetence and criticising their products.
Despite this you should not give up exposing the injustice and evils in the insurance industry. Please fight on.Your work has helped many to realise and wake up to the fact they have been conned by unscrupulous insurance agents.
You have provided fantastic service and have been the voice of the people, especailly the man in the street. All the best to you.

An NTUC agent

Yan said...

Dera Mr Tan,

Alot of my friends and colleagues, voted for either TCB, TJS and TT (lesser) - I have very very few TT's supporters in my facebook.

Oh, one group that supported TT are those that came from India, China 10 years plus back turn citizens - their reason - "Singaporeans can never understand how fortunate they are to have a stable government unlike the place they came from"

Many asked why i voted for you? I emailed you 3 - 4 years ago and your reply was helpful and I was grateful.. No rewards nothing. Voting for the president is a personal choice. Everyone claims to be the best candidate and for Singaporeans. I am unfamiliar with the rest but i had personal encounters with you, hence I was sure that your heart is with the common Singaporeans.

Hence my vote for you.

Soldier on and Heaven will reward those who persists.

Regards,

Siyu

Ashiff said...

Dear Mr. Tan,

First of all, congrats. Today, you had the confidence of more than a 100 thousand Singaporeans.

This is the power of your blog and your helping tendency. I am an expat and so couldn't vote for you. Had I had a chance, i would have definitely voted for you.

I couldn't agree more to a fellow comment. Had you become the president, the system would have not allowed you to help Singaporeans and expats in the way you are doing right now.

God has created everyone with a purpose and I believe that you have a larger purpose in life to come and maybe the elections proved what it had to prove, that you had more than 100 thousand Singaporeans believing in you.

Now with this confidence, please speak out louder and clearer for the benefit of us all.

I am from India and India is facing a similar situation, people have woken up to protest against corruption and Anna has been the face of this silent revolution. Anna is not an elected member but the parliament met on Saturday to pass a resolution that was put forth by him.

In similar terms, your voice has reached the 100 thousand Singaporeans and one day, you will be the voice of Singaporeans, whether you are elected or not.

I am an expat. So, naturally many people should be suggesting that I support TT. I believe that any government has to attract and retain foreign talent. If they fail to do so, jobs and companies might leave the country. I left India to start a telecom company in Singapore as it would have taken years and millions to get a telecom license in India. The jobs I would create using my company would benefit Singaporeans and the tax will be going to Singapore. There is no doubt about it. But the point being debated today is on at what cost. I believe that this is something all Singaporeans must come together to achieve it.

So, please continue your good work. For all the people who supported you believe in you. Me too!!!!

Anonymous said...

Be yourself
Be Tan Kin Lian
Believe in your own values
Be true to your roots.

It will guide you.
It will be your source of strength

This is the 7th month..

You are not the 7th President.
8th sounds much, much better.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian,

Here are some of the reasons why I think you have garnered such a low percentage of votes despite being the one who seems to put in the most effort in this campaign.

1) Negative media coverage. The mainstream media is biased against you. Ever since you have made the decision to run for this election, there has been many negative reports against you. Doubts on your character had been raised prominently in the newspapers. However the same level of prominence is not given to your responses. Readers who don't read thoroughly would more often than not missed your clarifications and form negative impressions on you.

2) Smears. There are also fierce attacks on your character online in numerous blogs and forums. This could be done by supporters from other camps and also by insurance agents who hold a deep grudge against you for educating the public against buying bad insurance policies. You have done the right thing and I admire your effort and courage for providing good public service.

3) Strategy. Most people who voted do not want Dr Tony Tan to be our President and would vote for someone who stands a higher chance to win. From online survey results, number of facebook supporters and rally crowd, it is clear that your chances of winning is not high. Between you and Mr Tan Jee Say, I would have to choose him, though I prefer you initially.

4) Personal attacks. During the last leg of your campaign, you mentioned your low point and attack Mr Tan Jee Say. In your blog, you also post a video attacking Dr Tony Tan. I feel that this is not the right way to conduct a dignified contest. It further strengthen my resolve to vote for Mr Tan Jee Say.

5) Presentation. I shall not elaborate on this as there is nothing much you can do about it.

Having said that, I think it is also unfair for people to blame you for not withdrawing from the contest. Who would have withdrawn after putting in so much energy and effort?

Do not feel disheartened. I think you have done your best. Continue to be the voice of the people. 65% of the population feels sore about the result and the division will not heal until their voices can be heard!

Anonymous said...

Be prepared for more sabo from the ungrateful insurance agents from ntuc.They will spread lies about you. They now lie that the products during your time are inferior tha the new products now. Eg no limited payment with limited coverage wholelife plan or the new impossible to claim early payout wholelife plan or other limited payment with long lock in and low return endowment.These are the products that they lie to their customers are superior. When the customers question the return of these new products they distract them by telling the bad things about you. Please be aware and anticipate bad mouthing.

NTUC agent

yujuan said...

We look at the Election differently. Could not have imagined Tony only got 35% of the votes, which means 65% rejected him, TT's win is very surprisingly low, despite the PAP and its affiliated numerous Unions, clans and Business groups and mainstream media, all coming out to endorse him.
PAP, specifically PM Lee, and all those Unions must be very embarrassed and red faced now, and they are really the biggest losers. Even TJS even managed to nab 25% votes.
The win is not convincing, and doubt Tony could unify this country.
So let nature takes its course, anyway prefer TJS to contest GE 2016, he makes a better Opposition politician.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Tan,
I signed off as 'true-blooded Singaporean' in an earlier comment and I also did the post-mortem survey (now closed).
After logging on to your FB page and reading your notes, I have renewed respect for you. You have shown alot of grace and dignity by openly acknowledging your defeat and seeking feedback on the outcome.
No doubt it is discouraging but you are a man of strong morals and conviction and you will bounce back again.
Sir, you are special to Singaporeans in your own unique way and the country is indeed better with a proactive citizen like yourself.
At the end of the day, you still have your family to go back to and who truly loves, respects, appreciates you for who you are. That can never change. FAMILY is the most important and treasured unit for every Singaporean.
Sir, I salute you for standing up and trying. It is better to have tried than not at all. There is only ONE Tan Kin Lian, and today, I know him better. Thank you for letting us get to know you.
Sincerely,
a true-blooded Singaporean

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Tan

I was an organiser. Me and my family voted for you.

Do not be disheartened. Keep up all the good works.

We respect you. Take good care and good health to you and your family.

Solomon said...

Mr. Tan, I hope the defeat will not stop you from educating public on financial matters. Your efforts in this area has help Singaporean aware of crooked financial planners and managers who prey on unsuspecting investors.
I believe you will continue to give care and concern to those who need them.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Tan, there is small number of people in ntuc income who are supportive of your work in the past and as it is now.They voted for you.
But there are many who are swayed by commission and plenty of incentives are against you for exposing them.
We will counter them and also expose them. Thanks for your courage to come out to champion the weak and the poor who are often the victims of these insurance agents whose only interest is commission. Fight on until the regulator takes action them.

rock said...

Dear Mr Tan Kin Lian

Thank you for running in this presidency. I voted for you as I appreciate your hard work and attitude in life. Your successes in ntuc and in your personal life showed that you are one of those rare Singaporeans who not only cared for themselves but also have a social conscience as seen in your efforts in the Cooperative and in the Lehmann brothers episode.

Unfortunately, when I announced I would vote for you, many of my family and friends did not approve. I can now summarize some of the reasons why you did not garner much support. One : your campaign was doomed from the start. In a now increasingly polarized society, Singaporeans are split into 2 clear camps. The PAP supporters within are even divided into moderates and hardliners. They will most likely vote for Tony Tan or Tan Cheng Bok. The other camp are also comprised of hardliners and moderates in the Opp camp and they either voted for Tan Jee Say or Tan Ceng Bok. THERE IS SIMPLY NO ROOM FOR A CANDIDATE SUCH AS YOU, neutral and not in either camp. At the end of the day, whoever tries to take this campaign position is bound to lose, whether you or anyone else.

Second, please don't see your blinking and language pronunciation as the reasons. In fact many Singaporeans speak worse and would find your accent more down to earth. However, I think your message of voice of the people is vague and your attacks on other candidates especially Tan Jee Say are very ill advised moves that did nothing for your image.

I hope you can continue to run for public office and ease remember to pick a side next time, and not sit on the fence!

Manpreet said...

Mr Tan,

By taking part in the elections, you gave many singaporeans a voice that they didnt have earlier. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your courage and selfless actions. God bless you and your family.

M. Singh

Anonymous said...

Dear Kin Lian,
First of all, I am sorry to hear that you lose your deposit. I want to thank you for being for the people all these years and thank you for your courage and public service.

However, politics is a very different animal. When you are dealing with a smaller group of people and have close interaction, people get to know you on who you are. However, when you are on a campaign, the imagery took over. It is no longer good enough to be who you are but the public perception of who you are. These two images are very different.

I have several feedback for you though they may not be pleasant.

1. The use of hi 5 has several flaws. One, it conveyed the image that you are not very serious giving hi 5 to everyone you met. The Presedential election is a serious business and normal handshake to covey warm and sincerety are very important. Plus most people remember the hi5 but cant quite remember what they represent. It is important in mass communication, a simple theme of one or two attributes be communicated so that people remember what you stand for. You have the hi 5 plus so many other things that you try to communicate like independence, your financial experience, care for NS men, the elderly the poor etc that you are going in all sorts of directions that people dont quite know where you stand or represent. Eg TCB has only two messages to communicate, independence and Singaporean first, TJS, independence and check and balances, TT, independence and and experienced steady hands.

2. You do not have consistency in communication. If you remember the last GE, WP is very clear and they stick to one theme irrespective of the various topics that they cover, they always linked back to First Worls Parliament.

3. You should not attacked TJS and TT but focus on your own strenghts. Votes do not like negative personal attacks on others.

I have communicated to you about a year ago and I have pointed out to you that you are quite stubborn, do not take criticism lightly and always wanted to have the last say in any debate. In politics, tis is a no no.

Last but not least, stop reading too much on why you failed in your campaign by blaming yahoo poll etc. Politics is a communication game. Voters vote for you based on what they perceived you to be not who you think you are. Unfortunate but true.

Personally, I think you make a better MP than a President due to the various other feedbacks that were provided to you in your blog.

Tan Wa Lau

Anonymous said...

Mr Tan, I had been a reader of your blog and learned various tips and life lessons.

I would like to thank you for the efforts you put forth for the elections despite the disappointing results. I believed in your values and find that your plans for improving Singapore made sense.

Though, in my humble opinion, the majority had became accustomed to being under the ruling party rule and find it hard to believe that change by a single person outside the party is possible.

Another factor could be the delivery of your speech, especially about the other candidates. Although you are been honest, it came across as personal attacks to most of the people.

I hope that this result will not deter the spirit and drive you have for help fellow Singaporeans and I look forward to your future endeavors.

Anonymous said...

Mr Tan, you have stepped on too many toes in the past and this has now come back to haunt you. The people in investment industry ranging from banks, insurance companies and other forms of alternative investment industry had been constantly been attacked by you in the past. These people not only dont support you, they will tell their families and friends not to support you. And this I am telling you the truth because I am one of them. YOU ask to know where you went wrong so this is what I am telling you. You only like to listen to people that say nice things to you. You cannot handle criticism and opposing views. I hope you can reflect upon all these. Bye.

PS. Oh yes, the Hi-5 is a big turn off too. Please take election seriously. Even in the corporate world there are protocols, what more a Presidential election?

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