I'll be the voice of the people: Tan Kin Lian

Second Presidential candidate Broadcast by Tan Kin Lian 04:46 AM Aug 27, 2011
MY FELLOW Singaporeans, a very good evening.

My name is Tan Kin Lian. I am standing for election as President of Singapore. My vision is to improve life for all Singaporeans.

In recent years, Singaporeans have found life to be more difficult. They face strong competition for jobs, higher cost of living and have to travel in crowded public transport. They work long hours and live a stressful life. Is this the life that you want?

At this election, you can choose a President who can make life better for you. You have four candidates to choose from.

Candidate A is a good doctor, but is not an expert in financial matters. Many people are worried that he does not have the financial knowledge to make the right decisions to safeguard our reserves.

Candidate B stood in the recent General Election under an opposition party. He wants to act as a check and balance on the Government. Many people are worried that he is confrontational and cannot work with the Government.

Candidate C has been a Government Minister for more than 20 years. He was involved in the policies of the Government that have contributed to the situation today. Many people are worried that he cannot act independently of the Government to improve the situation for you.

I am candidate D - Tan Kin Lian. I had 30 years of experience in managing a large insurance company, looking after the savings of over 1 million people and assets of S$17 billion. You may remember me as the former chief executive of NTUC Income.

Among my international experience, I had served on the board of a large international organisation, the Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation, for more than 15 years and was elected as its chairman for five years. I was the first and only Asian to be elected as chairman of this large international body. I had met people from different countries and cultures. With this experience, I can represent our country internationally.

As you know, I have never contested in any General Election as a candidate of a political party, I am neutral and non-partisan. I will be able to independently carry out the duties of the President, particularly in exercising the duties under the Constitution to prevent abuse of power and corruption.

To help me in my task to be the voice of the people, I will form a President Personal Council to help me to keep in touch with the people and to hear your views, your concerns and aspirations.

I will be your voice to bring these issues to the Government and will work constructively with the Government to find better solutions for all Singaporeans.

During the global financial crisis in 2008, more than 10,000 people lost their life savings in the Minibonds and other similar investments, following the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Many were misled into investing in these risky investments. Some of you or your parents, or friends might have been directly affected by the loss.

During this most difficult time, I rallied a few friends to help these investors. We presented four petitions to the Government and spoke on the issue several times at Hong Lim Park.

Nobody else spoke out for them - neither the other three candidates nor the Government.

In a future crisis, when you face grave difficulties, you need someone stronger to speak for you. If you elect me as your President, I can speak out strongly for you.

To the young people of Singapore, there is hope for a better future for you and your family. You have studied hard and are prepared to work hard. You want to get a suitable job that pays well, sufficient to meet the cost of living, to raise a family, to pay for your flat and to save for retirement. You also want to have quality time with your family and friends.

This future is possible for you, if you have the right leaders - leaders who believe in honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service. These are my personal values, which I will bring to the office of the President. These are the values shared by many Singaporeans.

I am standing for election as a public duty. If I am President, I will donate at least half of the salary to charity and other worthy causes. I want to make this as an example of public service - as I strongly believe that leaders should work for the people.

As President, I will look into the following important issues.

We need to give better recognition for the sacrifice of our male citizens who have to serve National Service and reservist duties.

We need to recognise the past contribution of the elderly; especially those who do not have sufficient savings to meet their daily needs and medical bills.

We also must not forget the sandwiched middle-class, who also face financial difficulties in raising their family.

We also need to recognise the hardship of the unemployed, who need to withdraw some of their CPF savings at age 55.

Some commentators have said that the President does not have executive power to improve life for the people. They are mistaken. With a strong mandate from the people, the President will be able to use his influence on Government policies, especially when he is asked to release some of the past reserves.

To the policyholders of NTUC Income, I have served you with dedication for 30 years and given you and your family a higher payout on your savings and insurance coverage at lower premiums. I hope you will give me your support at this election.

On Aug 27, you have the chance to vote for a President who can be the voice of the people, to work constructively with the Government and to work for a better life for all Singaporeans. Give me your support. Vote for Tan Kin Lian.

Thank you.