I will not go into things that others have raised such as his ego which I think is pretty obvious but things that require some level of analysis;
1) Downplaying the role of his PAP past:
You can't hold the position of cadre, branch secretary, and CCC chairman in the 1980s unless you are a committed and dyed in the wool follower. These are no ordinary posts. When he was cadres, the number of cadres were few hundred. This was the inner circle of the PAP albeit not the all power CEC. This was the period when PAP hold on the country was its peak before Anson By Election disaster. It was also a period that number of people were under detention, there was no feedback unit and it was the PAP way or the highway.
2) 30 years in NTUC Income:
It obvious that most are not aware or forgot that NTUC Income began as a worker's cooperative. It was protected by the Govt and has had a natural captive market. In simple terms, it did not have to compete in the open market. Tan Kin Lian earned his wealth on the backs of ordinary workers and that includes taxi drivers. Unlike other candidates who had their own income and worked in the market place like 97% of Singaporeans, this man until his retirement enjoyed the benefits of a PAP protected company. It is common knowledge that many people find it revolting working for the PAP or its creation the NTUC. It is also common knowledge that potential PAP MPs are given jobs in NTUC when they are basically not marketable. Look at the type of MPs who are working in PAP. Irene Ho, Yeo Guat Kwang, Ong Ah Heng, and now including rejected candidates from Aljunied. Imagine during his tenure he managed to build a swimming pool in his office building while leading a workers cooperative.
3) Patronising the less able:
a) The office of EP is sterile and has little impact on the Govt of the day. The moment that he said that he will influence the investment decisions of the Govt, I knew we were dealing with a dishonest individual. The president has not powers, no means and no avenue on the investment decision of the Govt. The Chief Justice despite his role cannot influence the decision of the investing arm of the state. The President is also in the same. Why did Tan Kin Lian make this claim. It is playing to the gallery of the less able.
b) The office of EP is essentially a conventional ceremonial state with the added powers of holding the 2nd key. The moment he holds assent to a bill, attempts to go against the clemency advice of AG and the cabinet, we are going straight into a constitutional crisis. Is he capable of it. Yes but I suspect that it will be in his 5th year and one year before the expiry of term.
c) Giving up much of the salary of the President. This is another cheap and populist move, knowing full well the high salary is a major political timebomb for the PAP. What many are not aware is that the President's Purse is such that all his and that of his family needs are met from accommodation, food, clothing(yes clothings as well, suits, dressed), Golf are all taken care of. No money is needed. There is also an expense account for entertainment. He can invite and treat all his friends at the Istana on State expenses.
d) Intentionally confusing the role of an MP that represents his constituents and protect their needs to that of a President who is supposed to be a role model, a guardian of state assets and emblem of state institutions. The EP role does not sync with all his claim. His rhetoric suggest that the role he should have gone is that of an MP.
4) Target audience: So who are the less able that he has been misleading.They are not politically well versed, driven to desperation because this govt has failed them on issues of housing, CPF minimum sum etc and who are clutching as straws for relief. Tan Kin Lian knows full well that all these cannot be addressed. The Office of President does not allow the President to influence policies and the executive function of the state. If Tan Kin Lian honestly believes that he can act for the people in these areas, he should categorically state what he wants to do and how he is going to circumvent the limited role of the President to achieve these things.
5) His Conduct: Until his retirement, he enjoyed the benefits of a PAP member. He did not whisper an iota of discontent to anyone about this govt. When he retired in 2007, suddenly he painted himself as a dissident and expressed the desire to contest the Presidency in 2008. The climate began to turn against the PAP quite considerably since late 1990s. In 2006, the youth selected to have a dialogue with the old man, gave the despot a black eye on national TV and actually asked to step down from cabinet. Seems to me that having milked the PAP, he now in on a different bandwagon and blowing with the wind.
6) His contribution to society: I have asked this repeatedly and except for the mini-bonds which he does credit for, this guy has never done anything in the social or charity space. He actually donated money from the workers cooperative to put up RC notice boards for the benefit of the PAP.
