Should Tan Kin Lian Sue The Straits Times & Mr. Chua

[Ramseth]

This was what I wrote in reply to the Mr. Chua in The Straits Times.

I refer to the letter of November 18, 2008, from Mr. Chua Seng Yang, "Questions on investment product rally." Mr. Chua, like many others, may have different opinions and points of view on the issue of the collapse of structured investment products, and we all should accommodate and respect opinions and points of view that are different from our own. However, Mr. Chua has also written, "It was not too long ago that Mr Tan was the chief executive officer of NTUC Income and his own agents adopted the same practices which he now deems unscrupulous. Why did Mr Tan not tell his agents to practise more ethics then, when he was CEO?" I would like to invite Mr. Chua to substantiate his allegation, which I find groundless and even slanderous.

I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Tan Kin Lian in NTUC Income several years ago, in a position directly linking senior management to agency sales force. As far as I know, at no time did Mr. Tan advocate any unethical or unscrupulous practices for his sales force. The highest risk product available from NTUC Income then was probably the Technology Fund ILP (investment-linked policy). It also sustained hefty losses during the dot.com crash of the early 2000s but there was no complaint of mis-selling from investors like what is happening with the Lehman Brothers minibonds now. That was because investment losses and mis-selling or misrepresentation are different things. When investors are fully aware of the risks, there's no complaint about losses.

 

[Ramseth]

This was why The Straits Times replied.

Thank you for writing in. We appreciate the time and thought you've invested in being part of Forum. We regret that we are unable to publish your letter, in this instance. We look forward to your future contributions.

 

[Ramseth]

If Mr. Tan Kin Lian decideds to sue Mr. Chua and The Straits Times for defamation, I'd be willing and ready to stand in court as character witness. I think he does have a bona fide case.

 

[imperialarms]

if u cut out "slanderous" they might publicsh it

 

[Ramseth]

It is slanderous, no lack for a better word.

 

[Zombie]

This was what I wrote in reply to the Mr. Chua in The Straits Times.

He was talking about unethical practices, which cover more than just misrepresentation/mis-selling.

Many insurance buyers do not really know what they bought, until they are dead. Too late to complain misrepresentation/mis-selling.

 

[kakowi]

Such an action is counter-productive. The Straits Times is a powerfully ally. If it cannot be an ally, then it must not be an enemy - taking the issue personally.

Tan Kin Lian had handled this matter extremely well in his own reply. He expressed disappointment that such allegations were allowed to be published and deigned not to dignify such words.

Let's not suggest politically suicidal actions for him.

If he succeeds, he would have shown the way of success to other opposition parties. It is always up to them if they want to follow or continue in their current ways.

Let's give him room to grow.

 

[NgEjay]

This was what I wrote in reply to the Mr. Chua in The Straits Times.

Good letter.

E-Jay

 

[masgnoeL]

This was what I wrote in reply to the Mr. Chua in The Straits Times.

No need for TKL to expend useless energy to sue a moron who obviously is a kid with no money. If win the case also no money to give to charity as that punk will just simply be bankrupted.

Finally, a reasonably well-read and intelligent reader will know that this Chua something is just a load of smelly shit, to be flushed down the toilet bowl, to be ignored as he is an attention whore.

TKL is too dignified to be ruffled by a young disgraceful punk who knows not what he is saying.

 

[NgEjay]

No need for TKL to expend useless energy to sue a moron who obviously is a kid with no money. If win the case also no money to give to charity as that punk will just simply be bankrupted.

TKL is too dignified to be ruffled by a young disgraceful punk who knows not what he is saying.

Of course no one is going to sue the young chap. But one can always hope that he will respond to peer pressure and withdraw the potentially defamatory remarks. I don't think he is a bad guy. Just misinformed, and careless with speech.

E-Jay

 

[Zombie]

No need for TKL to expend useless energy to sue a moron who obviously is a kid with no money. If win the case also no money to give to charity as that punk will just simply be bankrupted.

Finally, a reasonably well-read and intelligent reader will know that this Chua something is just a load of smelly shit, to be flushed down the toilet bowl, to be ignored as he is an attention whore.

TKL is too dignified to be ruffled by a young disgraceful punk who knows not what he is saying.

Why the anger?
This forum is becoming more like the old sbf?
I hope not.

 

[scroobal]

If Mr. Tan Kin Lian decideds to sue Mr. Chua and The Straits Times for defamation, I'd be willing and ready to stand in court as character witness. I think he does have a bona fide case.

Tan Kin Lian should sue both SPH and Chua. I was surprised that SPH carried that letter.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Yes. Do not get unnecessarily distracted. Keep your eyes on the real prize.

Tan Kin Lian had handled this matter extremely well in his own reply. He expressed disappointment that such allegations were allowed to be published and deigned not to dignify such words.

.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

With respect, this chap Chua appears to reek of Agent Provacatuer odour

Of course no one is going to sue the young chap. But one can always hope that he will respond to peer pressure and withdraw the potentially defamatory remarks. I don't think he is a bad guy. Just misinformed, and careless with speech.

E-Jay

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Why? And play into an apparent tired old dirty smear trick originated by "you know who"? To me this appears to be a smoke screen ploy. Tan Kin Lian has done the right thing, keep gunpowder for the appropriate time.

Tan Kin Lian should sue both SPH and Chua. I was surprised that SPH carried that letter.

 

[scroobal]

Why? And play into an apparent tired old dirty smear trick originated by "you know who"? To me this appears to be a smoke screen ploy. Tan Kin Lian has done the right thing, keep gunpowder for the appropriate time.

This is basics. You never publish any letter or article that is clearly defamatory. This guy's allegations are terrible.

 

[masgnoeL]

Why the anger?
This forum is becoming more like the old sbf?
I hope not.

I am angry not with members in this forum, as we are mere monikers in cyberspace providing perspectives on various issues that interest us while trying to entertain ourselves here too. We are monikers, not real people and we must always remember that. We do not cross that line, at least nearly all of us don't and we are proud of this fact. In the anonymity and cloak of cyberspace, I feel we can be impartial without the fear of back-stabbing and needless political, physical or social constraints. In the cloak of anonymity, we can truly vocalize our sentiments and put forth our ideas and perspectives without fear of reprisals and seeking no real life glory either. It is invigorating when you realize that every one thinks differently and can disagree without being disagreeable in cyberspace and you do not need to fear your back, unlike in real life where one wrong move and you will be blacklisted for life. Hence, in real life, comments are more measured, at least this is the way communication is carried out in Sinkiepore. If there are more Hong Lim Parks, then less of us will remain anonymously in cyberspace and will be willing to go into the open and be identified as real people. BUT whoever chooses to talk nonsense in main-stream press and his message gets broadcast in the media of his choice, then we should be angry because a real person's comments carries more weight and believability. So, the propaganda effect would be more pervasive. Hence, if this Chua whatever talks bull-shit, we should be angry. I know, I know. Some of you will say that our IP can be disclosed by the host, so on and so forth and we should be careful with what we say in cyberspace if we do not wish to be rear-ended. I can only say that fear not and fear will be defeated. Just make sure that everyone's conscience is clear when posting and know that it is only opinions being expressed and nothing more than that should be attached to it. Frankly, without the internet, there would be a riot on the streets by now, looking at the sorry state of affairs permeating across the various social strata that most concerned and responsible citizens are not blind to, but silently tolerating because of the emotion call "fear".