Presidential Election 2011

[caroline3sg]

[quote] convince me TJS can unite d ppl n he will get my vote + a few more.

Some ppl view his style as 'confrontational', though I would say he is combative which is not necessarily bad. [/quote]In my opinion, I see TJS as passionate to serve, very eager to put forth his views & things in perspective according to morals. From his humble beginnings to current achievements plus his 10 yrs or so? as PPS to ex PM GCT, he is able to empathize with non elite, see that most policies are pro-foreigners and that there is society division between rich & poor or between the 60% & 40% or between S'poreans & non S'poreans.

Last night's viewing of 4 candidates' responses on CNA, he stressed he would scrutinize key appointment holders (they are interllect, no doubt) but must have strong moral values, must be S'porean, not foreigner (he was either taking a dig at TT's son Patrick or Junil the MP, prempt future foreigner as MP or minister since there are so many foreigners in S'pore and new citizens).

With his outspoken nature, anything going against conscience / morals, he would speak out (ie courageous) in private with PM. Being aware of the unhappiness among S'poreans, he can check the govt and pacify / unite the above mentioned 3 groups of society division.

Of course, it is very true that no 2 individuals are the same and have the same views and that having differing views is not making things difficult for govt or clash with govt or opposing for the sake of opposing.

Side track a bit, the issue of CSM uninvited to 7th month dinners and subsequent Sylvia's letter to accuse HDB/PA of underhand tactics to pave way for losing candidates to get in touch with residents for future GE, immediately PA lifted its restrictions that PAP or Opposition MP can be invited by organizers provided activities are not partisan / political in nature. This shows that PAP is afraid of widespread unhappiness thereby losing votes of TT. So if TJS is elected as President, ruling party will be more wary of whatever policies they implement (ie having 6 opposition MPs in Parliament is insufficient to turn off a loped sided policy).

[concern2]

I would also like to share my thoughts at this point into the election, and, like what hquek said, I also have no intention to change people's mind. Do feel free to give me your comments if any.


To deem confrontation as undesirable and should be avoided is to accept that submissiveness is a way of life. Yet, to see confrontation as the only way to achieve results may lead to loss of opportunities.

With the elimination process over, and all candidates being given the certificate of ELIGIBILITY, I would take it that all candidates are equally qualified, hence I would consider the qualities that I would look for in this round of presidency election (hopefully there will be others to come in the future).

I would like to vote for someone with:
1) the temperament to confront without fear and reservations when situation arises,
2) the capability and ability to state his stand clearly without ambiguity,
3) the wisdom and wit in countering attacks (rather than picking up a fight)
4) the stamina and tenacity to hold through thick and thin.

Although non of the candidates fit my criteria perfectly, but, I need to make a choice.

Standing from a different perspective, If I am an employer, I'd employ TJS for the money worth. He has the qualities of an \"FT\" (definition of FT has been blurred now, so I put inverted commas) that Singapore needs: He is willing to do the job for less money, (the least money). Can tell he will try his best, comes from humble background, so will not have too much air and have a good touch with the ground, have comparatively young children so can understand and easily empathize with the growing pains and the kind of hardship that this generation is facing (not retiring with fat bank account), respects authority, yet hungry enough not to remain status quo.

My only concern is whether TJS has enough wisdom to hold such a high office. But alas, if he has not enough wisdom to know when to stop, he'd be asked to leave (for trampling too much over grey areas perhaps?) and as a voter, I would have to be prepared to see this as a possibility if I were to vote for him. However, like a horse he will gallop, he will not die on me by suffering in silence, or decide to quit on me.

TJS will also set these precedents:
1) Of a non-PAP member becoming a president
2) Of an opposition member becoming a president
3) of someone from an ordinary family background (to this day, not someone with pension) becoming president

These precedents are important because it gives one HOPE.

In uniting the people, there is difference in definition. TJS can unite the people who feel that government has lost touch with the people. But he will be unable to unite those who think the loss of unity is due to the emergence of strong political opponents, i.e., towards the die-hard PAP supporters, he will not be able to do much, only time will tell, and only by proving himself - if he is ever given a chance.

There is also this thing about personal agenda, which I do not quite comprehend. I mean, don't we, the voters, have our own personal agenda too? Like we want change, or do not want to rock the boat or fear the stock market will plunge further etc., aren't these personal agendas too? Instead of seeing politicians out to achieve their agendas, why can't we turn the tables around, and achieve our personal agendas by using our vote to support the one whom we think can help us most at this point in time?

I hope my tone doesn't sound like I am trying to convince anyone I am voting for TJS, because I haven't made up my mind. These are the issues that goes around in my head, and questions I am asking myself.

Recent incidents such as the case with the 7th month invitations can and may influence my decisions as I get to see how each of the candidates respond to such challenges. Or will I have to go ini mini my ni mo come the day to elect?

[Big fish]

Since so many of you supported TCB, can someone clarify why he make a fuss about indoor and outdoor rallies? Does he mean outdoor ones are low class? I wanted to vote for him and placed him at my first choice, now I have change my mind. I also not very high class.

Still don’t know who to choose next? May be invalid votes, hee hee.

[concern2]

TCB is beginning to look overly opinionated.

[raysusan]

sharon au speech for TT


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJmQEKjdWDY&feature=feedu

[caroline3sg]

concern2:

My only concern is whether TJS has enough wisdom to hold such a high office. But alas, if he has not enough wisdom to know when to stop, he'd be asked to leave (for trampling too much over grey areas perhaps?) and as a voter, I would have to be prepared to see this as a possibility if I were to vote for him. However, like a horse he will gallop, he will not die on me by suffering in silence, or decide to quit on me.

Agree. This is his \"weakness\"

On personal agenda, ruling parties have more hidden agendas that we do not know, and are slowing uncovered day by day.

[Strparent]

ZacK:

Like you, I am not saying that TSJ will not be a possible choice. However when I spoke with friends, they also felt that when the candidates' speeches were aired on TV, TSJ gave a very sinister feel that I personally was not comfortable with. He makes one wonder what his hidden agenda is in running for candidacy. To date, he has yet to convince me that he is suited for the job, i.e. ready to serve for the people of Singapore, based on my personal view.

Zack,

The problem for TJS is that his public speaking skills are not as honed as many of the impressive politicians. He come across as confrontational -it's seemingly true, but only because due to his slightly monotonous nature of speaking in a loud voice. He also likes to drag the final word in each sentence, which is a no-no in debate skills training. And yes, God did not give him twinkly eyes that melts your heart. But I would choose a heart that cares truly, eg he looking after his mother for many years until she died early this year. He claims that was the reason why he was not involved in politics before, and would not do so, unless he can give 100%.

my opinion is TJS is a committed man to serving the people. His wife said \" what he talks is really from his heart, really for the people \" , and from an lady like Mdm Khoo, I think it is a FACT, the real deal. She is, of course, a little bias :evil:

http://i56.tinypic.com/2ajcit2.jpg\">

[concern2]

caroline3sg:

concern2:

My only concern is whether TJS has enough wisdom to hold such a high office. But alas, if he has not enough wisdom to know when to stop, he'd be asked to leave (for trampling too much over grey areas perhaps?) and as a voter, I would have to be prepared to see this as a possibility if I were to vote for him. However, like a horse he will gallop, he will not die on me by suffering in silence, or decide to quit on me.

Agree. This is his \"weakness\"

On personal agenda, ruling parties have more hidden agendas that we do not know, and are slowing uncovered day by day.

[concern2]

raysusan:

sharon au speech for TT


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJmQEKjdWDY&feature=feedu

Umm..doesn't TT know that she isn't that popular?

[concern2]

Oops, sorry if there are any Sharon Aw fans here …