Political Ambition of Tan Kin Lian Is Clear Now

With the recent High Notes saga still not completely over yet, the unofficial ‘spokesperson’ for the affected High Notes investors at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park has finally revealed his political ambition in today’s Sunday Times and quite frankly, I am not the least surprised at all.

I am no savvy investor or the ignorant one but the economic instability especially the abrupt collapse of Lehman Brothers did make me pay a little more attention to the saga. Prior to that, the name Tan Kin Lian was complete alien to me though he was once the CEO of government-owned NTUC Income and his meteoric rise in recent times, did raise an eyebrow or two. Had Tan not readily volunteered his 'voice' to the aggrieved investors in this tumultuous period, will our MAS not act to protect the interest of these investors? I believe MAS, as a responsible authority will still act to protect the genuinely affected investors, with or without Tan's timely intervention.

I was sharing a casual lunch time conversation with my colleagues recently and out of curiosity, probed the real motive of this kind soul, Tan Kin Lian who had offered help/counseling to the aggrieved investors voluntarily and after some ‘high-powered’ discussion among ourselves, I did conclude then, with suspicious mind though (admittedly) that this man must be aiming for something beyond this saga; a political ambition. Spot on, I am right with my prediction of him this time(have never been making many right predictions in most of my adult life) but at the same time, wrong for he had publicly announced he is keen to be the President, the highest office of our land and not as Member of Parliament – many levels up, man!

Why I viewed him with suspicions? Well, he was once the high flyer himself with NTUC Income then, left the office (did he resign or what, I wonder?) and now started to lend his voice when the Lehman boo-boo erupted. From reading the Sunday Times today, I understand he was once the PAP’s stalwart, was actively involved in grassroots’ activities but he seems to sing a different tune now. Not one glove but two gloves seemed to be out now.

Riding on his new found fame, he now said that he needs to see 100,000 signatures endorsing him as the next Presidential candidate before making a final decision, President or not. Prior to this, had a decision been long made already? Only he can answer it himself.

Mr Tan, with no disrespect to you but until I have fully convinced myself that you are the selected one for the highest office of the land in the coming future, that one vote from me is still not forthcoming. My apology, I can’t help viewing you with suspicion of sorts and while there’s plenty of time to the next election, please prove me wrong.