Owen Tan
Dr Tony Tan leaves the stage after delivering his speech at the SICCI book launch.
The calm and smooth manner in which Dr Tony Tan spoke to the media at a book launch about a variety of topics – but most often, about the economy – is testament to the decades of experience that he has had in no less than five different ministries.
Dr Tan was speaking to journalists after the launch of the book entitled Beyond the Myth: Indian Business Communities in Singapore by Dr Jayati Bhattacharya, and organised by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), on 4 August 2011.
In the twelve minutes that Dr Tan spoke to the media, he displayed a depth of knowledge about global affairs and the economy that surely made him appear to surpass even that of the incumbent President. He switched seamlessly from the American, European, and then the Asian context, and provided a detailed summary – peppered occasionally with references to himself in 2007 – about the financial problems happening so far around the world.
It was surprising, then, that a question posed by the media left Dr Tan slightly ruffled: What exactly is it in your role as President, the journalist asked, that you cannot do in your role at the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC)?
“As President,” Dr Tan replied, “I can work more closely with the government.” He highlighted that GIC is not a government agency, but rather is a private sector company owned by the Ministry of Finance. He then explained that he would be able to “use the knowledge and experience that I have to convey the concerns of the people to the government” and to provide his views on the economy, something he must impress at given his experience in the banking and finance industries.
The answer to that question, however, was the shortest of three questions asked in those twelve minutes, and was his last before he left the ballroom. It was also the question that he appeared least confident in answering, and left one to wonder if the Presidential hopeful has truly thought of how much more beneficial he can be in the role of a President?
While Dr Tan is undoubtedly knowledgeable – and experienced in the fields that matter in legislation – the answers he has provided thus far on running for the presidency do not appear to reflect the confidence he displays when talking about the economic cycles.
To suggest that his lack of a good reason in running for the presidency might derail his bid would be entirely far-fetched, however; the decades of experience as the head of the Education, Trade and Industry, Health, Finance and Defence ministries shine through with his words and his instantly recognisable silver hair.
Dr Tan is also capitalising on his status as a former top Singapore political leader by attending and participating in what might be called events that are “atypical” to a Presidential hopeful. A commentary by The Online Citizen highlighted that these events are very likely pressured by the Government, although I will beg to differ in this case. I would think that it is Dr Tan’s campaign managers who have got it spot-on, that the path of least resistance for Dr Tan would be to exploit his varied curriculum vitae to the maximum.
Being quizzed by the Press
The brand name of Dr Tony Tan is, in truth, much stronger than the rest of the presidential hopefuls – save perhaps for Mr Tan Kin Lian, who is remembered more for his attempts to help investors who lost money in the Lehman Brothers saga. Any event that has the attendance of Dr Tan would more likely than not see increased awareness in that event. It would hence be unfair to suggest that there was government backing in the recent invitations of Dr Tan to events such as the one organised by SICCI.
It is this brand name that Dr Tan has made use of so effectively, at least over the initial stages of this Presidential campaign, that makes me feel that the other candidates will find the catching up on this brand name alone too challenging. Mr Tan Kin Lian’s upcoming efforts include a press conference in Batam; the other potential rivals – Dr Tan Cheng Bock, and Mr Tan Jee Say – have yet to be invited to any of the events on such a scale.
It may be early days yet, but if we are to consider this advantage that Dr Tony Tan has over the rest of the candidates, he has pulled himself a considerable distance ahead of his rivals – even before Nomination Day.
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Read also: Dr Tony Tan says he can help govt understand economic situation better
yes, TT can kick off his EP candidacy campaign by tell all his role in the financial debacle and his comments about how the govt had handled the case vis a vis the Singaporean investors. What would he have done that is any different from what the govt had? I am sure his answers will make or break his attempt for the EP!
No wonder our government economical strategies were so screwed, because SR Nathan didn’t have these credentials..
I wonder what is SR Nathan’s opinion on this…
this site is too timid.
But a good effort to highlight the film-siz-ness of TT’s reasons for becoming EP.
The asshole just contradicted himself. EP has no powers according to him,.
I am just a commoner, a simple and unsophisticated man.
Therefore, the rich and powerful, the elites, the sophisticated, the ivory towers and the likes do not gel with my heart and mind.
My vote, naturally, would go to any Commoner President, a down-to-earth person with a real heart for the people (commoners without any power or influence).
And Presidential Candidates who are invited and have made an effort to attend CLOSED-DOORS Talks are immediately suspects – i.e. cannot be trusted. Questions such as “What shaddy deals are going on behind closed doors?” comes to mind immediately.
Credentials and high sounding words may just turn off some voters ….. because people are getting sick and tired of having more and more of the same staff.
It is time to change our tastes.
Goh Keng Swee has trained a lot of high calibre officers who helped move EDB, MINDEF, Chartered industries….Singapore technology etc.
LKY and LHL has one or two trained we are yet to see them performing…..
Definitely GCT rejected his own chance of training Singaporean, he scored negative, because he negated his own secretary.
Leaders have to be cultivated, cannot be headhunted, we headhunt all over, including from toilet meeting.
The outcome is clear to us.
Wondering who did Tony bring about?
He probably last longest in position of power, even before coming into PAP.
This will tell he is committed to Singapore, or just passing by…..
Food Taster
Now, what if a Commoner President – and who in your words is down-to-earth and has a real heart for the people – is invited to one of these closed door talks?
PRESIDENT CHIAK LIAO BEE!