Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s message to voters in English

My Fellow Singaporean,

I am Dr Tan Cheng Bock.

I stand here as your candidate for the Elected President.

Though I am a medical doctor by profession,I have served as the Chairman of Chuan Hup Holdings Limited and Dredging International Asia Pacific Pte Ltd,a subsidiary of one of Europe’s biggest dredging companies. I was also an independent director of ING Private Bank Asia,a subsidiary of one of Europe’s biggest bank. I have also served as Leader of the Singapore European Parliamentary Group and Leader of Singapore South East Asia Parliamentary Group. I represented Singapore in many diplomatic talks and discussions on Europe and Asia including China and Japan.

I chose to start my medical career as a doctor in the poor village of Ama Keng where I could be with ordinary folks. I heard and shared the dreams and struggles of many ordinary Singaporeans as a doctor and decided to enter into politics and became the MP of Ayer Rajah for 26 years to be a voice for Singaporeans.

In Parliament,I spoke up for the concerns of the common man,I stood for you and fought strongly for the following to be implemented:

•    Free parking on Sundays and Public Holidays
because I believed it is good for social and
family interaction
•    Use of CPF for tertiary education to open up
opportunities for many young Singaporeans
•    Have more “C” Class beds for the poor in
restructured hospitals

I stood up for Singaporeans by calling the government to tone down the Foreign Talent Policy and to “THINK SINGAPOREANS FIRST” when I saw many Singaporeans losing their jobs in 1999. I stood up for you again when I voted against the Nominated MP Scheme because they were not elected by the people.

When I see something is wrong,I will tell you.  More recently,I resigned from Jurong General Hospital to stand up against what was wrong to name a public institution after a businessman,whose family contributed only one-tenth of the total cost of building the hospital when the greater part was funded by taxpayers. We should name it after former Presidents like Ong Teng Cheong,Wee Kim Wee or former First DPM Goh Keng Swee,who had
made notable contributions to society.

I know Singaporeans want to see a clear separation between the Government in power and the Presidency. This is rightly so,as closeness breeds familiarity and the potential for compromise. It is important that the President must have the integrity and independence of mind to cultivate a clear working relationship with the government. For this to happen the President must not only be seen to be independent but must be TRULY independent. I believe I can make this happen.

My corporate role as independent director of large companies has equipped me with the experience to watch over your hard earned savings (CPF,Temasek &GIC investments) and scrutinise the appointments of key personnel in the public service. We need courage to do the right thing and I will do it.

Singaporeans are my top priority. The Istana grounds should be opened more often to ordinary Singaporeans to come and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. I will also make occasions to have interaction with ordinary Singaporeans. I will work closely with charitable organisations to advance charity for the less fortunate.

There is a sense that Singaporeans are getting increasingly divided. I want to mend this divide. I hope to use my Presidency as a Unifying Figure to bring together all people with different political affiliations,race,language,religions and culture.

I have been a part of you. I felt for you and now you can trust me to safeguard your reserves without fear or favour.

Vote for change!  Vote for me as your President.