I first heard about TCB's suggestion over the radio while driving. Unforgettable and 'stupid' suggestion, a gimmick. However before I got home, I had changed my mind. What a master stroke. And now the whole thing must be playing out as TCB had hoped and he must be smiling privately to himself.
'symbolic, but does little', why has it to be in quotes?
I have told my kids, there is a subliminal message in that suggestion.
Yes, make the PM and cabinet ministers climb the hill to see their 'boss'. You got to have something very visible to show his relative status because he could never be credible with a super high pay. However hard he works at this job; no, serve in this exalted office he will mostly be seen to be doing 'nothing' for millions of bucks. We take away the millions for a not too low sum but elevate his relative status visibly.
Visitors to the Istana, and it has many open houses, must not see or given to understand that the PM and the President share the office, that their status divide is quite narrow. The PM does the work, the President is for show. This is bad.
Give the whole Istana to the President. Make sure he is the boss there. Appearances is a vital part of his office. Sharing it with the PM just takes a big chunk of it away.
Those who are thoughtful and there must at least be thousands of us, will see this was TCB's real purpose behind his suggestion of relocating the PMO. How could Dr. Tony Tan have missed it? I can forgive the media because between something subtle and newsworthy, the latter wins hands down every time. In fact, that would be what a shrewd TCB want.
Poor Tony, you the purportedly smarter guy had been out maneuvered, and the MSM following their instincts is amplifying that lack of wisdom.
Tan Cheng Bock has shown his hand for strategy. Looks promising to me that he will be the sagely moral guide to his PM and cabinet ministers. Simply he is likely to be able to stay ahead of them sagaciously and morally.
May be I will hear my conjecture at his one and only rally. You know this guy had often said he will tell it at the right time and place when he first told us he was running for the office. He wouldn't lie to you if he can help it. As for the other presidential candidates, any time and any place is right. And Tony had even descended to being Pavlovian. The PAP is still his pack leader. Sorry, I have been watching Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer. His myth of independence as far as I am concerned is completely busted.
Getting clearer who I ought to support. Seven more days to make up my mind.
Many years ago I saw him "panicked" on TV when the SARS crisis hit S'pore. He was then talking about "Life & Death" issues. Just a feedback!
ReplyDeleteJust another pragmatic guy.
ReplyDeleteNow, he sympathizing the other
two Tans who have been telling
the World that they will talk
to the Government, co-operate
and work with the Cabinet to
improve the wellbeing of the
people.
Tan Cheng Bock is now sharing
one voice with Tony Tan that
the Sin President has got
little or no say in policy
making. They were from the same
political party and share similar
ideology, this is only to be
expected. However, they are now
contesting for a post separately.
BUT, the Two are like one.
The President Of Sin is getting
over $4 Million Sin Dollars a year
practically functioning as a
window dressing piece. It is EASY
MONEY just to be a ceremonial
piece mainly for public relation
with the people and foreign
diplomats. He/she has no authority
in any policy decision. Even just
to have a say, the Sin President
has to go through the Presidential
Advisers and sanction by the
Cabinet. Such an office bearer
hardly justifies an emolument of
a quarter million a year.
And if it $250Ks a year, will
any of the Four Candidates be
still interested in the Office?
patriot
I think your first impression was correct. This is just a gimmick, to avoid talking about real issues.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that he is wise to use this gimmick, as some (not very smart) Singaporeans are going to be impressed.
Great... waste lots and lots of tax dollars to relocate the offices. Don't get me wrong, I'd have voted for Tan Cheng Bock too if Tony Tan hadn't joined the race, because both are the PAP stalwarts who really championed and appreciate PAP policies for the greater good of Singapore.
ReplyDelete