Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Crowd at Tan Jee Say Presidential Rally









First rally of the Presidential Election




Presidential candidate Tan Jee Say kicked off the first rally of this election last night at Toa Payoh stadium to a huge crowd of more than 30,000 people.

More than 15,000 people also caught the live streaming of the rally last night via the inSing Live website.

Among those who attended the rally, some estimated a total turnout of more than 35,000. Others compared it to the record turnout at the final Worker's Party rally in the recent General Election.

A number of Singaporeans and opposition politicians took turns to speak, and each in their own way endorsed candidate Tan Jee Say. Noted speakers include fan-favourite Nicole Seah, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Ms Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss and Dr Ang Yong Guan.

Tan himself spoke last and framed himself as a president who can act as a check and balance on the government. He also outlined his intention to change the direction of the presidency to be closer to the aspirations of the people.

He said, "It is the duty of the president to use his moral authority to help bridge widening social divisions in our society".

Tan told the crowd that he believes Singaporeans are thirsty for change and want to be heard, as shown by the results of the recent General Election.

Some of the changes he intends to push for is to "encourage the government to do more and utilise the reserves for the benefit of the people".

He also talked about improving the transparency of the president's office by releasing a report "detailing all the functions the president has done over the year".

He went on to put forward his stand on several issues.

He feels that "in times of economic uncertainty, we cannot rely on the MNCs (multi-national corporations) and the two casinos".

"We must build up our own talents," he said.

"Singapore as a truly meritocratic society needs to level the playing field and make university education more accessible to everyone," he added.

On a note that resounded with the people, Tan said, "I want people to love Singapore so much they want to have more children, who will want to grow old here".

He continued at a later part, "we cannot have a society that leaves people - the disabled and the elderly - behind in pursuit of material gains".

Finally, Tan clarified rumours that circulated online regarding alleged gaffes made in his career as an investment adviser.

No comments: