Law Minister surrenders after Tan Kin Lian's statements

[Relacklabrudder]

Tan Kin Lian did a good job in check and balance on Law Minister's statements.

He should be our champion of check and balance on the govt.

 

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145627/1/.html

 

 

PE: Shanmugam clarifies comments on President's role

 

 

SINGAPORE: Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has clarified his comments made at a recent forum about how influential the president can be.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event, Mr Shanmugam said that there are many areas where the Prime Minister has the duty to make decisions.

 

Although the President cannot direct the Prime Minister on these matters, he can give his views and his advice even in areas outside his Constitutional power.

 

Mr Shanmugam said it is untrue that only Government endorsed candidates can be influential.

 

"The quality of the advice will depend on the person giving that advice and a President who is wise, knowledgeable and experienced will obviously be more influential than another who doesn't have as much experience or as much wisdom," said Mr Shanmugam.

 

Mr Shanmugam said the office itself commands respect and whoever holds the office must be given the respect due.

 

And as the President is elected by the people, Mr Shanmugam said that the people's power to make the choice must be respected.

 

Mr Shamugam also responded to comments made by several other Presidential hopefuls who disagreed with him on the Constitutional Role of the President.

 

He said they are entitled to their views and felt it was not appropriate for him to comment further on their statements.

 

Mr Shanmugam said: "If there are disagreements, as previously it has happened before, we can always get it resolved through the courts. When you have check and balance, you must expect that sometimes there might be differences in views. And if there are differences in views, we have a structure and system in place to deal with those differences."

[1fast1]

Ha ha, way to go TKL.

 

I am seriously flip-flopping between TKL and the rest of the underdog contenders. Wasn't a huge fan of TKL at the start, but he seems like the best guy to bark back at the dogs, and that's a big plus in my book.

[Vulcann]

I concur that TKL is getting more prominence.

 

IMHO Dr TT is seen too close to the power centre even though everyone says that he is no longer with the party and is said to be independant.

Edited August 7, 2011 by Vulcann

[Gukubird]

Sorry Bro, got to hijack this thread.

 

did the Law Minster really say this?

 

 

[Icedbs]

Actually I tot this is just plain common sense.

 

The President is like a Chairman of a company. Obviously he doesn't go around making decision because that's the job of the CEO. The chairman role is pretty much a symbolic one and act according to the advise from his board.

 

But that doesn't mean the Chairman cannot give advices to the CEO. He does have some influence to the CEO.

Edited August 7, 2011 by Icedbs

[Zard]

Fron Sunday times, TKL is invited 2 SDP's national day dinner. Hence, i believe his current relationship with MIW is more or less strained. Somemore he was asked to leave NTUC Income due to differences.

 

In my view, only TJS n TKL r worthy to b the people's president.

[Good-Carbuyer]

Tan Kin Lian did a good job in check and balance on Law Minister's statements.

He should be our champion of check and balance on the govt.

 

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145627/1/.html

 

 

PE: Shanmugam clarifies comments on President's role

 

 

SINGAPORE: Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has clarified his comments made at a recent forum about how influential the president can be.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event, Mr Shanmugam said that there are many areas where the Prime Minister has the duty to make decisions.

 

Although the President cannot direct the Prime Minister on these matters, he can give his views and his advice even in areas outside his Constitutional power.

 

Mr Shanmugam said it is untrue that only Government endorsed candidates can be influential.

 

"The quality of the advice will depend on the person giving that advice and a President who is wise, knowledgeable and experienced will obviously be more influential than another who doesn't have as much experience or as much wisdom," said Mr Shanmugam.

 

Mr Shanmugam said the office itself commands respect and whoever holds the office must be given the respect due.

 

And as the President is elected by the people, Mr Shanmugam said that the people's power to make the choice must be respected.

 

Mr Shamugam also responded to comments made by several other Presidential hopefuls who disagreed with him on the Constitutional Role of the President.

 

He said they are entitled to their views and felt it was not appropriate for him to comment further on their statements.

 

Mr Shanmugam said: "If there are disagreements, as previously it has happened before, we can always get it resolved through the courts. When you have check and balance, you must expect that sometimes there might be differences in views. And if there are differences in views, we have a structure and system in place to deal with those differences."

I believe what the Minister meant was the Presidents had been the spokemen for the Cabinet, not the people (Ministers/MPs failed their duties or unsatisfactory performance).

[Good-Carbuyer]

Ha ha, way to go TKL.

 

I am seriously flip-flopping between TKL and the rest of the underdog contenders. Wasn't a huge fan of TKL at the start, but he seems like the best guy to bark back at the dogs, and that's a big plus in my book.

I am puzzled if the other candidates surprised by the Minister's comment, or too ignorant, or will report to the Cabinet as another spokeman?

 

[Good-Carbuyer]

I concur that TKL is getting more prominence.

 

IMHO Dr TT is seen too close to the power centre even though everyone says that he is no longer with the party and is said to be independant.

More like graduated than independent to me.

[Vulcann]

After TKL, TCB & TJS respectively responded to Law Minister's comments on the EP roles, our friend's view was classical "politi-speak"- seems to be talking something big & important but some how you haven't got a clue what is it all about...

 

From CNA:

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145603/1/.html

 

PE: Federation of Tan Clan Associations endorses Dr Tony Tan's presidential bid

By Sazali B Adam, Dylan Loh | Posted: 07 August 2011 1844 hrs

 

[Gukubird]

Actually I tot this is just plain common sense.

 

The President is like a Chairman of a company. Obviously he doesn't go around making decision because that's the job of the CEO. The chairman role is pretty much a symbolic one and act according to the advise from his board.

 

But that doesn't mean the Chairman cannot give advices to the CEO. He does have some influence to the CEO.

 

 

I dont know I thought the Law Minister comment was that the Chairman has to be accountable to the CEO and not the Shareholder. I thought Chairman act as a auditor to CEO for the interest of the shareholder?

 

[KARTer]

Well done TKL!!!

LorMinistar almost got away with it, as did miw in past 46yrs pulling wool over peasants' eyes....aka BS'ing us.

These days, ministars'd better think a bit before they open their mouth....

 

(I m tempted to say "TUCKING well done, TKL!!)

 

Tan Kin Lian did a good job in check and balance on Law Minister's statements.

He should be our champion of check and balance on the govt.

 

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145627/1/.html

 

 

PE: Shanmugam clarifies comments on President's role

 

 

SINGAPORE: Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has clarified his comments made at a recent forum about how influential the president can be.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event, Mr Shanmugam said that there are many areas where the Prime Minister has the duty to make decisions.

 

Although the President cannot direct the Prime Minister on these matters, he can give his views and his advice even in areas outside his Constitutional power.

 

Mr Shanmugam said it is untrue that only Government endorsed candidates can be influential.

 

"The quality of the advice will depend on the person giving that advice and a President who is wise, knowledgeable and experienced will obviously be more influential than another who doesn't have as much experience or as much wisdom," said Mr Shanmugam.

 

Mr Shanmugam said the office itself commands respect and whoever holds the office must be given the respect due.

 

And as the President is elected by the people, Mr Shanmugam said that the people's power to make the choice must be respected.

 

Mr Shamugam also responded to comments made by several other Presidential hopefuls who disagreed with him on the Constitutional Role of the President.

 

He said they are entitled to their views and felt it was not appropriate for him to comment further on their statements.

 

Mr Shanmugam said: "If there are disagreements, as previously it has happened before, we can always get it resolved through the courts. When you have check and balance, you must expect that sometimes there might be differences in views. And if there are differences in views, we have a structure and system in place to deal with those differences."

 

[RadX]

For me, quite clear that it is the KL or the CB

[KARTer]

Ha ha, way to go TKL.

 

I am seriously flip-flopping between TKL and the rest of the underdog contenders. Wasn't a huge fan of TKL at the start, but he seems like the best guy to bark back at the dogs, and that's a big plus in my book.

If you havent done so yet, maybe go visit his blogs/websites.. he has lots more to say, not only now, but way back fighting for the old uncles/aunties in 2008 minibond crisis etc etc...

 

Tan Kin Lian's Blog

tankinlian.blogspot.com/ - CachedSimilar

11 hours ago

[Donut]

I concur that TKL is getting more prominence.

 

IMHO Dr TT is seen too close to the power centre even though everyone says that he is no longer with the party and is said to be independant.

 

Everyone thinks TT is no longer with the party???

 

Use backside to think, we should already know he is still close to the party!!!

 

For a start, he's related to the Lees. How to not be close to the party??

[KARTer]

What TT means is that he will 'consult' miw what to think and say... even before he becomes (IF) the prez...............

 

After TKL, TCB & TJS respectively responded to Law Minister's comments on the EP roles, our friend's view was classical "politi-speak"- seems to be talking something big & important but some how you haven't got a clue what is it all about...

 

From CNA:

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145603/1/.html

 

PE: Federation of Tan Clan Associations endorses Dr Tony Tan's presidential bid

By Sazali B Adam, Dylan Loh | Posted: 07 August 2011 1844 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: The Federation of Tan Clan Associations in Singapore, which has over 10,000 members, has endorsed Dr Tony Tan's bid to be the Republic's next President.

 

Dr Tan has been the clan's Honorary Advisor since 2006.

 

Dr Tan met the Federation's members on Sunday afternoon and he spoke on the importance of clan associations, saying they can play a big part in bonding society during tough times.

 

Dr Tan said the associations provided resilience and unity to get through crises.

 

He was also asked to respond to comments made on the Elected President's role by Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and others at a recent forum.

 

Dr Tan said: "I would prefer to think about the points which they have made because I think that these are serious considerations which anybody who wants or who aspires to the position of President would have to give very serious thought to. So rather than give a quick reaction, which I think will be premature, I will like to take my time to think about the points which have been made."

- CNA/fa

 

[GTR]

Met face to face with TKL recently.

 

He is very unfriendly and proud. Spoke to him half way and he cut my conversation and tell me he is busy.

 

To me he is snobbish and unfriendly.

 

Especially at this point of time, he didn't even bother to 'act friendly' and let me finish my conversation with him.

 

How to be a president when he don't even bother letting me finish my sentence?

 

He will never get my vote.

 

So far seeing his reaction, I felt that he is only going against the MIW and not too much on representing the people.

 

Anyone got any bad experience with this 'president hopeful'?

 

Above are my true experience meeting him face to face in private few weeks ago.

 

All above are my personal opinion.

[Best_ctzn]

Tan Kin Lian did a good job in check and balance on Law Minister's statements.

He should be our champion of check and balance on the govt.

 

 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1145627/1/.html

 

 

PE: Shanmugam clarifies comments on President's role

 

 

SINGAPORE: Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has clarified his comments made at a recent forum about how influential the president can be.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a community event, Mr Shanmugam said that there are many areas where the Prime Minister has the duty to make decisions.

 

Although the President cannot direct the Prime Minister on these matters, he can give his views and his advice even in areas outside his Constitutional power.

 

Mr Shanmugam said it is untrue that only Government endorsed candidates can be influential.

 

"The quality of the advice will depend on the person giving that advice and a President who is wise, knowledgeable and experienced will obviously be more influential than another who doesn't have as much experience or as much wisdom," said Mr Shanmugam.

 

Mr Shanmugam said the office itself commands respect and whoever holds the office must be given the respect due.

 

And as the President is elected by the people, Mr Shanmugam said that the people's power to make the choice must be respected.

 

Mr Shamugam also responded to comments made by several other Presidential hopefuls who disagreed with him on the Constitutional Role of the President.

 

He said they are entitled to their views and felt it was not appropriate for him to comment further on their statements.

 

Mr Shanmugam said: "If there are disagreements, as previously it has happened before, we can always get it resolved through the courts. When you have check and balance, you must expect that sometimes there might be differences in views. And if there are differences in views, we have a structure and system in place to deal with those differences."

I don't know how you or other forumers could come to the conclusion that Shanmugam has been 'checked and balanced' to come out with this clarification. In the original press report, he never said only candidates from the ruling party will be influential to the PM, more like those who command his respect would be more likely to have an influence. This is very common sense when I read it yesterday as President's role is only advisory and he not supposed to kaypoh on those outside his judiciary, though it would be thinkable he can give feedback or comments to PM if he feel strongly about them. But if the President has already decided to adopt a adversary stance, then how you think the PM will react? It is not that he has got to listen to him. He could just simply fxxx him off without batting an eyelid, which I think is probably going to happen if TKL or TJS manage to get into the office.

 

And please read the full report on above before shooting. Shanmugan reiterated that the constitutions has been CRYSTAL CLEAR (not once, but a few times) on the role of a President, and that everyone is entitled to his own interpretation. But if there is disagreement, the eventual president is free to consult lawyers etc as there is a structure in place to deal with it. What does this means? It is saying, you can choose to read otherwise, but the law has been very clear. You flout the law, you will be dealt with! In the previous report, in case you missed it, he refused to go into specific when was probed on consequence of President going against the Constitutions, as it would be ugly. Not that there is no consequence.

 

So please stop harping this as a minor victory of sort for TKL. This is just an clarification to stop people from putting words to his mouth. If he said more, it would most probably be interpreted as issuing threats, you know as what many here would say, PAP style....