Tony Tan to run for President

June 24, 2011

Straits Times

Jun 24, 2011

Extracts from Q & A (during the Press Conference)

Q (from Leong Sze Hian) You mentioned that you are standing on your own, that the Government did not ask you to stand and that you do not have the backing of any political party…

A I have not sought the backing of any political party.

Q (from Leong Sze Hian) I am sorry. My question is, in our lifetime has the Government eve asked you are suggested to you to stand as president?

A The answer is “no”.

Q (from Leong Sze Hian) As you have resigned from SPH and GIC, how much money have you lost in terms of average remuneration a year by sacrificing and taking this step to stand as president?

A Let me say that I have always regarded service in government and in the public sector as an honour and privilege, not as a career move to be measured in terms of how much money you may make or you may lose.

There is a salaries review committee now which has been set up under the chairmanship of Mr Gerard Ee which is reviewing salaries of political office-holders, including the president. I am confident that they will come to a wise decision, and I will accept their decision.

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.