Why Nathan delayed his annoucement

[scroobal]

Nathan is no imbecile. He is 87 and if he stood again it will be 6 years and he will be 93. He also does not need the money. No right minded person with a brain will expect to do such a job until his 90s. It is not fair on the country. So why did Nathan not throw in the towel earlier and gracefully say that age has caught up and that he did his best.

In essence he was told to wait so that the establishment can control the entry of candidates as they did before. As none of the 6 approached candidates agreed to take part after TCB threw down the gauntlet, the ability to control the next president became iffy. None of the 6 were prepared to fight TCB. Not that TCB will win against the TKL.

It took a while to persuade Tony Tan to return home to meet up and convince him to run. TT has been spending his time more in the UK than here. He had to rush back for Kwa's funeral as well.

Now you can't have TT announce his candidacy and have Nathan quit the next day as it will reflect badly on Nathan. So the 2 weeks grace.

Nathan was reluctant to run the second term and he made it known very clearly. But they could not attract appropriate candidates and thus he was back in the saddle by default and with reluctance. So why the hell was "keen" to run a third time.

 

[sirus]

This is called SHOWMANSHIP. he...he...

 

[Windsor]

This is called SHOWMANSHIP. he...he...

What showmanship?

This is an obedient servant following the instructions from his master as he had been doing for the past 12 years.

 

[sirus]

What showmanship?

This is an obedient servant following the instructions from his master as he had been doing for the past 12 years.

The delay announcement. The way he told the media like it was a $1m question. Wayang cannot sleep.

 

[tanwahtiu]

Like all typical Sinkies waiting for gahment instruction.

The delay announcement. The way he told the media like it was a $1m question. Wayang cannot sleep.

 

[kukubird58]

hahaha...again magic figure of the mystery 6 but leaves everyone guessing......
ooops it was suppose to sarcastic remark.....
actually i was one of the six approached.

 

[Confuseous]

Statement by Nathan the Chiak Leow Bee President

In a few days I will be reaching the age of 87 years. At this stage of my life, I do not believe that I can undertake indefinitely the heavy responsibilities and physical demands of the position of Head of State. I have therefore decided not to seek a third term in office and will step down as President of Singapore.

Over the past 12 years, I have tried to do my best as Head of State in all my duties, whether it be constitutional, ceremonial or community-related. I have gained new insights into the lives of our people in all walks of life - the dispossessed, disabled, and impoverished as well as those able to enjoy the fruits of our economic progress. I have sought public support for various social causes, benefitting the less fortunate. If I have fallen short, I would like the people of Singapore to know that this has not been for lack of effort or commitment. I have tried to do my best.

No doubt I have earned my fair share of criticism. Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that. I have taken such comments - whether made directly or via social media - as made in good conscience, and well-intended.

At the same time, I have been privileged, from the day I came into office, to receive the goodwill and affection of countless Singaporeans, shown in many ways, both public and private. I will always cherish the memory of my interactions with these Singaporeans - I find difficulty in finding words to describe their affection and kindness.

Whatever the Constitution says about the powers of the Elected President, and however varied people's perceptions of the Office may be, ultimately the welfare of our country and people depends upon the way Singapore is governed and administered. That depends in turn upon the qualities of the men and women elected by the people to Parliament, and on those who take up office in government. I believe that if those who serve in the government or any other area of public administration meet the demands of their office to the best of their ability, and if they show wisdom and integrity in looking after the interests of Singapore, we can ask no more.

We face a future in which the challenges to our leaders will be different from those in the past, but every bit as substantial. We must all be responsive to constructive criticism. At the same time, whether in the office of President or in the executive arm of government, we will always need people of strong character and vision who resist populist pressures and the temptation to sacrifice the long~term interests of the nation in response to those who merely snipe without having to take responsibility.

To serve as President of Singapore has been an honour. To Singaporeans regardless of race, religion or social status, I owe an eternal debt for the opportunity to do so. I will cherish the memory of my association with them and the deep affection they showered on my wife and me.

IN his last days, he tries to be presidential and wise. And dish out some back-handed platitudes to his Masters. One can almost feel sorry for him. Personally, the biggest dissapointment has been that he should have donated the First Million to the Presidential Charity Show each year. THAT would have been class, instead of spending office hours practising writing pathetic Chinese calligraphy and reciting Desiderata. Oh well, this particular piece of nightmare ends soon.

 

[Varuna]

The moment TT announced his decision to run, Nathan is history. The rest are timing control to create the impression as if the 2 moves are dissociated independent decisions.

 

[scroobal]

He is no imbecile but certainly a fool and an idiot. A layman can see thru the wayang and showmanship as pointed out by others. As one other stated, the moment TT announced, it was game over. Why the 2 weeks and sleepless night? If he even picked 1,000 votes, it will be an achievement.

The PAP should also ashamed for manipulating this idiot.

He

 

[scroobal]

Note all the defensive comments. No other President had to do it. He obviously knew about the comments circulating.

Statement by Nathan the Chiak Leow Bee President

No doubt I have earned my fair share of criticism. Anyone who takes on public responsibilities has to expect that. I have taken such comments - whether made directly or via social media - as made in good conscience, and well-intended.



Whatever the Constitution says about the powers of the Elected President, and however varied people's perceptions of the Office may be, ultimately the welfare of our country and people depends upon the way Singapore is governed and administered. That depends in turn upon the qualities of the men and women elected by the people to Parliament, and on those who take up office in government. I believe that if those who serve in the government or any other area of public administration meet the demands of their office to the best of their ability, and if they show wisdom and integrity in looking after the interests of Singapore, we can ask no more.

We must all be responsive to constructive criticism. At the same time, whether in the office of President or in the executive arm of government, we will always need people of strong character and vision who resist populist pressures and the temptation to sacrifice the long~term interests of the nation in response to those who merely snipe without having to take responsibility.
.

IN his last days, he tries to be presidential and wise. And dish out some back-handed platitudes to his Masters. One can almost feel sorry for him. Personally, the biggest dissapointment has been that he should have donated the First Million to the Presidential Charity Show each year. THAT would have been class, instead of spending office hours practising writing pathetic Chinese calligraphy and reciting Desiderata. Oh well, this particular piece of nightmare ends soon.

 

[johnny333]

It took a while to persuade Tony Tan to return home to meet up and convince him to run. TT has been spending his time more in the UK than here. He had to rush back for Kwa's funeral as well.

Spore can have a president who commutes to work from the UK

LKY won't have to share the Istana & Tony Tan gets to stay in yjr UK I doubt anybody will miss the president

 

[GoldenDragon]

Whatever PrataMan and the ST said he achieved during his presidency, most bros in SBF would have been able to replicate. President's Charity? Any president would have been able to initiate that. Shaking hands, carrying babies, waving to crowds, nodding his head etc - very difficult?

 

[sirus]

A statement from Dr Tony Tan:

"President S R Nathan has served all Singaporeans well. His time in office will be remembered as one of wisdom and compassion.

I join Singaporeans in thanking President Nathan for his steadfast commitment to duty."
12 hours ago

" wisdom and compassion"?????ha....ha.....

 

[GoldenDragon]

A statement from Dr Tony Tan:

"President S R Nathan has served all Singaporeans well. His time in office will be remembered as one of wisdom and compassion.

I join Singaporeans in thanking President Nathan for his steadfast commitment to duty."
12 hours ago

TT should have just said Nathan made lots of money as president. Period. Other than that notable achievement, Nathan did nothing.

 

[ThePlen]

so that he can advertise his book on "TREES of the ISTANA"

President Nathan launches book on trees at the Istana

SINGAPORE: The book - "Trees of the Istana" - took three years to write and its publication this year coincides with the United Nations designating 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

The Istana, the official residence of the Singapore President, was once a nutmeg plantation. At 43 hectares - about the size of 53 football fields - it is also home to some 10,000 trees.

The trees are cared for by the National Parks Board and their efforts have been bearing fruit. NParks said some fruits are harvested and served to guests dining at the Istana.

The trees also bear silent witness to the history of Singapore - since some have been around since colonial times.

Wong Tuan Wah, co-author of the book "Trees of the Istana" and Director of Conservation with NParks, said: "This is a huge Tembusu tree, and also one of the tallest trees in the Istana itself.

"This tree has been here for more than 150 years old. And it's been here because people have taken care of it in the past, and now it's up to us to take care of it and pass it on to the new generation."

Besides functioning as the city's green lungs, the Istana grounds have also become a science lab of wildlife in Singapore. For example, NParks recently introduced new plants and birds, including the Oriental Pied Hornbills, to observe their growth in a natural habitat.

Chief Executive Officer of NParks, Poon Hong Yuen, said: "One good reason why we do it in Istana because it's serene and well-protected, so that we can do our work quietly. The other reason actually is because key figures like Mr Lee Kuan Yew have been very encouraging of us, NParks, doing new things in Istana because these are the things that he also enjoys very much."

The Istana grounds are home to about 150 varieties of trees, and over 70 of them are featured in the book.

President S R Nathan also presented autographed copies to sponsors and donors who contributed to the President's Challenge.

 

[halsey02]

Following the "Birds of the Istana" will be " Pond Pishes of the Istana" & the last of the trilogy " Insects Of The Instana"

His cook book series "Roti Prata Made Easy" "How to Flip Pratas" "Dosai, Chepati in 5 easy steps" "Curry flavours in 10 easy steps"

His non-fiction, semi-autobiography " Immeasurable". availble in prints or download from Amazon, iTunes...