This was an institution that went wrong from the start when it was changed to an elected presidency. Originally designed to act as a backstop and a control for a rogue govt arising from a freak election, the institution was a device to hold out on to reserves for least 10 years.
The first hiccup was that Ong who was nominated by the PAP got only only 6 out of 10 votes while Chua Kim Yeow who was a virtual unknown and clearly reluctant got 4 out of 10 votes.
The second hiccup was the growing animosity over golf course use, the change of Presidential residence, son misusing facilities and the ruckus over accounting of assets during Ong's tenure
Third hiccup, no takers of substance after the end of Nathan's first term. Nathan had wanted to step down.
To address the above the Presidential salary and purse was raised 3 times over 5 years to make it worthwhile for someone of substance. Temasek funding was also de-linked from the reserves.
Sometime in the middle of last year 6 luminaries were approached and were asked to consider including a lady. 3 are former Civil Servants and 2 are captains of industry. One actually is now in the salary review committee but it is not Gerard Ee. No promises were made. The early approach was to give them ample time to prepare for the campaign. Tan Cheng Bock was not one of them. Cheng Bock is considered a loose cannon by old man having rubbed him on numerous occasions. Interestingly Cheng Bock just managed to qualify as the chairman of company as the paid-up capital is just above $100m.
There is also another speed bump to clear. The President's salary is also in the pot for Gerard Ee committee to review and it will apply from 21 May 2011. Nathan's last revenge as he volunteered.
Talk about spanner in the works - Tan Cheng Bock gave the PAP hell within. He refused steadfast against the NMP scheme and made it known in parliament and on many occasions thereafter. The God of Ama Keng strikes again. This guy not only has the Lim Chu Kang / Jurong West but also West Coast where he was their much loved MP. He is also loved by Civil Servants and the Medical Fraternity.
Watch this space.
The first hiccup was that Ong who was nominated by the PAP got only only 6 out of 10 votes while Chua Kim Yeow who was a virtual unknown and clearly reluctant got 4 out of 10 votes.
The second hiccup was the growing animosity over golf course use, the change of Presidential residence, son misusing facilities and the ruckus over accounting of assets during Ong's tenure
Third hiccup, no takers of substance after the end of Nathan's first term. Nathan had wanted to step down.
To address the above the Presidential salary and purse was raised 3 times over 5 years to make it worthwhile for someone of substance. Temasek funding was also de-linked from the reserves.
Sometime in the middle of last year 6 luminaries were approached and were asked to consider including a lady. 3 are former Civil Servants and 2 are captains of industry. One actually is now in the salary review committee but it is not Gerard Ee. No promises were made. The early approach was to give them ample time to prepare for the campaign. Tan Cheng Bock was not one of them. Cheng Bock is considered a loose cannon by old man having rubbed him on numerous occasions. Interestingly Cheng Bock just managed to qualify as the chairman of company as the paid-up capital is just above $100m.
There is also another speed bump to clear. The President's salary is also in the pot for Gerard Ee committee to review and it will apply from 21 May 2011. Nathan's last revenge as he volunteered.
Talk about spanner in the works - Tan Cheng Bock gave the PAP hell within. He refused steadfast against the NMP scheme and made it known in parliament and on many occasions thereafter. The God of Ama Keng strikes again. This guy not only has the Lim Chu Kang / Jurong West but also West Coast where he was their much loved MP. He is also loved by Civil Servants and the Medical Fraternity.
Watch this space.
