Tan Cheng Bock
Encyclopedia
Tan Cheng Bock is a politician
and physician
from Singapore
. Tan was a People's Action Party
(PAP) Member of Parliament in Singapore politics for 26 years (1980–2006) and the first non cabinet minister elected into the People's Action Party
Central Executive Committee
(1987–96).
and Raffles Institution
, before going on to study at the University of Singapore where he graduated with a Bachelor of medicine and surgery (MBBS
) in 1968. He was a backbencher in Singapore’s Parliament from 1980 to 2006 as a member of the People's Action Party
(PAP). In early May 2011 he resigned from the PAP to stand as a candidate in the 2011 presidential election
.
since 1971. He has served as the Chairman of the Society of Private Practice, as a Council Member of the College of General Practitioners, as Committee Member on the Council of the Singapore Medical Association, as Chairman of the SMA Trust Fund, as Board Member of SMA's Ethics Committee, as SMA's Representative on the Ministry of Health's Committee on the Regulation of Medical Clinics, and as a Part-time clinical teacher in General Practice at National University of Singapore.
(83% majority). He was re-elected five times in 1984
(75%), 1988
(70%), 1991
(75%), 1997 (73%) and 2001 (88%), winning by an average majority of 77%. His 88% share of the vote in the 2001 parliamentary elections was the PAP’s best score in 31 years.
While in Parliament, he served as the Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) for Education (1987–90), National Development (1991–95) and the Environment (1995–97), and was the Co-ordinating Chairman for all GPCs from 1987-88. He was also a member of the GPCs for Communications (1997–2000) and Defence & Foreign Affairs (2001–06). Tan was the Leader of the Singapore-European Parliamentary Group between 1991–1996 and Singapore-SEA Parliamentary Group between 1997 - 2006. From 1987 - 1996, he was an elected member of the PAP Central Executive Committee
, the highest ruling committee within the PAP. Tan stepped down as a Member of Parliament at the 2006 general election. He also served as Chairman of the Jurong East
Town Council from 1989–91, Chairman of the West Coast
-Ayer Rajah
Town Council from 2001–04, Chairman of the Bukit Timah Community Development Council
from 1997–2000, and Chairman of the Feedback Unit at the Ministry of Community Development
from 1985-89.
In early 2010, Tan volunteered himself to help fellow multi-millionaire residents in Sentosa Cove
to meet with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to seek waiver of the gantry entry charge (S$2 to S$7 depending on the entry time) for visitors to their residences to the Sentosa island. His efforts however did not bear immediate fruits. Later in October 2010, the SDC offered to cap the entry charge at a concession rate of $3.
on how to campaign in the 2011 general elections when they approached him. Tan Jee Say had stood for election as SDP candidate in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and lost. Tan Jee Say later resigned from his party to stand in the 2011 presidential election.
, who had been a classmate of Tan’s at the Raffles Institution (Secondary), later said that he had initially been inclined to say no to Tan’s request because Tan was a medical practitioner with no experience in shipping:
Goh ultimately agreed to the appointment, but in the letter he sent to Tan made clear his reservations:
Goh later confirmed that neither Tan nor his company had ever tried to take advantage of his position.
in the 2011 presidential election
. He resigned from the party early May 2011 in order to be able to stand for the Presidental election (as members of political parties are barred from running for the office of President). On 22 July 2011, Tan submitted the presidency forms. On 11 August 2011, Tan was declared eligible to run.
Tan expressed he wishes to promote multi-racialism, if elected.
article dated back in 1987, Tan had spoken regarding the Singaporean government's controversial Operation Spectrum
while he was in parliament, which saw 22 young Roman Catholic church and social activists and professionals detained without trial. He addressed in his capacity as Feedback Unit chief, that most Singaporeans had accepted the government’s and ISD’s reasons for the detention, he also reported that certain “solid citizens” were sceptical of the detention. On 4 June 2011, Tan's Facebook administrator cited that as posts on his page about the incident were running contrary to what law courts have ruled, the risk of being sued for defamation was open to both hosts of the site and people behind the posts alike, as such, "(they) are obliged to remove posts that run contrary to what the law courts have ruled."
In an interview with The Online Citizen geo-political website in June 2011, Tan explained why he ‘supported’ the infamous detention, “I believed the information that was given to me from the government at that time. I saw that the people believed that they were conspirators as well. As Feedback Unit Chief, I could not let my own feelings dilute the general consensus, which I presented in Parliament.” When asked whether he still feels the ‘Marxist conspirators’ are guilty, Dr Tan responded, “I really feel they are innocent. They are all social workers and they meant well but unfortunately”.
He also proposed for the government and the Prime Minister's office to be separated as "this familiarity attracts unwanted suspicion of undue influence". He emphasized that this separation is a symbolic move required to reassure the people that they are independent of each other.
Tan also proposed an Annual Statement for greater transparency in order for Singaporeans to better understand the president's activities and ideas in unifying Singapore. The statement will also touch on Singapore's reserves, and the rationale behind the appointment or vetoing of civil servants.
Tan's campaign slogan is "Think Singaporeans First", a reference to his 1999 debate on the need to prioritize Singaporeans first when faced with prevailing foreign talent policy.
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
from Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. Tan was a People's Action Party
People's Action Party
The People's Action Party is the leading political party in Singapore. It has been the city-state's ruling political party since 1959....
(PAP) Member of Parliament in Singapore politics for 26 years (1980–2006) and the first non cabinet minister elected into the People's Action Party
People's Action Party
The People's Action Party is the leading political party in Singapore. It has been the city-state's ruling political party since 1959....
Central Executive Committee
Central Executive Committee (PAP)
The Central Executive Committee is the highest ruling committee within Singapore's People's Action Party and its "inner circle".-History:...
(1987–96).
Early life
Tan was educated at Radin Mas Primary SchoolRadin Mas Primary School
Radin Mas Primary School is a primary school in Singapore located in Bukit Purmei. The school is operated by the Ministry of Education. The school is founded in 1926 and celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2006. 2 pupils from this school entered the GEP in 2010....
and Raffles Institution
Raffles Institution
Raffles Institution , founded in 1823, is the oldest centre for pre-tertiary learning in Singapore. It is an independent school in Singapore providing secondary and pre-university education. RI consists of a boys-only secondary section , and a coeducational pre-university section...
, before going on to study at the University of Singapore where he graduated with a Bachelor of medicine and surgery (MBBS
MBBS
MBBS was a popular BBS system in the Nordic countries during the mid-1990s. It was created by a team of Oslo-based enthusiasts, led by Mike Robertson. As many BBS systems of that era, it was only available for the DOS platform. Since one process could only handle one node, multitaskers such as...
) in 1968. He was a backbencher in Singapore’s Parliament from 1980 to 2006 as a member of the People's Action Party
People's Action Party
The People's Action Party is the leading political party in Singapore. It has been the city-state's ruling political party since 1959....
(PAP). In early May 2011 he resigned from the PAP to stand as a candidate in the 2011 presidential election
Singaporean presidential election, 2011
The Singapore presidential election of 2011 was the fourth Singapore Presidential Election, held on 27 August 2011. Nomination day for eligible candidates was held on 17 August 2011. Mr. S.R. Nathan, the previous President of Singapore, stepped down on 31 August 2011 when his term drew to a close...
.
Medical career
Tan has been the Medical Director of Ama Keng Medical Clinic in JurongJurong
Jurong is the largest town in the western part of Singapore, consisting of 11 residential precincts, 14 industrial districts, 1 military zone and 1 Waterfront district. It resembles Woodlands, the largest town in the northern part of Singapore, which is smaller in size, has smaller industrial area...
since 1971. He has served as the Chairman of the Society of Private Practice, as a Council Member of the College of General Practitioners, as Committee Member on the Council of the Singapore Medical Association, as Chairman of the SMA Trust Fund, as Board Member of SMA's Ethics Committee, as SMA's Representative on the Ministry of Health's Committee on the Regulation of Medical Clinics, and as a Part-time clinical teacher in General Practice at National University of Singapore.
Political career
Representing the PAP, Tan was elected as a Member of Parliament for Ayer Rajah SMC at the 1980 general electionSingaporean general election, 1980
General elections were held in Singapore on 23 December 1980. The result was a victory for the People's Action Party, which won all 75 seats, the last of four consecutive elections in which they repeated the feat...
(83% majority). He was re-elected five times in 1984
Singaporean general election, 1984
General elections were held in Singapore on 22 December 1984. The result was a victory for the People's Action Party, which won 77 of the 79 seats, marking the first time since 1963 that they had not won every seat...
(75%), 1988
Singaporean general election, 1988
General elections were held in Singapore on 3 September 1988. The result was a victory for the People's Action Party, which won 80 of the 81 seats...
(70%), 1991
Singaporean general election, 1991
General elections were held in Singapore on 31 August 1991. The result was a victory for the People's Action Party, which won 77 of the 81 seats...
(75%), 1997 (73%) and 2001 (88%), winning by an average majority of 77%. His 88% share of the vote in the 2001 parliamentary elections was the PAP’s best score in 31 years.
While in Parliament, he served as the Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committees (GPCs) for Education (1987–90), National Development (1991–95) and the Environment (1995–97), and was the Co-ordinating Chairman for all GPCs from 1987-88. He was also a member of the GPCs for Communications (1997–2000) and Defence & Foreign Affairs (2001–06). Tan was the Leader of the Singapore-European Parliamentary Group between 1991–1996 and Singapore-SEA Parliamentary Group between 1997 - 2006. From 1987 - 1996, he was an elected member of the PAP Central Executive Committee
Central Executive Committee (PAP)
The Central Executive Committee is the highest ruling committee within Singapore's People's Action Party and its "inner circle".-History:...
, the highest ruling committee within the PAP. Tan stepped down as a Member of Parliament at the 2006 general election. He also served as Chairman of the Jurong East
Jurong East
Jurong East is a neighbourhood in Singapore, bounded by the Pan Island Expressway, a canal and the shoreline of Jurong Lake, Jurong Town Hall Road, the eastern side of Jurong Gardens, Ayer Rajah Expressway, Penjuru Road, West Coast Road, Sungei Pandan and back to the Pan Island Expressway.It is...
Town Council from 1989–91, Chairman of the West Coast
West Coast, Singapore
West Coast is a town located south of Clementi and west of Pasir Panjang in the Southwest Singapore. The area currently lies in the West Coast GRC.-History:...
-Ayer Rajah
Ayer Rajah
For the Telok Ayer Rajah and Ayer Rajah Road in Penang, see Street names of George Town, Penang.Ayer Rajah is an area located in the Queenstown Planning Area in the South-West part of Singapore. It comprises an industrial estate that houses several high-tech corporations and factories...
Town Council from 2001–04, Chairman of the Bukit Timah Community Development Council
Community Development Council
A Community Development Council is a government-led programme to organise grassroot organisations and community programmes into smaller, local units as a bridge between the government and the community...
from 1997–2000, and Chairman of the Feedback Unit at the Ministry of Community Development
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is a ministry of the Government of Singapore tasked with, from the government's point of view, building a "cohesive and resilient" society in Singapore.The MCYS often pursues vigorous social engineering campaigns of varying effectiveness and...
from 1985-89.
CPF for Tertiary Education
In 1988, Tan Cheng Bock, as GPC Chairman for Education, led a team of MPs to argue for the use of CPF for education, as an appreciable number of able students were not able to enter local universities due to limited places. Tan felt that education was a form of investment, and that all his GPC was asking for was an extra option for CPF members, to let them decide whether to put their investible savings in stocks and shares or in education. Chief argument against the idea was that the use of such retirement savings may leave the account holder with an insufficient amount at the end of his working life. The Minister for Labour at that time, Lee Yock Suan said that there were alternatives available such as soft loan schemes which were interest free. In answer to Tan's claim that Lee had not clearly stated his position on the issue despite the idea being first mentioned years ago, Lee insisted that his position had always been plain, that he "was against it, but you have pressed me to study it and I shall". The set of guidelines on the use of CPF for Education proposed by the GPC was eventually implemented, paving the way for the beginnings of a wave of Singaporean students studying at local tertiary institutions.Free parking
Tan also convinced the Ministry of National Development (MND) to let Singaporeans park their cars for free in HDB estates on Sundays and public holidays, to promote family togetherness.In early 2010, Tan volunteered himself to help fellow multi-millionaire residents in Sentosa Cove
Sentosa Cove
Sentosa Cove is a residential enclave in the East of Sentosa Island in Singapore, eventually housing about 2,500 units when fully developed. Largely made-up of reclaimed land, it is being marketed as a "exclusive oceanfront residential community" and the "only true seafront residential property"...
to meet with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to seek waiver of the gantry entry charge (S$2 to S$7 depending on the entry time) for visitors to their residences to the Sentosa island. His efforts however did not bear immediate fruits. Later in October 2010, the SDC offered to cap the entry charge at a concession rate of $3.
Nominated Member of Parliament Scheme
Tan Cheng Bock actually voted against his own party despite the Whip not lifted (a first in the history of Singapore politics) regarding the NMP scheme, on grounds that MPs had to be elected by the people and be accountable to an electorate for their views. He received a warning for his action.Think Singaporeans First
In 1999, when the nation was recovering from the Asian Financial Crisis, and experiencing yet labour talent shortages in several key sectors, the PAP pushed for a stronger intake of foreign talent to fill the ranks. Although not against this rationale, Tan Cheng Bock argued that the Government should tone down its calls for the recruitment of foreign talent and reassure Singaporeans that they came first, which earned him strong rebuttals, including one from then Minister of Trade and Industry BG Yeo and a stern rebuke from then Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.No Blank Cheque
In 1985, he made in Parliament about "no more blank cheque" for the ruling party which he revisited on his blog in May 2011.Working with the Opposition
After the May 2011 General Elections, Tan said in a speech at the 52nd Singapore Medical Association Annual Dinner that he had given advice to Opposition candidates including Tan Jee SayTan Jee Say
Tan Jee Say is a Singaporean investment adviser, politician and former civil servant. He was a principal private secretary to former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and contested the 2011 general election under the opposition Singapore Democratic Party , but failed to win a seat...
on how to campaign in the 2011 general elections when they approached him. Tan Jee Say had stood for election as SDP candidate in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and lost. Tan Jee Say later resigned from his party to stand in the 2011 presidential election.
Appointment to Chuan Hup
Tan’s appointment as non-executive Chairman of Chuan Hup Holdings Ltd in 1991 was unusual at the time, as Members of Parliament did not normally hold such positions. Prime Minister Goh Chok TongGoh Chok Tong
Goh Chok Tong is the Senior Minister of Singapore and the chairman of the central bank of Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He also served as the second Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore from 28 November 1990 to 12 August 2004, succeeding Lee Kuan Yew, the former Prime...
, who had been a classmate of Tan’s at the Raffles Institution (Secondary), later said that he had initially been inclined to say no to Tan’s request because Tan was a medical practitioner with no experience in shipping:
“When I first saw the letter, the old attitude was, why is the company interested in him? Is it to use him to open doors in Singapore? People know that he was my classmate. He is close to me. And would they use him to take advantage of his relationship with me? I would regard that as natural initial reservations.”
Goh ultimately agreed to the appointment, but in the letter he sent to Tan made clear his reservations:
“When you become CHH's non-executive chairman, you should distinguish clearly between your private position as CHH's chairman and your public position as MP. You should not lobby any public officer in the course of your business. You have often spoken publicly on the state of the property market, and the need for the Government to intervene. It has not always been clear whether you were speaking as an MP, or in your private or professional capacity. This has confused the public.”
Goh later confirmed that neither Tan nor his company had ever tried to take advantage of his position.
Current appointments
In addition to serving as non-executive Chairman of Chuan Hup Holdings Ltd since 1991, Tan has also held the position of Chairman of Dredging International Asia Pacific Pte Ltd since 1997.Past corporate appointments
His past corporate appointments include- INGING GroupThe ING Group is a global financial institution offering retail banking, direct banking, commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, and insurance services. ING is the Dutch member of the Inter-Alpha Group of Banks, a cooperative consortium of 11 prominent European banks...
Asia Private Bank (2008–09) - M&C REIT Management Ltd (2006–10)
- M&C Business Trust Management Ltd (2006–10)
- Jurong Health Services (up to 2011)
- Jurong Medical Centre (up to 2011)
- Provisional MRT Transit Authority (1983)
- Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (1983–85)
- SMRTSMRT CorporationSMRT Corporation is a public transport operator incorporated on March 6, 2000, as a result of an industry overhaul to form multi-modal public-transport operators in Singapore. It is the second-largest public-transport company in Singapore after ComfortDelGro...
(1987–95) - Land Transport AuthorityLand Transport AuthorityThe Land Transport Authority is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of the Singapore Government.-History:...
(1995–2005).
Awards and decorations
Tan has been awarded numerous accolades from various Organisations.- Sreenivasan Orator, Singapore Medical Association(SMA)
- Orator, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society
- Fellow, College of Family Practitioners
- Honorary Member, Singapore Medical Association
- Honorary Member, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
- Governor, Tower Club
- Honoured – 100 Rafflesians (1823–2003)
Charity Work
Tan has been involved in the following Charity Organisations such as the Tsao Organisation (2000–2009), Centre for Third Age Ltd (2007–2011), Disabled People’s Association (1985–2006), Handicap Welfare Association (1986–2006) and the Credit Counselling Singapore (2002–2007).Personal life
A Catholic, Tan is married to Lee Choon Lain and has one son and one daughter. He enjoys playing the Ukulele, gardening, golf and keeping koi.2011 Presidential Election
In June 2011, Tan announced that he was running for the position of President of SingaporePresident of Singapore
The President of the Republic of Singapore is Singapore's head of state. In a Westminster parliamentary system, as which Singapore governs itself, the prime minister is the head of the government while the position of president is largely ceremonial. Before 1993, the President of Singapore was...
in the 2011 presidential election
Singaporean presidential election, 2011
The Singapore presidential election of 2011 was the fourth Singapore Presidential Election, held on 27 August 2011. Nomination day for eligible candidates was held on 17 August 2011. Mr. S.R. Nathan, the previous President of Singapore, stepped down on 31 August 2011 when his term drew to a close...
. He resigned from the party early May 2011 in order to be able to stand for the Presidental election (as members of political parties are barred from running for the office of President). On 22 July 2011, Tan submitted the presidency forms. On 11 August 2011, Tan was declared eligible to run.
Tan expressed he wishes to promote multi-racialism, if elected.
Internal Security Act detentions
Controversy erupted shortly after Tan declared his interest in the Presidency. It was revealed that in a Straits TimesThe Straits Times
The Straits Times is an English language daily broadsheet newspaper based in Singapore currently owned by Singapore Press Holdings . It is the country's highest-selling paper, with a current daily circulation of nearly 400,000...
article dated back in 1987, Tan had spoken regarding the Singaporean government's controversial Operation Spectrum
Operation Spectrum
Operation Spectrum was launched on May 21, 1987 by Singapore's Internal Security Department using the Internal Security Act . 16 people were arrested for their involvement in what was described as a "Marxist conspiracy". On June 20, 1987, four of the original 16 were released and six more were...
while he was in parliament, which saw 22 young Roman Catholic church and social activists and professionals detained without trial. He addressed in his capacity as Feedback Unit chief, that most Singaporeans had accepted the government’s and ISD’s reasons for the detention, he also reported that certain “solid citizens” were sceptical of the detention. On 4 June 2011, Tan's Facebook administrator cited that as posts on his page about the incident were running contrary to what law courts have ruled, the risk of being sued for defamation was open to both hosts of the site and people behind the posts alike, as such, "(they) are obliged to remove posts that run contrary to what the law courts have ruled."
In an interview with The Online Citizen geo-political website in June 2011, Tan explained why he ‘supported’ the infamous detention, “I believed the information that was given to me from the government at that time. I saw that the people believed that they were conspirators as well. As Feedback Unit Chief, I could not let my own feelings dilute the general consensus, which I presented in Parliament.” When asked whether he still feels the ‘Marxist conspirators’ are guilty, Dr Tan responded, “I really feel they are innocent. They are all social workers and they meant well but unfortunately”.
Campaign
In the presidential candidate broadcast, Tan addressed that "The President must be above politics." and that "he must not be a proxy to be any political party" where "his interest must be national, not with a political agenda in mind".He also proposed for the government and the Prime Minister's office to be separated as "this familiarity attracts unwanted suspicion of undue influence". He emphasized that this separation is a symbolic move required to reassure the people that they are independent of each other.
Tan also proposed an Annual Statement for greater transparency in order for Singaporeans to better understand the president's activities and ideas in unifying Singapore. The statement will also touch on Singapore's reserves, and the rationale behind the appointment or vetoing of civil servants.
Tan's campaign slogan is "Think Singaporeans First", a reference to his 1999 debate on the need to prioritize Singaporeans first when faced with prevailing foreign talent policy.