Tan Jee Say calls for review of ISA
Presidential candidate Tan Jee Say has called for a review of the Internal Security Act (ISA), following a heated exchange with Dr Tony Tan over the issue at a dialogue a day ago.
Tan said on Friday, "I think we have reached a stage that it's time that we do a review."
He was speaking at a walkabout in Toa Payoh Central on Friday evening, where he bumped into fellow candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock. Both candidates appeared surprised to meet, but shook hands and wished each other well.
The former Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member stressed that his views had nothing to do with the opposition party, nor are they related to Teo Soh Lung, an ex-ISA detainee who subsequently joined the SDP.
Teo was arrested as part of a group of 22 and charged with trying to replace the government with a Marxist government in 1987. The SDP spoke up against the ISA in May's General Election, calling the arrests a sign of weakness, not strength.
Terming the ISA as "very draconian", Tan said these were his views "even before I joined SDP."
"The situation has changed… there are other laws to take care of terrorism and other criminal activities. And other countries are doing it without the ISA."
During Thursday's forum where all four Presidential candidates were present, Tan said the ISA was used against political opponents to the government. Dr Tony Tan interjected and cautioned him that it was a "very serious charge".
Tan Jee Say followed up by asking Dr Tony Tan for his definition of "political opponent" but the latter did not reply and the forum moved on.
When asked if he was satisfied with Dr Tony Tan's silence for an answer after the dialogue, Tan Jee Say said he respects "his right to keep silent".
Touching on his controversial proposal to disband Temasek Holdings (TH), Tan said that this was unlikely to take place in the next five to ten years.
"I think that government ownership and management of the economy of GLCs should be reduced, gradually. And I don't think jobs will be at stake because the companies will still remain, you're just selling shares to other people… And we can expand the businesses and create more jobs, rather than lose jobs."
He proposed having "more experienced" private sector companies, international networks and "good companies" like Singtel, DBS and Keppel as potential buyers.
Tan also added, other than being Head of State, the Elected President must address bread and butter issues. He said, feedback from the public is that they were concerned about healthcare costs, especially for the elderly, and the availability of jobs.
"You don't take care of the people by traveling abroad and perform your function as Head of State. Stay at home more, and look after the people," he said.
Tan will hold his rally at Toa Payoh Stadium next Tuesday, 23 August, between 7pm and 10pm. This is the first Presidential Election rally permit the police have issued.
