AWARE versus Tan Kin Lian saga
August 22nd, 2023 | 
Author: 
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The race is hotting up. It’s closing in on 1 Sept. The age spread for the presidential hopefuls is quite wide. Tharman Shanmugaratnam is 66 yrs old. Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian are both 75 yrs old. You can say it is a race between one young senior and two mature ones.
From the get-go, it seems like NKS and TS are less controversial than TKL. Even before nomination day, TKL has received an exclusive write up, with this title: “Cert for Tan not endorsement of his obline posts: Presidential Elections Committee.” I call this the distancing strategy.
In keeping the distance, this is their statement: “The PEC was not aware of Mr Tan’s social media posts before Mr Tan’s certificate of eligibility was issued. Hence, the issuing of the certificate could not have amounted to an endorsement of Mr Tan’s social media posts by the PEC.” But what is this perceived endorsement anyway? What had spooked PEC about TKL?
Aware was the first to pick it up, after a TikTok video went viral. It said that TKL “has a history of objectifying women” and questioned how PEC could miss that out. That led to PEC’s statement above.
It seems like there is a pattern in the way TKL post on his FB in the past. Aware noted the presidential hopeful has been ““consistently posting about “pretty girls”, recording videos of women in public without their consent or commenting about their appearances for personal entertainment, and suggests that it is acceptable to trivialise women.””
Aware concluded: “Our president should embody the values, ethics and principles that reflect the nation we want to be.”
What do you think, mike?
Well, I suppose the more modern mindset would say, “To each his or her own”. It’s your platform. You set it to “Public” and invite ”Likes” and “Comments” at your own discretion.
Those who agree with you, laugh with you, and support you, that’s all good. It’s their prerogative. Yet, there will also be those who disagree with you, reprimand and mock you, that’s all part and parcel too. Modern technology has brought personalities into your private space at your own free will by a click, and they can be in-your-face or in-your-heart.
But, what puzzles me is how he responded when he was interviewed about the images on his FB. Generally, he felt it was ok. He asked those offended to be more open minded. He explained: “Most visitors to his page found such posts quite light (and) quite enjoyable. There will be a few people who feel uncomfortable, but that is a very small minority. The majority actually find that to be quite okay – quite fun.” (it really depends on who the “most visitors” are, right?)
In one recent video, TKL justified it this way: “There is nothing wrong appreciating pretty girls we are all human beings” and “I am sure the girls also appreciate good looking men.” He then added: “Maybe the people who were upset were not the pretty ones.”
Alas, I felt there are a hundred and one ways to respond to such question, considering the deed has already been done. You can’t cancel it. You have to face it.
And not everyone can say that their recorded past is without blemish. The only solution is to exercise restraint, consider how your action and words may affect even the so called “very small minority.” This is even more so when you are running for the highest, most dignified office of the land. You are supposed to be the epitome or embodiment of the highest moral and ethical values, however unrealistic that sounds.
You set the tone for the country. You send the message out from the summit of the presidential hill top. Everyone can see whether the emperor is wearing clothes or not, so to speak.
Comments like “‘maybe the people who were upset were not the pretty ones” are sure to be offensive, even if they are only the “very small minority”. And, as TKL puts it, the majority (where did he get the numbers, anyway?) may be “quite ok” with it and felt it was “quite fun” (that’s because they are not the ones being laughed at, or being secretly “admired” in the privacy of strangers’ room). But, I can’t imagine TKL as our president taking a few hours off his busy schedule to showcase unsolicited pictures of “pretty girls” on his FB, making this comment, “look here, pretty girls,” from the comfort of Istana.
But then, shouldn’t we be chill about it, since we are all human beings, and it is just harmless admiring, and nothing more?
Anyway, he did say it’s just for fun. It is generally ok. He’s just complimenting beauty on the street. But is that presidential? Did TKL cross the line, and then from the other side, cavalierly justifying it as this – “what’s the problem?”
So, I find his explanation of much concern. If the president is ceremonially symbolic, and a representative of the people’s values, what image do we want from candidates like NKS, TS, and our most maverick, TKL?
Yes, he can do what he likes, post anyhow he wants, and get a good laugh from it, as a retiree. But, in a different context, should he find his residency at the Istana for a term or two, is there then a clear line drawn, since he will be both the depository of timeless values and the ambassador to the nations abroad? His wife will carry the honorific title “First Lady” and he will in my view be known as “Adam” for the nation – the first man, so to speak. setting the image and reputation for us all.
Well, I leave you to ponder on that.
Ps: at times, I wish TKL was less loose with his mouth and fingers. And when asked about it, just say: “I sincerely apologise to those for whom I have offended. Even one is one too many. Your feelings are important to me. I admit that I’ve carried it too far. I ask that you give me a chance to prove to you that I am so much more than what you see and read about.”
“My family and marriage are an enduring testament to my commitment and devotion to serving you as your Ninth President, if elected. I am only human. I am not perfect. But I am always learning, correcting and adapting, even at my age, if not more so at my age.”
“And rest assured, I shall do you proud. I will not let even one sheep under my care down. That is my presidential promise to you.”
Michael Han
* The author is a Director at Hoh Law Corporation and blogs on Facebook.
Posted in 
“From the get-go, it seems like NKS and TS are less controversial than TKL.”
Of course, they are less controversial. They are not the least controversial. They are hand in glove with the powers.
Do Singaporeans want a quiet mouse in the Istana?
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If TKL represents Singapore as Head of State of Singapore in global events, it will be so so embarrassing for Singaporeans. If you think Trump and Biden are bad, braced yourself..
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Is AWARE aware that government publications are lots more juicy than what TKL posts?
Look at this 8day stuff.
https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/tvb-frederick-chui-get-intimate-woman-cab-817696
TVB rising star Frederick Chui (徐文浩), 27, has been caught on camera getting intimate with a woman in the back of a taxi.
In the grainy clip, a man and woman are seen sitting very closely together. The woman then leans over and seemingly embraces him.
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It seems that the recent affairs between several ex-Parliamentarians are getting AWARE all worked up.
Do they realise that a lecherous person need not post on FB and they would therefore be un-AWARE?
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Then, why didn’t AWARE lodge a formal protest when President Trump decided to visit Singapore?
Only they ownself would know.
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Stout Advocate or Willing Pawn?
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Haven’t seen Mr Tan’s postings about “pretty girls”, but if they’re like one thing I posted when teaching at NIE, then I can assure voters mine was taken in the “light” spirit intended, and that by young teacher trainees mature enough and with the right touch of humour and sensibility. A colleague during his lecture had commented on Muslims wearing tudong, and some Muslim students felt somewhat offended and complained online on a chat we hosted for follow-up discussion of lectures. I was course organiser, so I posted an explanation effectively saying that my colleague wasn’t questioning the propriety and modesty intended by the wearing of tudong, but advising against the possibility of the practice becoming a mere ritual with its rich meaning forgotten. Then, to end with the “light” touch (of Mr Tan’s?), I wrote something like “By the way, the colourful tudongs I see worn by our girls (I should have added ‘pretty’) around campus look exceedingly charming…!” The issue was settled. The complainants might have moved on smiling.
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Oh this is nothing new. Heard about this same behavior years ago when he was Income chief. A lady staff who worked told a friend of mine that the ladies were uncomfortable when he is around them.
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And I thought I was the only one who felt TKL should talk less and shake more hands. Apparently the highly educated author feels the same.
I repeat again, Tan should sack his media team and engage Jay, Nicole Seah (yes, that one) or even the writer to properly advise him on when to STFU and and what to say.
So far, as the writer have observed, he is acting like a loose cannon. No good for him.
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For those who are vouching for TKL, you have been warned. What he posted is his own doing and now he pushed the blame on gutter politics, on the establishment and whoever that are offended by the postings.
We have all heard before, he often use the words ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ in a lot of his postings. Like some articles he wrote during covid, he inferred that the majority being jabbed are okay, therefore the vaccine is safe. Well, some minority suffered and some died, where was he? Not his problem.
Next time, when a minority group raise some concern, you can be sure that his consideration is that the majority is okay with the issue, and the minority is making a mountain out of a molehill.
He didn’t apologise like what Michael Han has suggested he should, because you know from his actions and words that he is that type of snobbish character, the same mould from the PAP and worse.
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Tharman or Kok Song as President would not be different from Halimah.
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I disagree with Michael Han. Firstly,AWARE has no right to claim it represents all women in Singapore.If any of the videos taken were of AWARE members and offended them, AWARE could have seeked legal remedies against TKL. Why does AWARE think it represents every woman on the street? Some women like being photographed. They like the attention.Secondly, these videos and photos were taken prior to TKL’s nomination, it is suspicious as to why AWARE is only raising it now.Thirdly, Michael Han, thinks that TKL must be apologetic. Why? If the video or photos are of animals, he must also apologize? He only needs to apologize if those he took photos of are offended.AWARE is overstepping it’s boundaries of representation of women as being weak and being victims of the male gender. It is a sexist organisation and takes back women rights to the last century. A woman of today is empowered to deal with any situation herself.There is no need for AWARE. Hopefully taxpayers are not funding such a sick organisation.
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Well, TKL should have expected this tactic of the ruling party. Attacking a person’s character is a dirty but effective strategy used by politicians all over the world.
The question that really tickles me is are the daft ones who are presently upset with the MIW willing to make use of a less than shining knight in TKL? Meaning just vote for TKL, the aim is to register their unhappiness, don’t matter whether they like TKL in the first place.
Or are they going to act atas and vote for NKS instead and let Tharman win? Like the Chinese saying, 拿石头砸自己 i.e. hurt ownselves because being principled is more important, nevermind that their leaders played dirty and treated them like fools all these decades. This boring PE is suddenly getting abit interesting, haha.
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You could say that TKL surreptitiously took photos of ‘pretty girls’ and post it on FB. Let’s say he walks down the street and see someone dressed uniquely, or doing something out of the ordinary and he pull his phone out to snap a photo of them discreetly, is there a succinct term to describe this? “Candid photo” does not seem to encompass the meaning that I’m going for. “Hidden camera” kind of gives off a prank video vibe. “Voyeurism” is more of a criminal/ sexual nature. Are there any words that come to mind to describe the situation that I had mentioned? How about “Çreeper shots” for want of a better word?
If you were to apply digital ethics from a consequentialist standpoint. Consequentialism, refers to an ethical framework about evaluating the possible consequences of our acts, considering how our acts will affect us in the future, and consider the consequences of our actions. For example, you write an angry email. This could be applied to an angry email, when you evaluate the consequences of sending the angry email. If you sent the angry email, you could hurt the feelings of the person you sent the email to. It will affect you in the future, because you might feel regret over sending the email.
Surely, one does not look to classical texts or the teachings of the Old or New Testament for “answers. What we learn from carefully studying the “wisdom” of these texts is a “way” of framing issues of right and wrong.
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@Dalai Says “Read My Lips”
Good say! * clap * clap * clap *
This is the reason why I say we should vote for Tharman, so that the 1st lady can suggest to the gahment to sign a CECA with Japan to bring in their JAV culture and JAV actresses and actors.
Let these JAV idols teach the aunties at aware on what it means to be a woman and to be appreciated. lol
BTW, I praise my wife and many lady friends’ looks and body all the time and they like what they hear.
So am I guilty of objectifying them also?
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So Aware is honestly protective of female “abuse” in any way.
What do Aware say of lesbian acts?
Very womanly?
Tech: Ya hor, why they never cry father cry mother when lesbians bonk each other with dildos, bananas, cucumbers and broom sticks? Many many many moons ago, when I was in Sinkieland, someone (a young female journalist then with CNA) told me that most in aware hates men and they think that they can live without men. Maybe that’s way?
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@TRE Tech
bro, Clearly, a significant segment of Asian especially Japan culture still accepts the “boys will be boys” model, where male predatory behavior is normalized, and it is up to the women and girls to dress frumpily, always walk in groups after dark, and stay away from drunken frat parties–or risk getting raped and accused of “asking for it.”
I’ve KNOWN many of those ‘arriving on campus’ are young men who were never educated in empathy, impulse control, caring for the woman’s sensitivities, etc.–who got their actual sex education from violent movies and rap lyrics, with or without lip service to “abstinence only.” Whether they are ignorant boors or dangerous sociopaths, they don’t realize there’s anything wrong with what they are doing.
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Talk so much for what…….if offensive or crime make a police report, if not live with it.
Anyway if he is president anyone here think he is going to make more such videos?
Aware is being make used by ………….not sure who.
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Do people remember Roy attacked disabled children? We were told that the children cried but couldn’t run away as they were disabled. Yes? No? My recollection could be off.
Now we are told that TKL assaults women. Not direct physical assault, but assaults on the image of women.
No conspiracy? So simple?
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Good for TKL. He is clever enough to avoid this trap. If he stupidly apologizes as said, the next step will be to withdraw. The IBs may get $23,000 bonus.
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..” On 14 March 1967, when the second reading of the National Service (Amendment) Bill a”
AWARE is not aware that women have been discriminated since 1967.
They have not made any noise about women not able to serve their beloved country.
So unfair to women.
They kept quiet for 56 very long years.
Yet want to scream about a social media post?
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Quick, go see the sneering expression on a big-shot face, when he sneers at the “silent minority.” One vote for him makes you the minority. He sneers at minority.
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Should have kept all those “pretty” girls photo to himself and not post it.
Actually TKL create the problem himself…no one to blame but himself.To blame others will only make it worse.
Want to be a President…act Presidential lah.
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Aware concluded: “Our president should embody the values, ethics and principles that reflect the nation we want to be.”
Aware can speak only for itself. Clearly, the wise men and women in Parliament and Cabinet do not think so. Otherwise, such values, ethics and principles would have been put into the Constitution.
Some people may say they want man who is very very in love with one woman, and will never go near another woman even long after the first woman is gone.
Some people may say they want man who treasure and protect woman. Even if a woman is involved in some affair, the woman must never be exposed, attacked and discarded like soiled diapers. Why Aware never come out to protect them?
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FORGET ABOUT A.W.A.R.E.
BUT,beware if you 40 pct of sgs do not vote for TKL.
TKL is not the most qualified in this race but so what.
Can he do a better job than Halimah,Nathan ?
Sure,TKL is qualified.
As for public speaking,it can be easily brushed up.
Look at Woody Goh.
I am sure TKL can surpass him.
So far it has always been a CHOSEN ONE OF PAP who becomes EP.
BOTH THARMAN AND NKS ARE CHOSEN,either is good for PAP ,first and foremost,who can deny?Tharman? KOK SONG?
So,if 40 pct votes for TKL and the remaining 60 pct gets splitted between Tharman and NKS,TKL will likely win.
A TKL WIN IS A WIN FOR THE 40 PCT.
IT WILL SERVE AS WAKE-UP CALL FOR THE 60 PCT COME GE.
So,you 40 pct out there,VOTE TKL ,everyone of you.
If you take this first step,the 60 pct will start to be “AWARE”,er,AWAKE!
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Ng Kok Song says he wants to tell youth worried about their future ‘not to despair’. Study hard. Equip yourself. “We will continue to grow the economy.”
Standard pappy talk. When pmet younger than his “partner” do grab, the pappies look elsewhere. Some pappies even take that as a credit.
Tech: Err… didn’t one big shot that makes millions leeching off the clubhouse said something to the effect that you cannot eat a degree?
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What happens if old photos show Tan Kin Lian with old ladies? Will Aware or saboers bring it up?
Tech: I think if the old lady is from that organisation, and Tan captioned it with “the most bebelicious MILF I have every met”, they won’t objest. ROTFL
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The problem with smart people is they do not know when to stop or what not to talk.
It is OK as no one is perfect….and perfectly normal but if you want to be President ,it is a different ball game.
They will be held to a higher standard, may be unreasonable but that is a reality.
So if still want to be President, sometimes best to keep big mouth shut. No need to turn people off.
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I have not seen what TKL has posted on “pretty girls” and I don’t intend to check. Those who were portrayed can take it up if they were offended. However, I am a bit surprised that TKL would do such a thing. It shows a lack of sophistication. And this is not presidential at all. I suspect he will lose his deposit again. Having said that, I think AWARE is really looking for issues to prove their relevance. Women try to monetise their looks on social media all the time. They are in fact “objectifying” themselves in sometimes quite tasteless ways. Does AWARE have an opinion of that ? Anyway, the board of AWARE can rest easy. Nobody will ever post their individual pictures for the enjoyment of the general public. That’s for sure.
Tech: The aunties at Aware is digging up the PAST and making noise over what TKL did (not that it is illegal) 10 years ago. As men, we look at, oggle and admire women all the time, isn’t this natural? If there is anyone to pin the blame on, then blame God who created Adam and Eve.
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TKL should put up photos of men, handsome men, gym men, 3/4 naked artistes, beach men, …
Those un-aware members might become his followers. Female voters will be attracted to his facebook.
https://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/916/810/Bruce_Lee_myclassiclyricsdotcom_display_image.jpg?1304561937
https://cdn.britannica.com/31/182831-050-3F0A0CCE/Arnold-Schwarzenegger-title-character-Conan-the-Destroyer.jpg
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Most men objectify women. Women are AWARE of this. That is why they doll up like they are doing a show. Because they know men are susceptible to looks. Heard of the femme fatale? Only Spore women don’t bother!
I’m sure women don’t have issues with men objectifying men.
So TKL, don’t worry and be distracted. FOCUS.
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Throw ear shape 2inches 3dimension wood normally u find in Waterloo temple ask KY.(Not former PM.HE sure
Say NOT this guy)
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Haha. Lesbians aren’t interested in phallic objects or the phallus. One of them said :”if I wanted a penis, I would get a man with one attached.”
Which is why they go for carpets.
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This is one area where inequality is appreciated.
Hypocrisy.
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If sheep could produce cotton then nothing is impossible.
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Do we need more proof that the only way to win a rigged game is not to play?
The events of 2020-2022 should have told us no one is on our side.
They have made damn good and sure you’re not going to vote your way out of anything.
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Is AWARE AWARE that Heaven is watching their Sneaky move! Looks like they are TRYING THEIR VERY BESTEST to be a 3-legged tool for Mai Hum!
As a NGO, they SHOULD BE APOLITICAL, PERIOD! BE VERY AWARE OF KARMA AND RETRIBUTION!
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TKL will be the donald trump of Singapore with regards to dirty, embarrassing posts ! senile or desperate, i am not sure, but for the senior, executive type person of 75 years old posting things like “i am in a bus, sitting besides a pretty girl” shows something is wrong up there in the head! TKL might advocate that we distribute all our reserves to pretty girls! who are pretty girls will be evaluated by him after he check them out! siow!
More sinister, many of you have read many of his postings here supporting China Communist Party, and against democracy. He is a stooge of China Communist Party. There has been strong campaign by CCP to influence public in spore, perhaps with a long term plan to annex Singapore. They think because 75% of Singaporeans are ethnic Chinese, they will be able to do it. Following Russia example of annexing russian-speaking parts of Ukraine. Yet, we true blue Singaporeans, the original residents who have been here for multi generation, are not like mainland Chinese at all. Our thinking and culture is so different, as most of you know while interacting with the loud moud, uncouth and aggressive mainlanders. So don’t let CCP one leg into Singapore with TKL. also his post on making nric information public domain seems to be so that CCP can get information on everyone. vote for anyone or no one, but not TKL.
Tech: Democracy is subjective in real-life context. Do you consider a country democratic if even a one-person gathering is illegal? And while at that, can you provide proof of “strong campaign by CCP to influence public in spore”?
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Why AWARE don’t comment on 70+ bedding with a younger woman of 30years junior?
If I SG gov, first I will ask ISD & CPIB to investigate AWARE!
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Tech: Democracy is subjective in real-life context. Do you consider a country democratic if even a one-person gathering is illegal? And while at that, can you provide proof of “strong campaign by CCP to influence public in spore
Agree there are lot of aspects to democracy, but the most important is can i throw someone or some party out? i know you may say pap never thrown out, but it doesn’t mean cannot happen. already 2 grc are lost. 40% are already voting against pap. so it need swing off only 10% more. if majority of people in Singapore are unhappy, pap will go. all these years, you have to accept from 1960s to now, govt has done good job for most people with regards to daily life, from kampungs to modern flats, which is why people continue to support them. next week, maybe tharman may lose and ng, or shiver, tkl, may win, which will mean pap lost. so there is definitely democracy, this is not like CCP. Xi can declare himself president for life. As for influence, it is clear by the many postings on social media, purportedly by Singaporeans (or maybe they are Singaporeans but mainland migrants) that praise ccp, china and shame Singaporean Chinese for not supporting their “motherland”.
Tech: Since you agree that there are many face to democracy, then pointless to go down that road since we can go on and on with our perceived view of it. As for influcence per your example, I also won’t deny it, but as Chinese, would we support a Chinese more if we see a non-Chinese and a Chinese fighting, even if no one told us to support? As for the many era of gahment doing good, my reply as follows: 1st Gen = absolutely, 2nd Gen = some, 3rd Gen = maybe and 4th Gen = Ziltch.
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Suggestion:
All future candidates (including those for the next GE) should be vetted by AWARE first before their nominations are approved.
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That is y.it take more evil to defeat evil.
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@Light The Way
On that note, I wonder why Homo men no create an organisation named UNAWARE? If lesbos can AWARE, surely Homos can UNAWARE right? lol
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Will be tough for TKL loyal social media fans if he becomes President…no more “pretty” girls posting. Cannot from Istana lah…
How ? Still want “pretty” Girls or not?
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Oh,@TRE Tech
It seems AWARE is not very aware that MALES since puberty oggle at PRETTY GALS.
Why?
Because the woMEN at AWARE are not “PRETTY GALS”.LOL.
Tech: You damned cheeky man, but then some probably thought that the penis is for peeing only and a woman gets pregant with cucumbers and carrots. lol
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By now,we,men and boys,are very much aware that AWARE is not aware that we oggle at pretty girls.
Feel sad for them.
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Aware don’t know boys look at girls and girls also look at boys?
They better close shop.
Tech: Maybe the aunties are pissed because Tan did not look at them? lol
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He more cheeky, choose those that you see already ‘Mari kita’
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Tonight I almost fell of my sofa when TKL says “Tharman got more posters than mine. Every 2 he put up; I put 1. But I think I look better than him”
OMG!!!! Those voting him must be like him. Period!
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Quality is better than quantity. Candidates should not be polluting our environment.
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Let have a survey,
Put Aware President ,TKL and “Pretty” photo up and see who can the most support for their view.
We will know what Singaporean really want and think…
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Pinkie and most of the top honchos in papigs knew about TCJ adultery years ago.
None, repeat none, thought that it was morally right that Mrs. Tan Chuan Jin be informed.
AWARE should be standing up for the real victim in this episode, a woman by the name of Mrs Tan Chuan Jin.
AWARE–where is your moral compass?
Papigs head honchos—where are your moral compass?
AWARE should be endorsing TKL instead!
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