Singapore Presidential Election 2011.

Read online articles on the upcoming Presidential Election during my lunch break.

The candidates and what they say:

Tan Jee Say (symbol: heart):
1. The primary role of the Elected President is to act as a check on a possible rogue government.
2. Under the Constitution, the president has blocking powers in only five specific areas which include the reserves and key appointment holders.
3. On all other matters, the president has to act on the advice of the prime minister and Cabinet.
4. "I’m not anti—establishment. I’m for Singapore and my views are for the good of the country."
5. He added he estimates his campaign budget would run up to about S$200,000, and he would appeal for donations via his website from Wednesday night.

Dr. Tony Tan (symbol: spectacles):
1. Can help strengthen Singapore’s ability to weather the current financial uncertainties and protect its financial reserves.
2. Will raise issues dear to his heart, such as education, through formal and informal channels.
3. Will also champion the Singapore brand overseas, help raise the profile of local charities and encourage greater participation in sporting, cultural and artistic activities.

Tan Kin Lian (symbol: hand):
1. Intends to influence the government within the Constitution.
2. Views himself as being the only neutral and non—partisan candidate.
3. Wants to follow in the footsteps of the late former president Ong Teng Cheong.
4. Mr Tan said he has a shoestring budget of about S$50,000 for his campaign.

Dr. Tan Cheng Bock (symbol: palm tree):
1. Suggested that policies behind community—based groups like Mendaki, Sinda and CDAC be merged.
2. Dr Tan made clear he didn’t want to interfere in politics.
3. More than 1,000 posters and 200 banners have been printed, and volunteers are keen on securing the most visible spots.

I do not like the idea that Tan Jee Say is asking for $200,000 donation from the public to fund his campaign. The amount seems too large and why can't he fund his campaign himself? I remember reading that he is a multi-millionaire private investor.

I like Dr. Tony Tan's credentials and I know GIC did much better compared to Temasek Holdings in the last recession too. He has the brains but he has always kept a rather low profile. However, his links with the PAP might work against him as the party is not at the height of its popularity now.

I also like Tan Kin Lian as, being familiar with his blog on finance and insurance, he seems to give good advice and cares for the common people. I like how he is campaigning on a shoestring budget of $50,000 and made no mention of asking for donations.

I like Dr. Tan Cheng Bock's honesty and integrity. I remember watching Parliamentary debates on TV in my schooldays and I was always impressed with how he would just speak his mind against policies if he felt it was necessary to do so. I also like his down to earth approach in campaigning. I think this is a good person who seems to be a good balance between Dr. Tony Tan and Tan Kin Lian.

The choice is a tough one. Who will you be voting for?

First REIT: Partial divestment at 79c.

I was working late today. Trying to figure out some computer related stuff and trying to get used to a new software. This is likely to remain a challenge for me at least over the next few days. I am definitely one of the least IT savvy people around but this is life, I guess.

Although I would like to crash into bed right now, I thought I should blog about my sell order for First REIT at 79c which was partially filled today. Sold some First REIT at 79c? Why?

Given the volatility in the stock market, I guess it should be a prudent decision to lock in some gains if we could. After all, the REIT is not going to distribute income for at least another three months down the road and there is a chance of further downside with sentiments so weak.

The black candle today was formed on the back of relatively low volume, however. Selling lacks conviction although it does not mean that price cannot drift lower.

77c, the low of the day, is where we find the 100dMA. 77.5c, the closing price, is where we find the 200dMA. These prices are immediate supports. If these were to go, I would expect price to go lower.

79c is a natural candlestick support turned resistance. If it should break on the back of higher volume, we could see gap covering at 81c. Before that, 80c should provide some formidable resistance for various reasons, technical and fundamental.

Good luck to fellow unitholders.