ON WHETHER IT IS DIFFICULT FOR A FORMER CIVIL OR PUBLIC SERVANT TO SAY NO TO GOVERNMENT
Mr Tan Jee Say, in expressing his support for Mr Tan Kin Lian, said on Sunday in an apparent jab at Mr Ng that he believes it is not easy for a civil servant to relay to a minister if he thinks something is not right.
Asked for his response, Mr Ng, who worked in the public service for 45 years, including as the chief investment officer of sovereign wealth fund GIC, refuted this.
“When I was working in the GIC as a chief investment officer, there were occasions where I had a different point of view from the board of directors,” he said.
He said that when that happens, it is a “healthy thing” in the GIC for the board of directors to challenge the view of the chief investment officer.
“But then I have to explain my position, I have to explain why I’m advocating a certain strategy. So my job is to convince the board of directors, but I have to have my own view,” he said.
This is because on matters such as investment strategy and the GIC, one cannot expect the board of directors to be totally knowledgeable.
“I’m supposed to be the expert, professional expert … I have to stand my ground and persuade the board,” he said.
“So, I have plenty of training on how to stand my ground, because I believe that is the right thing to do.”
This story was originally published in TODAY.