Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,”

Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬

Wisdom is a divine resource stored, dispensed, and sustained by God so His people may walk in truth, discernment, and purpose.

Dr. Tan Chee Khoon, affectionately known as “Mr. Opposition,” embodied this wisdom. A Christian politician of rare integrity, he believed that dissent was not defiance but a sacred duty in a thriving democracy. His courage earned admiration across the political divide.

Raised in Cheras, where he helped his father tap rubber and tend the farm, Tan’s early life was steeped in humility and grit. His mother’s Bible stories ignited his faith, while her compassion inspired his calling to medicine. Though he lost sight in one eye, he pressed on—becoming a doctor who served the poor with generosity and grace.

In Parliament, Tan stood as a moral compass. He fought corruption, defended the Constitution, and gave voice to the voiceless. Yet he remained gracious, crediting others and reminding the nation that leadership must be anchored in integrity.

His impact reached far beyond politics. He built hospitals, funded scholarships, and served his church faithfully. His life was a tapestry of humility, courage, and unwavering devotion to God and country.

One moment captures his essence: when a customs officer undercharged him, Tan reported it - at personal cost. Years later, that officer thanked him. Tan’s honesty had redirected a life.

Dr. Tan’s legacy calls us to lead with conscience, not control; to serve with conviction, not convenience. He truly “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith.”

Proverbs 2:7 encourages believers today to pursue righteousness and integrity, trusting that God has abundant wisdom stored up for their journey. At the same time, they can walk confidently, knowing He is their shield in a world filled with uncertainties and spiritual battles.

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.”