I've decided, pre-emptively or prematurely perhaps, but barring anything unforeseen, I'll vote for Tony Tan. He was DPM and GIC Chair. What other qualification can be higher or what else higher are you looking for for?
And hey, I'm Singaporean born in Singapore.
If you want a Yes man go for Tony Tan. If you like someone who dares to rock the boat, then Tan Cheng Bok.
Yeah man, rocked the boat and remained a PAP MP until he retired.
He's unhappy with the Ho Ching and Chip Goodyear saga.
I've decided, pre-emptively or prematurely perhaps, but barring anything unforeseen, I'll vote for Tony Tan. He was DPM and GIC Chair. What other qualification can be higher or what else higher are you looking for for?
PS: If qualifications are the prime criteria, the former MM and two SMs have even higher qualifications than a DPM and GIC Chairman. But they are not independent of the PAP. Because the President functions as a gatekeeper of sorts to the Reserves - evaluating request(s) of the ruling party to loosen the string - the independence criteria is the most important. Not qualifications.
PS: If qualifications are the prime criteria, the former MM and two SMs have even higher qualifications than a DPM and GIC Chairman. But they are not independent of the PAP. Because the President functions as a gatekeeper of sorts to the Reserves - evaluating request(s) of the ruling party to loosen the string - the independence criteria is the most important. Not qualifications.
I've decided, pre-emptively or prematurely perhaps, but barring anything unforeseen, I'll vote for Tony Tan. He was DPM and GIC Chair. What other qualification can be higher or what else higher are you looking for for?
below 1 leh? ...... <IMG src=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Sr6QC9RsT0/TVwH9je6BII/AAAAAAAADpk/U9PwbaKSX7w/s400/None%2BOf%2BThe%2BAbove.jpg width=120></IMG>
"Any old bird in this forum will tell you that qualifications are secondary.
We need a YES man and not someone like OTC or Devan Nair."[/B][/COLOR]
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You said that I should include the former President Ong Teng Cheong. But in what aspect?
First, OTC was not elected. OTC was also a member of the PAP. So by making your post, are you saying that being a member of the PAP is not important in the exercising of independence?
I am sure that this will be one of the points made in promoting Dr Tony Tan as a presidential candidate. Certain stances of Dr Tan towards debatable policies taken in his time will be used to demonstrate that he will be able to discharge his duties in an independent manner. Indeed Forvendet has said as much in his later posts in this thread.
But the better question is if OTC's behaviour is the norm in Presidents. Look at the Presidents Sheares, Inshak, Wee and Nathan (I am not sure if they were from the PAP - if not, the comparison is not valid) and see if OTC's behaviour is an outlier.
However if OTC's behaviour is an outlier, then my point is still valid - that it is better to have someone independent of the PAP in this post.
Second, are you concerned that the former MM or SMs will suddenly step forth and declare themselves as candidates? If you are, it speaks more of you than of me.
Third, your retort got me thinking - what about MM LKY as President? That is an excellent idea if the Prime Minister is LTK. You may denigrate him but I don't. I admire him for his track record when he was Prime Minister and feel that his qualifications, experience, reputation, capabilities and stature will raise the calibre of Presidents up a significant notch.
So you are a sheep to the old birds? Or you are an old bird and want others to be your sheep?
Well, if you feel that you need a YES man for the President, it is your vote, your choice.
It is not mine.
Your points are relevant. Anyone voted in can possibly be another OTC. The differences between the aspirants are telling for they each has different backgrounds, personalities and known history of their past performance. Therefore like in the other similar thread, I say, judge a man more by his actions than his words. What can be more obvious as to the character of a person than his past deeds?