Presidential Election 2023

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Tharman says he looks forward to contest in keeping with dignity of presidential office​

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam is among three presidential hopefuls who have been issued certificates of eligibility by the Presidential Elections Committee. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Kok Yufeng
Transport Correspondent

August 18, 2023

SINGAPORE - The presidential contest is something that he is very much looking forward to, and he hopes that it will be a dignified contest in keeping with the dignity of the office itself, said Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
The 66-year-old former senior minister and presidential hopeful was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a charity dinner held by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, for which he was the guest of honour.
“I encourage all the candidates to make a positive case for themselves, because they each bring something that’s of value to Singapore,” he said.
He was among three presidential hopefuls who were issued certificates of eligibility on Friday by the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC), less than a day after the deadline for applications had closed.
Besides Mr Tharman, former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song, 75, and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, 75, were also issued certificates of eligibility.
Entrepreneur George Goh, 63, did not qualify to contest the upcoming election.
The Elections Department (ELD) said the PEC was satisfied that Mr Tharman had met the public sector service requirement under Article 19(3)(a) of the Constitution, having held office for more than three years as a minister.

The committee was also satisfied that Mr Tharman was of integrity, good character and reputation.
Mr Tharman told the media present that he was “very sorry” that Mr Goh did not make it to the qualifying list of candidates.
“He put a lot of effort into the whole journey that he began several years ago, so I’m sorry he’s not part of the list of candidates. I have a lot of respect for him for his life story. But I hope he remains in public life in some way, and continues to contribute to Singapore,” he said.


Asked about his chances at the polls now that Mr Goh has dropped out of the race, Mr Tharman added that he is not making calculations “based on exactly who is contesting and so on”.
“I’m just running on my track record, my purpose in life, and what I feel I can bring to Singapore in this next phase of our development,” he said.
“I only entered this race because I think things are changing. And the next phase of Singapore’s development is going to require a different character to the presidency.
“And that’s the reason why I entered this race. It’s not for myself.”
Later in a speech during the CPAS charity dinner, Mr Tharman said there is much room for Singapore to do more - and do better - for people with special needs.
He noted that many of those with special needs remain unemployed, although they are ready and capable.
Sometimes it is due to a shortage of training; at other times, it is a general attitude among employers who look for workers that do not need to be specially accommodated, he added.
“How we respect and how we interact with the vulnerable... will determine the quality of our society,” Mr Tharman said, highlighting as well the need to provide more support for caregivers.
“Each and every individual, each with their own abilities, must live a full life, and a life of dignity. And it is possible in Singapore. We have got to make it possible. A life where they are never in the shadows.”

 

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Ng Kok relieved to qualify to run for presidency, emphasises independence from political party​

Lee Li Ying
Correspondent

August 18, 2023

SINGAPORE - A great sense of relief washed over Ng Kok Song, 75, when he heard the news that he had qualified as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
“My immediate reaction was relief, because there was some uncertainty... I can now move on to the next stage of my journey to serve the people of Singapore as their president,” said Mr Ng.
He was speaking to The Straits Times at media house Zyrup Media, after he had finished recording a podcast.
Mr Ng said that his fiancee Sybil Lau, 45, had informed him of the email from the Elections Department Singapore after it landed this morning.
The former chief investment officer at GIC had applied for eligibility under the public sector deliberative track.
The six-member Presidential Elections Committee was satisfied that he has the experience and ability comparable with someone who had served for three or more years as the chief executive of a Fifth Schedule entity.
Fifth Schedule entities comprise key statutory boards and government companies.


The committee added that it was satisfied that Mr Ng has the experience and ability to effectively carry out the functions and duties of the office of president.
He is among three individuals - along with former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian - who received the certificate of eligibility on Friday.
In the next two weeks in the run-up to polling day on September 1, Mr Ng wants to make himself even more known to the people of Singapore.

“I started with a disadvantage, so I had to make up by going on more walkabouts. (I will) go to the wet markets, go to the hawker centers, maybe shopping malls, so that the people of Singapore get to know me, and hopefully to see me in person. That is my foremost priority,” said Mr Ng.
Responding to Mr Tan Kin Lian’s remarks that he is the only independent candidate, and that Mr Tharman and Mr Ng are from the establishment, Mr Ng said that there is a difference between being from the establishment and political party affiliation.
“I have never belonged to any political party, and therefore I am independent of any political party. Mr Tan Kin Lian was a member of the People’s Action Party,” said Mr Ng.
Mr Ng also added that it doesn’t matter what percentage of votes he’ll garner, as long as he wins the election.
Mr Tan had said in a walkabout in Kovan on Friday that he is hoping to garner 1.5 million votes. More than 2.7 million are eligible to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
The only presidential hopeful who had publicly made known their run for the office, and did not qualify, is entrepreneur George Goh, 63.
Mr Ng said that he felt sorry for Mr Goh because he was very brave to come forward.
“One of the reasons why I came forward to stand for the presidency, was that he might not qualify. And if he didn’t qualify, that was before Mr Tan Kin Lian came forward, there would have been no election. It would have been another walkover,” he said.
“So I really commend Mr Goh for his courage, his bravery, in coming forward... He was maximising the chances of there being an election.”

 

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‘I cannot accept the decision’: George Goh calls PEC’s decision ‘not fair’​

Natasha Ann Zachariah and Judith Tan

August 18, 2023

SINGAPORE - Businessman George Goh said on Friday that he cannot accept the decision by the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) not to grant him a certificate of eligibility, thereby ending his run for the presidency.
The PEC had rejected his argument that his experience running five companies that met the shareholders’ equity and profitability criteria was equivalent to that of a CEO running a single company, he said.
This was a “very narrow interpretation of the requirements without explaining the rationale behind its decision” and has deprived Singaporeans of a wider choice to select the next president, he added in a statement.
At a press conference at his Holland Road house on Friday afternoon, the mood among his family and campaign team was sombre.
Asked if the PEC had provided any specific reason as to why he was not eligible, Mr Goh would only say that the PEC did its own review.
“I cannot accept the decision given by them. I personally think it’s not a fair decision,” he said.
Mr Goh said he had been fairly confident he would make the cut, because he had assembled a broad team of experts to assess his eligibility. They included a former Attorney-General, a constitutional law professor, a former judge and a senior counsel, among others.

“This group of people are the top, top people in Singapore. Are you saying they’re all wrong?” he asked. “Cannot be, they’re all from the system.”
Asked whether he would consolidate his companies together or build a $500 million company in order to qualify for future elections, Mr Goh reiterated that he already met the shareholder equity criteria for private sector candidates.
“It’s not ‘tomorrow I have to try and work harder’ - it’s already there,” he said. “If I continue what I’m doing now as an independent candidate, (it’s) whether the system allows me to go in or not. We should ask this question.”

He added: “I have $507 million (in shareholder equity), I don’t know what they want. We should ask them.”
Mr Goh, was also asked whether he would now reveal the names of the five companies he submitted to the PEC, but declined to do so. He had declined to name them on Aug 4, when he held a press conference after submitting his application for a certificate of eligibility.
“We do have shareholders, so I also don’t want, because I stand for the election, then the few thousand shareholders suffer,” he said.
On whether he would now stand behind one of the remaining three candidates, Mr Goh said it is difficult for him to say as he did not know them well.

Responding to presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian’s remark that he was the only remaining independent candidate left in the race, Mr Goh reiterated that he was the sole independent candidate without any past ties to a political party or the Government.
“You must prove yourself, that you’re really independent,” he said. “If you’re not independent and you say you are independent, it’s very sad.”
He added: “Because I’m so truly independent, you know what the result (is) - they know if I go into (the) Istana, I will work for (the people and) look at (things) differently.” At his home, Mr Goh showed the campaign collaterals he had already prepared, which included t-shirts, badges, flags, a container full of tissue packets, and some 1.4 million mailers.
He declined to say how much he had spent on them, but said he would sell the items and donate the proceeds to charity.
Quoting his campaign slogan, Mr Goh said August 18 was supposed to be a day of change, but had turned out to be a very sad day.
While he did not qualify, he said that private sector candidates will not be discouraged from stepping forward to contest future presidential elections.
“This country needs an independent president; we cannot continue the same system (where) after 30 years we are still rejected by the establishment,” he said.
“I hope this day will come...an independent president must walk into the Istana tall, (to) represent the people of Singapore.”

 

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Presidential Elections Committee makes public why it rejected George Goh’s application​

Businessman George Goh said at a press conference earlier that he cannot accept the Presidential Elections Committee's decision. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Natasha Ann Zachariah
Correspondent

August 19, 2023

SINGAPORE – The Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) was not satisfied that the five companies put forth by businessman George Goh in his application for presidency constituted a single private sector organisation.
In a statement released on Friday night, the PEC said that it had “carefully considered” Mr Goh’s application for a certificate of eligibility under Article 19(4)(b), the private-sector deliberative track.
“However, after taking into account the relevant facts and circumstances, including how the companies were owned, managed and operated, the committee was not satisfied that the five companies constituted a single private sector organisation,” it added.
“Consequently, for the reasons explained in the committee’s letter to Mr Goh, the committee was unable to grant Mr Goh a Certificate of Eligibility under Article 19(4)(b) of the Constitution.”
At a press conference held at his house earlier, Mr Goh said he cannot accept the PEC’s decision, which he felt was unfair.
He later added in a media statement that the PEC “took a very narrow interpretation of the requirements without explaining the rationale behind its decision”.
The PEC said that it decided to release its letter to Mr Goh in response to public allegations made against it.

In its letter of rejection to Mr Goh, the PEC named the five companies that he had used for his application.
He said in his application that he is group executive chairman of Ossia International, executive deputy chairman of Pertama Holdings, group executive chairman of ITG International, chief executive officer of Crown Essentials and chief executive officer of Vernal Ventures.
Crown Essentials is registered in the British Virgin Islands.


The PEC also noted in its letter to Mr Goh that Article 19(4)(b)(ii) of the Constitution requires the committee to consider whether the applicant has the experience and the ability that comes from managing a very large private sector organisation.
It said that “the experience and ability that comes from managing multiple smaller private sector organisations is not equivalent to this”.
The committee said it proceeded accordingly on the basis that it could only consider a single office in a single private sector organisation.
This was for the purpose of assessing whether the applicant has the experience and ability comparable to those of a person who has served as the chief executive of a typical company with at least $500 million in shareholders’ equity and who satisfies Article 19(4)(a) of the Constitution, in relation to such service.

The PEC said that it considered Mr Goh’s submission that the five companies he relied on in his application should be regarded as a single private sector organisation, rather than separate entities.
Mr Goh submitted that the shareholders’ equity of these five companies should be considered collectively for the purpose of his application under Article 19(4)(b).
However, the PEC said that after considering the relevant facts and circumstances, including how the companies were owned, managed and operated, it was “not satisfied” that the five companies constituted a single private sector organisation.
The committee, therefore, did not aggregate the shareholders’ equity of the five companies for Mr Goh’s application.
The Committee further considered whether any one of the five companies would individually satisfy Article 19(4)(b), said the letter.
However, the shareholders’ equity of each of these five companies was significantly below $500 million.
It said in its letter to Mr Goh: “Thus, the committee was not satisfied, having regard to the nature of your office in each of the companies and your performance in the office, and the size and complexity of each of the companies, that you have experience and ability that is comparable to the experience and ability of a person who has served as the chief executive of a typical company with at least $500 million in shareholders’ equity and who satisfies Article 19(4)(a) of the Constitution in relation to such service.”
The PEC said: “The committee was therefore unable to grant you a certificate of eligibility.”
Under the Constitution, the decision of the PEC on whether someone is eligible to be a candidate is final and not subject to appeal or review in any court.
The Presidential Elections Committee’s letter to Mr George Goh:

 

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Tan Kin Lian says he respects Ng Kok Song but Tharman is his strongest opponent for the presidency​

Mr Tan Kin Lian said he saw the role of the president as a “conduit for feedback” between members of the public and the Government. ST PHOTO: EUGENE TAN

Zhaki Abdullah

August 19, 2023

SINGAPORE - Presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian said that while he respects former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, his main opponent in the race for the Istana is Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Mr Tan said, however, that while Mr Tharman would likely make a good president, he is unlikely to be an independent one.
Pointing to the former senior minister’s 22 years as a People’s Action Party MP, Mr Tan said it was doubtful whether Mr Tharman could effect change.
“I think that for the people of Singapore, it is better to elect a president (who is) independent of the current Government,” he said.
Mr Tan was speaking to reporters on Saturday during a visit to the Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre.
The former NTUC Income chief noted that while Mr Tharman has touted his background in economics and international affairs, a president would have advisers to guide him on such matters.
As to the role played by the president in articulating Singapore’s interests on the international stage, Mr Tan pointed to his own experience as chairman of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation between 1992 and 1997.

Mr Tan said he also saw the role of the president as a “conduit for feedback” between members of the public and the Government; to address issues such as the rising cost of living. “So my message to the younger people is to vote for the president that can change your future,” he said.
Among the issues that Mr Tan said he plans to address is whether Singapore has enough in its reserves, or if it has too much.
Among the president’s responsibilities is to safeguard Singapore’s reserves, with his or her consent required should the Government wish to draw on the Republic’s past reserves in times of crisis.

“If we have too much, why burden the people with higher taxes or GST?” said Mr Tan.
While it is the Government’s role to decide on whether such increases are needed, the president should communicate to the Government how such matters will impact people here, he said.


Mr Tan said he plans to hold an in-person rally on Aug 25, at a location to be confirmed at a later date.
He noted that while the Elections Department said in guidelines issued on Aug 12 that rallies were discouraged as they could be “divisive and not congruent with the unifying role of the elected presidency”, such events were not outright banned.
He added that the speakers would likely include his proposer Mr Tan Jee Say – who ran against him in the 2011 presidential election – as well as his seconder Mr Lim Tean.
Mr Tan Jee Say was the founder of the now defunct Singaporeans First political party and contested the last general election as a member of the Singapore Democratic Party.
Mr Lim, who accompanied Mr Tan Kin Lian on Saturday, is the founder of the Peoples Voice party.
When asked if the speakers were aimed at getting votes from supporters of opposition parties, Mr Tan said such voters were already with him and that he was aiming to garner the support of the “middle ground”.
“They are not political, but they also want to have a brighter future. They are also suffering from hardship, (rising) cost of living and so on. So this is the middle ground that I am reaching out to,” he said.

 

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‘I’m not looking for fame, power, money’: Ng Kok Song wants to safeguard reserves and let people vote​

Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song and his fiancee Sybil Lau (left) posing for photos with patrons at Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre on Aug 19. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

Shabana Begum

August 20, 2023

SINGAPORE - He joined the race to be Singapore’s next president so that he can safeguard the country’s reserves and allow people to exercise their right to vote, said presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song.
Speaking to the media at Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre on Saturday afternoon, the former chief investment officer at GIC drew upon how his 45-year career at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and GIC had allowed him to build up the nation’s reserves and gain domain expertise in investment.
“I do not want to see our financial reserves being squandered,” he said. “The reserves will be spent in no time if we have a bad government and if there’s no president to check the government. So I have a very deep personal interest.
“Now, if the day arrives when a bad government wants to use our past reserves, I will know how to say no. I understand the international economic environment... how the Singapore economy will be very badly affected (and) to what extent if there is a crisis.”
Mr Ng, 75, added that he did not throw his hat in the ring for power, fame or money.
He decided to enter the race because he was worried there would be a walkover, with former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam being elected if entrepreneur George Goh did not qualify.
Mr Ng announced his bid on July 19 about a month after Mr Tharman, 66, and Mr Goh, 63, stepped forward. At the time, former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian had not signed up.


Mr Ng said he wanted Singaporeans to exercise their right to vote. “When I came forward to put my name, there were only Mr Tharman and George Goh. I was very concerned that Mr George Goh may not qualify.”
The three men – Mr Ng, Mr Tharman and Mr Tan – have qualified as candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
Asked who he considered his formidable opponent, Mr Ng said it was Mr Tharman.
“When you’re not a government-endorsed candidate, you face a lot of challenges. Many organisations, business organisations, civic organisations are afraid to invite me. Because they do not want to offend the Government,” he said.
He also reiterated his lack of ties to any political party, adding that that was his definition of an independent candidate.
Young people will be a focus if he were elected, he said. He has three things he wants to teach younger people: To learn to meditate and reduce stress, to be confident public speakers, and to learn how to save money and invest.


Mr Ng was asked if he thought the Presidential Elections Committee’s decision to qualify him – he was GIC’s chief investment officer and not its chief executive – would encourage more people to enter future elections. To this, he said he wanted not only to see more capable Singaporeans come forward for the presidency, but also to have more entering politics and joining the opposition as well.
On how he thinks he would fare against Mr Tharman on the campaign trail and at the polls, Mr Ng said: “It’s like David versus Goliath. It is possible. I hope the people of Singapore will help David.”

 

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Rekindling solidarity crucial to bridge Singapore’s social divide: Tharman​

Presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his wife Jane Yumiko Ittogi posing for photos with participants at a dialogue at YWCA Fort Canning on Aug 19. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN

Syarafana Shafeeq

August 19, 2023

SINGAPORE - School grades, income levels, economic matters and conventional success are things that can be measured by individuals and countries.
But things that cannot be measured, like relationships and social distances, should be given more thought as intangibles make up a lot of the quality of a society, said presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Saturday.
The former senior minister said that when he was a child in the 1960s, most people in Singapore were poor.
“There was a great sense of sameness, starting from poverty and then starting a movement up. Everyone was the same.”
Now, there is less of a sense of sameness. “Those who have succeeded through education, jobs or business, they bring up their children in a different way, compared with those who are less successful.”
It is important to focus on how to create and recreate a sense of solidarity that is very important to the Singapore identity – more so than for most other countries, he added.
Mr Tharman was speaking to about 300 young people from social enterprises, advocacy groups and ground-up movements at a dialogue hosted by non-profit Access Singapore at YWCA Fort Canning.


During the hour-long session, the audience chatted with Mr Tharman on topics such as mental health, the LGBTQ+ community, racial issues and climate change.
On racial issues, Mr Tharman said things have improved now, and it was very different in the old days.
“It is remarkable that we are so peaceful and people accept each other despite being so multiracial and multi-religious. But we have to go further, and it requires not looking down on people, putting yourself in someone’s shoes, and going the extra step to get to know and respect each other.”

Sharing his personal experiences with racial discrimination growing up, “never think that growing up as a minority is the same as growing up as a majority (race) in Singapore”.
It was normal for some people to not want to sit next to him on the bus, he said. It was also not uncommon for buses to not stop if he was the only person flagging it down at the bus stop.
“I was used to it then, but things are so much better now,” he said, but added that more can be done.
Those within minority groups who are successful have to be sensitive to the fact that those in the lower rungs of their own communities still face these challenges, he said.

On the topic of mental health, which he said is an issue of growing concern, Mr Tharman noted how people know where to get help if suffering from illnesses such as diabetes or cancer.
“There is nothing embarrassing about it, and everyone is encouraged to see the doctor and stick to their appointments as much as possible.”
But when it comes to mental illness, people keep it in the shadows and people around them whisper about it.
“We have to change that. Deal with it just like all other illnesses.”
Mr Tharman added: “The role of the presidency, in a more uncertain and contested environment, and in a more diverse environment where people have more different views, becomes more important. Not just symbolically, but by supporting initiatives on the ground which help bring people together, that reduce differences and that create a sense of solidarity.”

 

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Important to build culture of respect and compassion, deepen skills: Tharman​

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (centre) at a dialogue at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Bright Hill Road, Bishan, on Aug 20. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Syarafana Shafeeq

August 20, 2023

SINGAPORE – Presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam said on Sunday that he will support all efforts and initiatives by organisations that promote a culture of respect in Singapore, if he is elected.
The former senior minister was speaking to an audience of more than 100 Buddhist leaders and young people in a dialogue at Singapore’s largest Buddhist temple, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.
He said that while Singapore has made good material progress, its people must now focus on compassion, care and respect for one another in the next phase of its development.
Respect is very important for the poor and elderly, different religions, races and cultures, he said. “Deep respect, not just... tolerate each other (or) live with each other.”
He added: “We must come closer to each other in the next 20 years.”
Mr Tharman took questions from the floor on topics such as religion, mental health and leadership.
An audience member brought up the issue of young people losing interest in spirituality, in a society that is focused on material success.

Mr Tharman said that Singapore has progressed very far, noting that people were very poor in the past and wanted to work hard to improve their standard of living. They wanted to have higher incomes, to buy their own homes, and for their children to do better – and they have succeeded.
“Now, we are at a stage where I think we can have more balance. And this must be not just in the mind, but we need to make some changes.”
Stressing that he was speaking as a private citizen and not a presidential candidate – as the latter should not talk about policy – he said that Singapore’s education system has too much pressure and has it too early, and he would like to see children have more time to develop in, and explore, other aspects of life.


“It’s not good for the children... And because they focus so much on the examinations, they also don’t spend time on other things.”
When asked about his thoughts on the role of religion in society, he said that in societies where people do not have some spiritual beliefs, they may be more materialistic and individualistic.
He said: “The spiritual side of a society is also a way in which people feel there’s some relationship with each other.”
One may be a carpenter or factory worker, and another a professor, but all meet together in the same room as equals and remain close.
He added that there is a social dimension to spirituality that brings people together, and this is important as it creates social strength.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (second from left) and his wife Jane Yumiko Ittogi leaving Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery at Bright Hill after a dialogue on Aug 20. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
One young person asked for advice on navigating uncertainty and anxiety in today’s economic climate amid pandemics and silent recessions. He said that his peers worry about keeping their jobs.
Mr Tharman said it is important for people in Singapore to develop deeper skills and expertise in what they are good at.
“It is a very human thing – when you are good at something, you can display it to others... People have to concentrate now on just deepening their skills.
“Never mind what their examination grades were – once you start working, you have to put effort into deepening your skills.”
It is important to engage in constant learning and trying to understand something, Mr Tharman added. In the process, deepening skills will become a way of life, and it is a satisfying way of life.

 

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Tan Kin Lian is behaving more like an MP than a President.

Quote:
"Under the Constitution, the president does not possess any executive power to advance his or her own policy agenda. The president is responsible for safeguarding the national reserves, and the integrity of the public service.

Mr Tan has previously acknowledged this, but said “a great deal can be done through talking (using) the influence of the president’s office”.

On Sunday, he said: “I do know that I should not interfere with government policies, but I will take the opportunity in my interaction with the prime minister and the ministers to bring this point across.”"

Tan Kin Lian to raise concerns over CPF, NS with Govt if he becomes president​

This comes as many of Mr Tan Kin Lian's supporters have raised these concerns with him through his social media pages. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
Andrew Wong

August 20, 2023

SINGAPORE – The withdrawal age for Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings and the length of national service (NS) are among issues that presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian said he will bring up with the Government if he becomes head of state.
This is bcause many of his supporters have raised these concerns with him through his social media pages, and he has good ideas about these policies, said Mr Tan, 75.
Speaking at a walkabout at Chong Pang Market and Food Centre on Sunday, Mr Tan said he has received feedback from “many people (to) do something about the CPF (as they) need to get the money out earlier”.
The former chief executive of NTUC Income said that on the CPF’s rules he is “quite clear what a good way is – it’s not the current way”.
Similarly, Mr Tan, said he is sure that feedback he has received calling for NS obligations to be shortened “echoes the views of tens of thousands of Singaporeans every year”.
“We should let our young people serve the country, but they don’t need to serve for two years, and the country can afford to pay them better allowance,” he said. “I (have held) this opinion for 20 years.”
Under the Constitution, the president does not possess any executive power to advance his or her own policy agenda. The president is responsible for safeguarding the national reserves, and the integrity of the public service.

Mr Tan has previously acknowledged this, but said “a great deal can be done through talking (using) the influence of the president’s office”.
On Sunday, he said: “I do know that I should not interfere with government policies, but I will take the opportunity in my interaction with the prime minister and the ministers to bring this point across.”
Mr Tan also said his team is firming up plans to hold an election rally on Friday. While the location has not been determined, he is lining up speakers and hopes supporters “will turn up to fill up the whole stadium when we speak”.
Among the speakers will be his proposer for his candidacy, Mr Tan Jee Say, who founded the now-defunct Singaporeans First political party, and his seconder, Mr Lim Tean, the founder of Peoples Voice party.
The Malay community and other minority communities will also be represented at the rally, said Mr Tan.
The Elections Department said on Aug 12 that in-person rallies are not encouraged for the presidential election. This is because rallies, by their nature and format, may be divisive and not congruent with the unifying role of the elected presidency.
Candidates have instead been encouraged to use broadcasts and social media to reach out to voters, with the first of these broadcasts to be televised on Aug 24.
ELD has said that candidates wishing to hold physical election meetings will have to obtain the approval of the premises or site owner before applying for a police permit.

 

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Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song announces proposer, seconder and assenters​

Mr Ng Kok Song received his certificate of eligibility to run in the election last Friday. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

Jean Iau

August 21, 2023

SINGAPORE – Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song, 75, on Monday unveiled his team of proposer, seconder and eight assenters, which include former presidential hopeful Mohamed Salleh Marican.
On the eve of nomination day, Mr Ng, the former chief investment officer at GIC announced that his proposer will be Mr Quah Wee Ghee who co-founded global asset management company Avanda Investment Management with him.
Mr Quah is also the former president of Public Markets at GIC and is serving on the boards of OCBC and Bank of Singapore.
Mr Ng’s seconder is geriatrician Dr Carol Tan, a specialist at The Good Life Medical Center.
Dr Tan has been involved in the licensing and setting up of standards as well as the financing framework for community services including nursing homes, community hospitals, daycare centres, day rehabilitation, dementia, hospice and home help services, said Mr Ng’s media team on Monday.
His eight assenters comprise; Justice of Peace Ameerali Abdeali; chairman of Fullerton Fund Management Ho Tian Yee; former chairman of Montfort School Management Committee Chua Cher Choon; founder and chief executive of Second Chance Properties and former presidential hopeful Mohamed Salleh Marican; philanthropist Margaret Chan; founding member of Association of Muslim Professionals Abdul Hamid Abdullah; CJ Koh professor Tjio Hans from NUS Law; and Chairman of DP Architects Angelene Chan.
Mr Ng received his certificate of eligibility to run in the election last Friday. He announced his bid to run on July 19.

Former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian also received their certificates of eligibility ahead of Nomination Day on Aug 22.
Singapore is expected to see a three-way fight at the polls on Sept 1.

 

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AWARE S'pore raises concern about PE2023 candidate who has 'history of objectifying women'​

Aware also questioned why the Presidential Elections Committee granted this candidate a certificate of eligibility.
Joshua Lee
August 21, 2023

The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) has raised concerns about a Presidential Election candidate who "has a history of objectifying women", but has been cleared to participate in the Presidential Election.


The organisation, which advocates gender equality and women's rights, did not mention the candidate's name, but their tweet came just hours after presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian addressed comments about his previous social media posts on "pretty girls".
Tan said that his posts were done in a "light" and "enjoyable" way.
He also claimed that only a very "small minority" of people were uncomfortable with his posts.

Act of objectifying women​

"Consistently posting about 'pretty girls', recording videos of women in public without their consent, or commenting about their appearance isn’t merely a matter of personal preference or light 'amusement'," said AWARE.
The organisation said that it's "an act of objectifying women" which reduces them to their appearances for entertainment:

"Such behaviour from anyone in or aspiring to a position of influence suggests it's acceptable to trivialise women and overlook their myriad abilities and contributions."

AWARE also highlighted what it called a "systemic" issue: The granting of a certificate of eligibility by the Presidential Elections Committee to the candidate.
In issuing the certificate to the three candidates, the Presidential Elections Committee said it was satisfied that they were men of "integrity, good character, and reputation".
AWARE claimed that this suggests a "systemic endorsement" of unacceptable views and behaviours.

"Consider broader implications"​

AWARE urged the Presidential Elections Committee to "thoroughly consider the broader implications of such endorsements in the future", and go beyond financial and management qualifications.
As of late afternoon, the tweet had received 50 retweets and 100 likes.
Mothership has reached out to Tan's team and the Elections Department for comment.

 

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How the voters will vote:

For Tharman Shanmugaratnam
PAP supporters
The establishment i.e. civil servants who depend on the PAP for their iron rice bowl.
Businessmen and professionals who do not want their businesses and jobs to be affected by political disruptions
Most Pioneer and Merdeka generations who voted for Lee Kuan Yew their whole lives.
About half of the women who object to Tan Kin Lian objectifying pretty woman
The Indian voters
The other minority races: Malays, Eurasions, Others

For Ng Kok Song
The pro-establishment but anti-PAP
Moderates and neutrals who do not want a pro-PAP nor an anti-PAP candidate.
The remaining half of the women who object to Tan Kin Lian objectifying pretty woman and
also support Sybil Lau for being able to find such a rich sugar daddy
Half the Chinese voters

For Tan Kin Lian
All who voted against the PAP
The anti-establishment
The anti-vaxers like Iris Koh
The sandwiched middle-class who are impacted by the cost of living
Those who lost their jobs or university places to foreign talents
All those who want to know the exact size of Singapore's reserves
All the chee ko peks
Half the Chinese voters

 

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https://www.aware.org.sg/2023/08/statement-on-the-presidential-elections-2023/

Statement on the Presidential Elections 2023​

August 21st, 2023

We share the public’s concerns that a candidate, who has a history of objectifying women, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming Presidential Elections.

Consistently posting about “pretty girls”, recording videos of women in public without their consent, or commenting about their appearance isn’t merely a matter of personal preference or light “amusement”. It’s an act of objectifying women, reducing them solely to their appearances for their personal entertainment. Such behaviour from anyone in or aspiring to a position of influence suggests that it’s acceptable to trivialise women and overlook their myriad abilities and contributions.

But here’s a more systemic worry: The granting of a Certificate of Eligibility to such an individual doesn’t only reflect on him but suggests a systemic endorsement. It signifies that these views and behaviours are not just acceptable, but perhaps even acceptable enough for a potential presidency.

Do we want a society where behaviours that objectify half its population get a tacit nod? Or do we push for a nation that evaluates every individual beyond the surface level, acknowledging their full worth and potential? Our President should embody the values, ethics, and principles that reflect the nation we want to be.

We urge the Presidential Election Commission to thoroughly consider the broader implications of such endorsements in the future. The assessment process should not only take into account financial and management qualifications but also wider societal impacts to ensure our leadership truly upholds the values of respect, equality, and dignity for all Singaporeans.

 

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Tan Kin Lian addresses criticisms over Facebook posts on ‘pretty girls’​

Zhaki Abdullah

August 21, 2023

SINGAPORE - Presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian, 75, has dismissed criticisms of his Facebook posts that mention pretty girls, saying only a small minority are uncomfortable with them.
On Monday, Mr Tan addressed the issue after a TikTok video compiling several of such posts went viral over the weekend. It has been viewed more than 225,000 times as of Monday evening.
The former NTUC Income chief executive has occasionally made references to “pretty girls”, “pretty joggers” and “pretty slim girls” on his public Facebook page. There have been at least 18 such posts since 2022, and five since the start of 2023.
Most visitors to his page found such posts “quite light (and) quite enjoyable”, Mr Tan told reporters during a walkabout at West Coast Market Square.
“There will be a few people who feel uncomfortable, but that is a very small minority,” he said in response to a question about these posts.
“(The) majority actually find that to be quite okay – quite fun.”
Mr Tan said such posts are how he builds his online audience, and that he has other posts, such as those about his meals “that bring in 100,000 people, half a million people... simple posts”.

This aspect of Mr Tan’s social media activity has raised eyebrows in recent days, particularly since he was deemed eligible by the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) on Aug 18 to contest the presidency.
A thread on online forum Reddit about Mr Tan’s more colourful posts has drawn over 1,600 upvotes since it was started on Friday.
Some commenters on both the TikTok video and the Reddit thread asked how the PEC decided that Mr Tan qualifies to run in the election. In the certificates of eligibility issued to Mr Tan and the other eligible candidates, the PEC said it is “satisfied that you are a man of integrity, good character and reputation”.

On Monday, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) said it shared the public’s concerns that a candidate who has a history of objectifying women has been cleared to participate in the presidential election.
The gender equality group said that consistently posting about “pretty girls”, recording videos of women in public without their consent or commenting about their appearance reduces them solely to their appearances for personal entertainment, and suggests that it is acceptable to trivialise women.
“Yet here’s a more systemic worry: The granting of a Certificate of Eligibility to such an individual doesn’t only reflect on him but suggests a systemic endorsement,” it said in a Facebook post that linked a news article about the TikTok video.
This signifies that such behaviour is not just acceptable, but perhaps even agreeable enough for a potential president to have, said Aware. It urged the PEC to consider the broader implications of such endorsements in the future.
“The president should embody the values, ethics, and principles that reflect the nation we want to be,” it added.

The Straits Times has contacted the Elections Department and the PEC for comment on the concerns raised by Aware and the public.
On Monday, Mr Tan said people who dislike his posts and “pass nasty comments” should stay away from his Facebook page.
“Some of the people actually do it because they are malicious; they just want to make me look bad,” he said.
“So I ignore malicious people who are out to create trouble for me, so long as the majority of the people find that those (posts) are quite harmless.”

 

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Certificate of eligibility for Tan Kin Lian not an endorsement of his social media posts: Presidential Elections Committee​

Zhaki Abdullah

August 21, 2023

SINGAPORE - The issuance of a certificate of eligibility to presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian does not an amount to an endorsement of his social media posts, the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) said on Monday.
In a statement, the PEC said it does not go through every applicant’s past social media posts before issuing or declining a certificate of eligibility.
The matter of Mr Tan’s social media posts came to the fore on Monday, after a TikTok video compiling several of his posts went viral over the weekend, having been viewed more than 225,000 times as at Monday evening.
The former NTUC Income chief executive has occasionally made references to “pretty girls”, “pretty joggers” and “pretty slim girls” on his public Facebook page. There have been at least 18 such posts since 2022, and five since the start of 2023.
The PEC said that where comments made by an applicant on social media or in other media are specifically brought to its attention before a certificate of eligibility is issued or declined, the PEC would consider them in its assessment of the applicant’s eligibility.
After a certificate has been issued, the PEC is not legally entitled to revisit its earlier decision to confirm or revoke the certificate it had previously issued, it added.
Any additional facts regarding a candidate which come to public attention after the candidate’s certificate has been issued would be for the electorate’s consideration and assessment before casting their votes, said the committee.

“The PEC was not aware of Mr Tan’s social media posts before Mr Tan’s certificate of eligibility was issued,” it said. “Hence, the issuing of the certificate could not have amounted to an endorsement of Mr Tan’s social media posts by the PEC.”
Earlier on Monday, Mr Tan dismissed criticisms of his Facebook posts, saying only a small minority are uncomfortable with them.
Most visitors to his page found such posts “quite light (and) quite enjoyable”, the former NTUC Income chief executive told reporters during a walkabout at West Coast Market Square.

“There will be a few people who feel uncomfortable, but that is a very small minority,” he said in response to a question about these posts.
“(The) majority actually find that to be quite okay – quite fun.”
Mr Tan said such posts are how he builds his online audience, and that he has other posts, such as those about his meals “that bring in 100,000 people, half a million people... simple posts”.
An earlier thread on online forum Reddit about Mr Tan’s more colourful posts attracted over 1,600 upvotes since it was started last Friday. That was the day the PEC issued three candidates certificates of eligibility, including Mr Tan.
Some commenters on both the TikTok video and the Reddit thread asked how the PEC decided that Mr Tan qualifies to run in the election. In the certificates of eligibility issued to Mr Tan and the other eligible candidates, the PEC said it is “satisfied that you are a man of integrity, good character and reputation”.
On Monday, the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) said it shared the public’s concerns that a candidate who has a history of objectifying women has been cleared to participate in the presidential election.
The gender equality group said that consistently posting about “pretty girls”, recording videos of women in public without their consent or commenting about their appearance reduces them solely to their appearances for personal entertainment, and suggests that it is acceptable to trivialise women.
“Yet here’s a more systemic worry: The granting of a Certificate of Eligibility to such an individual doesn’t only reflect on him but suggests a systemic endorsement,” it said in a Facebook post that linked a news article about the TikTok video.
This signifies that such behaviour is not just acceptable, but perhaps even agreeable enough for a potential president to have, said Aware. It urged the PEC to consider the broader implications of such endorsements in the future.
“The president should embody the values, ethics, and principles that reflect the nation we want to be,” it added.

 

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Ng Kok Song highlights difference between ‘government-endorsed’ candidate and one who is not​

Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song (second from right) and his fiancee Sybil Lau (third from right) posing for a wefie with patrons during a visit to Seah Im Food Centre on Aug 13. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

Isabelle Liew

AUG 14, 2023


SINGAPORE - As a “non-government-endorsed candidate”, presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song has been turned down by some organisations he had approached to visit as part of his community engagement efforts.
Mr Ng, 75, said this in response to a question from the media during a visit to Seah Im Food Centre on Sunday.
“There’s a difference between being a government-endorsed candidate – you know who I’m referring to – and a candidate like myself, independent. Me, Mr George Goh, Mr Tan Kin Lian,” he added.
Apart from Mr Ng, who was previously chief investment officer of GIC, the other three presidential hopefuls are former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam; Mr Goh, an entrepreneur; and Mr Tan, the former chief executive of NTUC Income.
Besides getting turned down by some organisations, Mr Ng said: “When you’re a government-endorsed candidate, you will see VIP treatment. When you are not... you’ll get NIP treatment. What is NIP? Not important.
“That’s the reality because business organisations, even civic organisations, they do not want to offend the Government.”
But thankfully, the playing field is levelled when he goes to hawker centres and wet markets, Mr Ng said, adding: “I’m so encouraged by the reception that I get from ordinary people.”

Mr Ng, who was in public service for 45 years and held posts in GIC and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, again stressed the difference between being in the establishment and the political leadership.
“It was not right to say every person who serves in the public service is affiliated to the ruling party,” he said, in response to comments made by Mr Tan on Saturday. Mr Tan had said that if Mr Goh and himself are both found to be eligible to run for president, one of them should step down and support the other candidate to “avoid splitting the non-establishment vote”.
Mr Tan also said he decided to contest to offer Singaporeans a chance to vote for someone who is independent of the ruling government.


Mr Ng on Sunday also visited the Huang Clan Association, where he participated in a dialogue with clan members.

Mr Ng Kok Song (centre) at a dialogue at the Huang Clan Association on Aug 13, 2023.With him are the association’s emeritus adviser Ng Poh Wah (left) and its president Wong Kuek Phong. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Speaking to the media after the dialogue, he said safeguarding Singapore’s reserves is “not a simple matter”, and that other presidential candidates will have to prove they have a sufficient grasp of the responsibilities involved.
“We mustn’t assume that it’s an easy thing. And that is why the criteria have been set such that whoever wants to be the president must be competent. And secondly, that person must be trustworthy in terms of character,” he said.
“Because of my experience having worked 45 years in helping to build up the reserves, I understand the intricacies of the reserves. For that matter, I think Mr Tharman also understands. But it is something which I think other candidates will have to prove.”

Mr Ng was asked during the dialogue what his competitive advantage was over the other three candidates.
Responding, he cited his independence from the ruling party, his familiarity with the reserves and that he understood what it was like to be poor, having had to work to support his family when he was in university.
“So, the other candidates, Mr George Goh is a businessman, and Mr Tharman comes from a professional background. Nothing we can do about that, that’s the way we are. I feel that because of my background, I can empathise with the people of Singapore.”
Asked at Seah Im Food Centre on Sunday what he thought about the Elections Department (ELD) discouraging in-person rallies, Mr Ng said the ELD has good reasons for doing so, and that he would explore the possibility of holding an online rally to explain to the public his views and reasons for standing in the election.
He also said he hopes to reach out to young people by encouraging them to be financially literate and to pursue entrepreneurship.
“A habit of saving gives you financial security and gives you more freedom in life. For example, if you have a job where you cannot tolerate the boss, you can quit and live on your savings or accept a lower-paying job,” he said.
And when starting a business, young people should be willing to put money into it, and not rely on loans from others, he added.
Mr Ng said: “You want people to support you in your enterprise, but how much are you willing to put in yourself?”
He added: “These are things that we can help our young people to develop. It will give them more confidence and prepare them for the future so that they can exploit opportunities that lie ahead of us.”

Mr Ng was accompanied by his fiancee Sybil Lau at the food centre, where he spoke with stallholders and residents. Ms Lau sits on several boards, including SG Enable, a registered charity for persons with disabilities.

Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song and his fiancee Sybil Lau having beef noodles during a visit to Seah Im Food Centre on Sunday. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
On how his relationship with Ms Lau, 45, has changed since he launched his bid for the presidency, Mr Ng said: “I don’t think it will be possible for someone to go into such an arduous campaign without the support of their wife or their partner.
“I’m so happy Sybil understands my reasons why I’m standing for the presidency, that I want to serve the people of Singapore and therefore, she wants to support me in this campaign at some sacrifice to her privacy. But we’re prepared to make that sacrifice in order for me to serve the people of Singapore.”

 

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How the voters will vote (updated):

For Tharman Shanmugaratnam
PAP supporters
The establishment i.e. civil servants who depend on the PAP for their iron rice bowl
The labour unions members. The NTUC will announce its endorsement of Tharman as President.
Businessmen and professionals who do not want their businesses and jobs to be affected by political disruptions
Most Pioneer and Merdeka generations who voted for Lee Kuan Yew their whole lives.
About half of the women who object to Tan Kin Lian objectifying pretty woman
Half of the women who are not pretty
Half of the women who are jealous of Cybil Lau
The Indian voters
The other minority races: Malays, Eurasions, and Others


For Ng Kok Song
The pro-establishment but anti-PAP
Moderates and neutrals who do not want a pro-PAP nor an anti-PAP candidate
The remaining half of the women who object to Tan Kin Lian objectifying pretty woman and
also support Sybil Lau for being able to find such a rich sugar daddy
The other half of the women who are not pretty
Half the Chinese voters

For Tan Kin Lian
All who voted against the PAP
The anti-establishment
The anti-vaxers like Iris Koh
Supporters of Tan Chuan Jin and Cheng Li Hui
Those who are not satisfied with the government's handling of the Ridout bungalow (K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan)
and S Iswaran corruption probes
The other half of the women who are jealous of Cybil Lau
The sandwiched middle-class who are impacted by the cost of living
Those who lost their jobs or university places to foreign talents
All those who want to know the exact size of Singapore's reserves
All the chee ko peks who like to look at pretty girls
Half the Chinese voters

 

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Ng Kok Song, Tharman, Tan Kin Lian officially in three-way race for presidential election​

(From left) Former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song, former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian had earlier submitted their nomination papers ahead of the noon deadline. ST PHOTOS: JASON QUAH, KEVIN LIM

Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent

August 22, 2023

Live from Nomination Day: Follow updates from ST live blog
SINGAPORE - A three-way contest for the presidency is officially underway among former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song, 75, former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66, and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, 75.
The three presidential hopefuls all successfully filed their nomination papers on Tuesday.
Returning Officer Tan Meng Dui officially announced the trio as candidates at 12.39pm.
All three had arrived earlier at the nomination centre at the People’s Association headquarters in Jalan Besar ahead of the noon deadline.
Now that they have been officially announced as candidates, they cannot pull out of the race without forfeiting their election deposits of $40,500 each.
The three men, who are vying to become Singapore’s ninth elected president, can begin campaigning officially.

 

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What the president can or cannot do: ELD explains​

Under the Constitution, the president is the head of state and the symbol of national unity. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

Syarafana Shafeeq

August 22, 2023

SINGAPORE - The Elections Department (ELD) has released an explanatory note on the role of the president, which has been seen by the candidates of the presidential election to ensure they understand the position.
The three contesting for the presidency are former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian.
The three made a statutory declaration on their nomination paper that they have read the explanatory material and understand the president’s role under the Constitution.
An ELD spokesman said: “Candidates have signed an undertaking to campaign for election as president in a manner that is dignified, decorous and consistent with the president’s position as the head of state and the symbol of national unity.”
Under the Constitution, the president is the head of state and the symbol of national unity. He presides over important national events, such as the National Day Parade and the opening of Parliament, and exercises custodial powers.
The president also stands above party politics and therefore, cannot be a member of a political party.

How the president works with Parliament and the Cabinet​

The Cabinet has the general direction and control of the Government, and makes and implements policies. The Cabinet is led by the prime minister, who must command the confidence of Parliament.

The Cabinet as a whole is collectively responsible to Parliament and, in turn, Parliament is responsible for scrutinising and passing legislation.
The Cabinet and Parliament are ultimately accountable to the electorate for the laws and policies that they make.
The Constitution requires the president to act on the Cabinet’s advice in exercising his functions, except in specific areas where the Constitution empowers the president to act in his discretion.

The president’s custodial functions​

The Constitution confers on the president a number of custodial powers.
These powers enable the president to veto certain proposed measures, notwithstanding the advice tendered by the Cabinet. These custodial powers fall into three broad categories.
The first category concerns Singapore’s past reserves that were not accumulated during the present term of the Government.
The president is empowered to vet, and can decide to veto measures taken by Parliament or the Government that he considers would draw on past reserves.
For example, the president can refuse to assent to a Supply Bill passed by Parliament if, in his opinion, the Bill would draw on the Government’s past reserves. This extends to key statutory boards like the Housing Board (HDB), Monetary Authority of Singapore and Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, as well as key government companies such as Temasek and GIC.
The president can disapprove the budgets and transactions of these entities if he considers that they draw on the entities’ past reserves.
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Ng Kok Song, Tharman, Tan Kin Lian officially in three-way race in presidential election
The second category concerns the public service. The president can veto appointments to key public offices, such as the Chief Justice and the judges of the Supreme Court, and the Commissioner of Police.
The president can also veto the removal of individuals from these appointments.
The third category serves a protective function. The president can authorise an investigation by the director of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau if the prime minister refuses to give such authorisation.
The president’s concurrence is required for a person to be detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) if the ISA advisory board recommends against the detention.
The president can also cancel or vary a restraining order made under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act if the Cabinet’s advice was contrary to the recommendation of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.
When exercising the first two categories of custodial powers, the president must consult the Council of Presidential Advisers.
If the president exercises a veto contrary to the recommendation of the Council, Parliament can vote to overrule the president. A motion to overrule the president must be supported by not less than two-thirds of the total number of MPs (excluding nominated MPs).

Public role​

The public role of the president reflects the constitutional powers and duties of the office. As the head of state, the president is the symbol of national unity.
The president must be, and be seen to be, politically neutral. The president has no independent political role and must not get involved in political or controversial issues.
This way, the president stays above the political fray.
Publicly, the president must speak and act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, especially when expressing views on legislation or government policy. The exception is matters related to the president’s custodial powers, where the president acts in his discretion, and is naturally entitled to explain to the public how he has exercised, or intends to exercise, these powers.
In private discussions with the prime minister, the president can share his advice freely, but these discussions must remain confidential.

Examples of what the president can or cannot do​

While the president can veto appointments to key statutory boards like the CPF Board and HDB, he cannot appoint his own preferred candidates to these key appointments.
The president can veto Supply Bills that draw on the Government’s past reserves, but he cannot veto Bills that increase tax rates.
The president can deliver the address at the opening of Parliament, which is drafted by the Government and sets out the Government’s agenda, but he is not allowed to express public views on legislation or government policy without being advised to do so by the Government.

 

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Tan Kin Lian says criticism over his ‘pretty girls’ Facebook posts part of smear campaign​

Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian said nobody had expressed discomfort over his remarks in the 10 years that he had been putting up such posts. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Zhaki Abdullah

August 22, 2023

SINGAPORE - Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian, 75, once again defended his Facebook posts on “pretty girls” on Tuesday, after his successful nomination at the People’s Association headquarters.
He described recent criticism that he had objectified women in his online posts as a smear campaign orchestrated by his competitors for the presidency and the ruling People’s Action Party.
He said that nobody had expressed discomfort over his remarks in the 10 years that he had been putting up such posts.
On Tuesday morning, Mr Tan had put out a media statement that initially said the criticism over his Facebook posts were from an attack group “from a political party that is now backing my strongest opponent”, without providing more details.
The statement also said that should his “top opponent” be involved in the smear campaign, Mr Tan “would now consider him to be unfit to be the president of Singapore”.
Mr Tan subsequently amended his statement to remove these points.
Following the thank-you speeches by the presidential candidates, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam said he was glad that Mr Tan had withdrawn the suggestion that he was involved in any smear campaigns.

“It certainly goes against everything I represent, which I’ve stated repeatedly: the need to focus on candidates’ ability to contribute to Singapore, avoid smear campaigns of any sort,” said Mr Tharman, 66. “Clearly, I have nothing to do with it. But I’m very sure that no one backing me has anything to do with it either.”
Mr Tan, however, said he had been subject to smears for “more than 10 years”.
“These smears, of course, come from one political party,” said the former NTUC Income chief executive after his thank-you speech. “I say (to) that political party: You are in power. You want to ask people to unite. You want to ask people to trust the government. Is this the way to behave?”

Mr Tan had in recent days drawn flak for his occasional references on Facebook to “pretty girls”, “pretty joggers” and “pretty slim girls”. A TikTok video that compiled some of these posts has been seen more than 338,000 times since it was put up over the weekend. His past comments have also made the rounds on platforms such as Reddit.
His dismissal on Monday of criticisms over his posts drew a response from the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) that questioned whether the issuance of a certificate of eligibility for him to contest the election was tacit approval of behaviour that objectifies women.
The Presidential Election Committee said in a statement on Monday night that the issuance of a certificate to Mr Tan did not amount to an endorsement of his social media posts.
On Tuesday, Mr Tan said the posts had been put up over a period of 10 years, and had been viewed by more than 100,000 people with “no one” expressing any discomfort over his remarks.
“On this election, suddenly somebody... says ‘I feel uncomfortable’. But there are more than 100,000 people who watched the posts over 10 years. Why do you feel uncomfortable now?” he asked.
Mr Tan said it was “a concerted effort to smear” him.
Asked who he thought was behind such an effort, he said: “They are most likely my competitors.”

Mr Tan said he had spoken to Mr Tharman at the nomination centre, and that the former senior minister had assured him that he was not behind the criticism, nor would he allow such behaviour from his team.
“But of course, I’m not too sure whether he knows what somebody else (is) doing on his behalf,” said Mr Tan.
He acknowledged that he had described some women in his posts as pretty girls, but that there was nothing wrong with that.
“The pretty girls take the effort to dress up to be attractive, and when I say that they are quite attractive, most of them actually feel quite happy,” he said. “I don’t know why somebody would want to use that as a negative point.”
Mr Tan then said that the media had taken something “quite frivolous (and) made it into a big issue”.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Tan told The Straits Times at his home that he had become quite stressed in recent days because of criticisms over his social media activity, which he described as a “very malicious attack”.
“The media was part of it, my opponent in the political party is part of it. It’s very despicable,” he said.

Some who had turned up to support Mr Tan at the nomination centre said they saw nothing wrong with his social media posts.
People’s Power Party founder Goh Meng Seng, who was at the PA headquarters on Tuesday morning, said Mr Tan’s posts were simply about being candid and posting what he was feeling in the moment.
“What has Mr Tan done wrong?” he asked, adding that the furore over the posts was missing the bigger picture about Mr Tan’s candidacy.
On Monday night, Mr Tan reiterated that he saw nothing wrong with “appreciating pretty girls”.
“I’m sure the girls also appreciate good-looking men, so there’s nothing to be so upset about,” he said in a Facebook livestream where he took questions from supporters. “Maybe the people who are upset were not the pretty ones.”
At the interview following his thank-you speech on Tuesday, Mr Tan said he wanted to write to Aware to ask the gender equality group what exactly they found offensive about his posts, “but I got no way to reach out to them”.
“In case some other ladies, after reading this, think that they are uncomfortable, I want to apologise to them,” he said. “I have no (such) intention.”