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Dr Tony Tan (Photo: channelnewsasia.com, Hester Tan)
SINGAPORE: Potential candidates vying to contest the forthcoming Presidential Election have issued their statements following the announcement of the dates for Nomination and Polling Day.
Former deputy prime minister Tony Tan said given the present economic uncertainties, it is highly likely that the next President will be involved in decisions about the economic future of Singapore.
He said this may require the President to invoke his formal powers on whether to draw down past reserves.
Dr Tan said that was why he had resigned from jobs that he loved — to step forward and offer his candidacy.
He added that he looks forward to a vigorous exchange of views during the campaign, which should be carried out with decorum and in a manner befitting the Office at stake.
Dr Tan said he remains confident that Singaporeans are able to make an informed choice about who best can carry out the responsibilities of the President.
Separately, the former CEO of NTUC Income, Tan Kin Lian, said he looks forward to receiving the result of his application for the Certificate of Eligibility to contest the Presidential Election.
He expressed confidence that he has met the stipulated criteria.
Upon receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility, Mr Tan said he will finalise his nomination papers to contest the Presidential Election.
He called on donors, companies and civic organisations not to be wasteful when spending on political advertisements for their preferred candidate.
Another hopeful, business man Andrew Kuan, said he will submit his forms for the Certificate of Eligibility on Friday.
The other two Presidential hopefuls are former MP Tan Cheng Bock and former opposition member Tan Jee Say.
Meanwhile, observers said Singaporeans want a President who can articulate their concerns, but at the same time be able to work with the government.
They said this is a sign of changing times and reflects an electorate that is more demanding.
Dr Eugene Tan, assistant professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, said: " But I think that doesn’t take away from the basic criteria of someone who has the ability and the experience.
" Because I think in the end, to do the job of the Elected President, especially in the exercise of custodial powers, whether to draw down the past reserves of the country (or) to make key appointments such as the Chief Justice, you need someone who has the experience, the capability, but also the temperament."
— CNA/al
