Current Affairs: The Singapore Presidential Elections

The presidential elections have not been hosted since 1993, the people participating not hoping to take over the Parliament, but instead, hoping to be the Head of State. Having not have had an election for the presidency for 18 years, many people are probably unfamiliar about the role of the president; in fact, the candidates themselves have different stands as to the role the president is supposed to play as the figurehead of the country. All four candidates are confident of a chance of winning, as can be evident from their confirmation of running for the elections through a $48, 000 election deposit each, however, three will fail and only one will emerge champion. Who though? My personal favourite is actually Dr. Tan Cheng Bock, but perhaps, I should start with a summary of each candidate, as well as my thoughts on them.

Firstly, of course, we have the populist Tan Kin Lian. The point which he put forth to people about why he should be elected as president is because he would be the voice of the people of Singapore, and would debate with the Parliament over policies which affect the Singaporean public. He has also mentioned donating half his presidential salary to charity and other useful purposes, as he believes in public service. However, some have said that donating half of his salary to charity and other useful purposes is akin to buying votes - because the General Elections earlier this year has shown the unhappiness of Singaporeans about the current situation, he is offering them exactly what they want in order to become the president. The other candidates have also said that his being involved in government policies is being involved in day-to-day politics, something the Head of State should not be involved in. In fact, it is generally agreed among the other three candidates that the role of the president is to provide checks and balances on the Parliament which Singaporeans have elected this year. In my opinion, after following the elections quite closely for the past three days, I have to say I agree with them. The President should not be involved in the policy decision by the Parliament - the Parliament was formed because they had the ability to do so by themselves. Although the President can offer a warning to the Parliament over certain decisions, it should be justified and only when in cases when it is necessary, for example, if something similar to the Graduate's Mother's Scheme was put forth. I feel that Tan Kin Lian should not, just because in the General Elections the Singaporean public have said they wanted opposition in the Parliament, as a result use this in order to gain his supporters. I feel that this is not what the President should not be involved in, the President is meant to provide checks and balances and make sure that the nation is united as one, not to debate about everyday policies in Parliament. Therefore, I do not really support Mr. Tan Kin Lian.

Second, we have the dark horse candidate, Mr. Tan Jee Say. Having only just appeared in the political scene recently in the General Elections as part of the Singapore Democratic Party, not much is known about the abilities of Tan Jee Say. Tan Jee Say has adopted a more neutral standpoint, saying that if he should become president, he would not only provide checks and balances, but would also speak up about things he has strong views about, such as the death penalty. He has also used evidence about his rebellious side when he was a student in order to promote himself as an independent person. Having the least supporters of the four - only about 100 turned up to support him on Nomination Day - he is the least expected to win. I feel that his neutrality could be a point in his favour, however, I think that he has extremely little experience in politics and thus, may not be such a good candidate. Also during nomination day, a number of his supporters heckled Dr. Tony Tan when he was giving his election speech, and when asked why he didn't manage his supporters, Tan Jee Say said something along the lines that he couldn't control them as a crowd may sometimes get too excited. Some criticisms have risen over this, with people saying that if he is unable to manage a group of approximately 100 people, how would he be able to manage a nation?

Next on the list is Dr. Tony Tan, the one who is the most experienced and qualified. Dr. Tony Tan is promoting his experience as his main advantage, saying that dark clouds are looming over Singapore's economy, and there has to be a steady hand to manage the country's reserves. He says that he, having the most experience in such matters, is the most capable as the President. However, some people have criticised him as being too familiar with the People's Action Party, which could result in him being passive towards the policies that the Parliament put forth. I rather agree with this view. Although I am not one of those people who just want opposition and disapprove of what the PAP does, I feel that the President has to be independent of the Parliament, and Dr. Tony Tan, having such close ties with the PAP, may not be able to accomplish that.

Lastly, Dr. Tan Cheng Bock. The reason I support Dr. Tan Cheng Bock is that he is suitably neutral, as what he aims to do is to provide checks and balances on the Parliament, yet at the same time, has some experience in the political world. Even though he has been criticised for the fact that he does not have much financial experience and thus, should not be put in charge of the financial reserves, I disagree. Although safeguarding the reserves is of course, one of the President's role, what is more important is to appear as a figurehead for the nation and provide checks and balances on the Parliament. There will surely be some people who are experienced in such financial matters and Dr. Tan Cheng Bock could always learn from them; a lack of financial experience is not enough to warrant that he should not be the president of Singapore.

After hearing my views, I hope that you will make an informed decision on Polling Day. Thank You.