On Monday (28 Aug) night, the three Presidential Election (PE) candidates took part in the first and only “live” forum of the election season.
After an hour of fielding questions, they had the chance to give a closing statement to voters.
Source: Channel NewsAsia on YouTube
When Mr Tan said he would convey the concerns of young people to the Government, the Channel NewsAsia (CNA) host reminded him that the President can’t express public views on laws or policies.
Mr Tan Kin Lian, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Mr Ng Kok Song participated in the Singapore Presidential Forum hosted by Channel NewsAsia (CNA) on Monday.
The one-hour program involved host Otelli Edwards asking them a series of questions.
They would then take turns answering them within the same amount of allotted time, and then give a closing statement at the end.
In his closing statement, Mr Tan emphasised his independence.
He urged voters to vote for an independent president who will examine critically each recommendation from the Government regarding the reserves, as well as the appointments of top public service officers.
Source: Channel NewsAsia on YouTube
Before he gives his approval, he must be satisfied that they’re in the interest of the people, he said.
He added that he will also use the President’s powers to call for a Committee of Inquiry (COI) when needed to ensure transparency and accountability in the Government and public service.
Mr Tan then moved on to young people, which he said are his “main concern”.
He maintained that the young face a number of challenges, including,
They have to compete for jobs against foreigners, and good jobs are difficult to get. Yet our males have to do national service, which sets them back two years or more in the competition for jobs.
The former NTUC Income CEO also decried the high cost of living and “unaffordable” housing.
He understands these concerns and will convey them to the Government so young people “can look forward with confidence to the future”, Mr Tan added.
However, after Mr Tan’s closing, Ms Edwards felt compelled to issue a reminder.
She pointed out that the Elected President cannot express public views on legislation or Government policy.
This is unless the Government expressly advises them to do so.
Source: Channel NewsAsia on YouTube
Mr Tan concluded his closing statement by saying his overall goal is to make life better for people.
He believes the Government shares the same goal, and thus, he will collaborate with them to find a better to solve problems.
In his closing statement, Mr Ng explained his reasoning for standing for election.
He said that Singapore needs a competent, experienced and trustworthy president.
Source: Channel NewsAsia on YouTube
Above all, the President should be non-partisan so they don’t serve the agenda of any party, he added.
Mr Ng also said he wants to serve his country because he’s “concerned” about our future well-being.
To do this, he’s willing to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure what we built up can be safeguarded, and our future is secured.
He’s not motivated by money, power or fame, he maintained. He came forward because he’s “benefitted so much from what Singapore has given (him)”.
Mr Ng was chief investment officer of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) for six years, on top of a stint at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Concluding his statement, he said he came forward also to thank the people of Singapore for the opportunity.
Mr Tharman sounded a note of positivity in his closing statement as he requested Singaporeans to vote for him as a vote for an “optimistic future”.
In fact, he believed that all Singaporeans can have an optimistic future.
Source: Channel NewsAsia on YouTube
While it’s easy to be pessimistic given things happening in Singapore and around the world, the former Senior Minister thinks we have reason to be optimistic when we look at Singaporeans and what we’re capable of doing.
He cited local sprint queen Shanti Pereira, who has achieved tremendous success in just seven or eight months, and leading playwright Stephanie Esther Fam, who’s “inspiring us to look at disabilities differently”.
He also said he’s inspired by “people who take second chances” every day through his years on the ground working with them, adding,
We’re an optimistic country because of Singaporeans.
Mr Tharman concluded by saying this about himself: That his life is an open book.
He’s been serving Singapore his entire life, even before entering public service, thus,
There are no surprises with me… What you see it what you get.
Did one or more of the three candidates satisfy you with his closing statement? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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Featured image adapted from Channel NewsAsia on YouTube.
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