Fresh (and for many raw) from the very heated General Elections in May 2011, Singaporeans are bracing themselves for the Executive Presidential Election due in August.
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has offered himself as a candidate and this afternoon, collected the forms for this purpose. Understand from news reports that 7 sets of forms were collected. Other than Dr Tan who went with his wife, Cecilia and his team of supporters, there was Mr Ooi Boon Ewe - a failed independent candidate in the recent GE. A Mr Lee collected on behalf of someone whom he mentioned is a businessman.
Dr Tan Cheng Bok has shown himself capable of standing up to the government even while he was a PAP MP. He has over the years won much adulation with his openness and directness. He also clearly has Singapore in his heart. I hope there will be a contest - and I hope it will be one that is clean, spirited and deserving of this high office - more so, I hope it would be one befitting of the evolving Singaporean electorate.
Former Aljunied GRC anchor Minister George Yeo has also posted on his Facebook that he is reconsidering his earlier decision not to contest in the Presidential Election following much support expressed by friends and others.
I think Mr Yeo should not contest. He has just emerged from a bruising political battle. He remains closely associated with the PAP too as a CEC member. I feel those who encourage him have good reasons to do so but their respect and love for him might be misplaced. He had, with the exception of those comments made 3 days before polling day, not been really 'independent' though he might have been viewed by many as being capable of it. We all recognize ala Nicole Seah that the number of Likes on Facebook do not necessarily translate to - ditto the opposite for Tin Pei Ling. The risk of losing in this election too cannot be ruled out.
Furthermore, he had expressed that he would be ill-suited for this position given his free-spirited temperament. Though he was defeated in the GE, he left office on an exceptional high moral ground- he displayed true gentlemanliness during the hustings and was magnamous in his loss.
I would like to add that he is far too young for this post. His potential for greater things would be better served in other capacities - out of the trappings (pun unintended) of this august office of Singapore. He would do very well to garner the positive energies of the young as well as the wisdom of like-minded Singaporeans to influene the vision of a new Singapore compact.
He is obviously enjoying his 'freedom' after 23 years in politics. Perhaps, he can bring to fruition his undertaking made during his exit press conference, that he would be willing to lead the cause for change in a new Singapore. I think he should keep this promise. Singapore will benefit greatly from his high intellect, and personal conviction in this role.
Perhaps when he is much older (say, in 20 years' time?) the elected presidential candidacy would still be up for contest.
Well, until all the cards are shown, - just my thoughts :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment