PE2023 Singaporean Presidential contenders address core challenges: Unity, high costs, and trust

SINGAPORE: During the hour-long live Singapore Presidential Forum held on Monday (28 Aug), the three contenders for the 2023 Presidential Election (PE2023) engaged in a comprehensive discussion that encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from their suitability for the presidency to their strategies for fostering unity and nurturing a more compassionate society.

The trio of Presidential contenders comprises distinguished individuals: Mr Ng Kok Song (75), the former GIC investment chief; Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (66), a former senior minister of the People’s Action Party; and Mr Tan Kin Lian (75), the former NTUC Income chief.

The interview was conducted by CNA’s journalist, Otelli Edwards. When prompted to share their perspectives on Singapore’s major challenges and how they would address them, Mr Tharman articulated insights into the world’s divisive state, pledging to deepen unity and address climate change proactively.

In parallel, Mr Tan Kin Lian recognized the pressing issue of high living costs affecting Singaporeans and proposed collaborative measures with the government to mitigate property costs, wage disparities, and business overheads.

Mr Ng Kok Song illuminated two core challenges Singapore faces—a waning trust in the government among the younger generation domestically and the necessity for unity to address international geopolitical complexities.

Tharman’s vision for global dynamics, unity, and climate action

Mr Tharman illuminated the foremost challenge: a world fraught with troubles and divisions, where major powers fail to see eye to eye, and there’ll be efforts made by big powers to get Singapore to be on one side or another.

He emphasized the urgency of steering clear of aligning with any particular bloc and, instead, advocated for the cultivation of Singapore’s distinct international space. This entails nurturing existing partnerships while also fostering potential alliances that could emerge in the future.

He said building economic ties and keeping up political relations are essential components of preserving Singapore’s positive international reputation—a legacy that traces back to the visionary leadership of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his contemporaries.

“Secondly, it doesn’t work if you don’t have respect for each other at home. We’ve got to deepen our unity among Singaporeans, and I intend to be very active in promoting that. ”

He emphasized the need to always keep in focus the undeniable reality that the most significant global challenge, spanning across all nations—regardless of size or status—is none other than climate change.

He said Singapore need to start preparing to adapt and to respond to climate change.

“It may require some new finances, it may require the use of reserves for long-term Investments and the president has to be on top of understanding that challenge.”

Mr Tan Ki Lian highlights the cost of living issues most concern by ordinary Singaporeans

Mr Tan Kin Lian, the former NTUC Income chief, acknowledged the multifaceted challenges encompassing geopolitical tensions, trade frictions, and climate change.

Yet, he highlighted that Singapore is not exempt from internal issues.

Specifically, the cost of living and the high expenses associated with conducting business pose significant concerns.

He firmly believes that enhancing our competitiveness is imperative. To achieve this, he advocates for initiatives aimed at reducing property costs, addressing wage issues, and overall business expenses.

He believed that by strategically addressing these factors, Singapore could position itself competitively on the global stage.

Mr Tan Kin Lian is of the opinion that these critical challenges require governmental attention.

He is committed to engaging in discussions with the government to collaboratively work towards the goal of enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness. This, in turn, would lead to an increase in job opportunities for the nation’s populace.

Youth’s eroding trust in government raises concern, remarks Ng Kok Song

Mr Ng Kok Song, a former GIC investment chief, identified two overarching challenges that Singapore confronts: one on the domestic front and another on the international stage.

“I think the domestic challenge is that our society, particularly our younger generation, is getting more cynical about the government. They’re getting less trusting of the government, and this is quite worrying for me.”

Mr Ng stressed the importance of the government’s role in restoring trust.

He highlighted the crucial task of rebuilding trust among the populace, particularly among the younger demographic. Rectifying any breaches in trust and upholding integrity standards is a necessary step, a sentiment that echoes Mr Tan’s campaign slogan: ‘Bring Back Trust, Give Us Hope.’

Turning to international matters, he acknowledged the existence of geopolitical conflicts. However, he firmly believes that the nation’s strength lies in its unity.

By remaining united, Singapore can effectively navigate the risks posed by the international landscape. This unity is now more pivotal than ever.

He reiterated the President’s pivotal role in unifying the nation, as this unity resonates not only internally but also positions Singapore to seize opportunities within the challenging international environment.

The country will be polling for the ninth president of Singapore this coming 1 September with a total of 2,709,455 valid electors.