SDP Chairman stresses significance of PE2023 in sending clear message to Singapore’s ruling party

The president can only act on the advice of the Cabinet, and even in the three specific areas where the President retains some influence, there exists the potential for overrule.

For example, the drawdown of past reserves, the appointment of keyholders such as the Attorney General, and certain investigations such as the CPIB investigations.

The President can be overruled by the Council of Presidential Advisers, and a supermajority in Parliament.

Out of the total of eight nominees, the President only selects three members of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).

Given the President’s constrained authority and susceptibility to override, a question arises: why do Singaporeans continue to dedicate time to the presidential election and observe a public holiday for it?

However, Prof Tambyah refutes this notion, asserting that this particular presidential election is of utmost significance, as it presents an opportunity for Singaporeans to communicate their sentiments to the ruling party.

“We have heard in the last few weeks that the Prime Minister thinks that he leads The Garden of Eden, and that the major alternative to the CPIB reporting to him is to report to God.”

During an exclusive interview with Singapore media outlet CNA, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong likened Singapore to a “Garden of Eden state,” stating, “You are here, it’s marvellous. You may not always feel great, but please be aware this is the Garden of Eden.

“Because if you come out from it, you can’t go back in again.”

Consequently, Prof Tambyah urges Singaporeans who wish to hold the ruling party accountable to convey their message through their vote in this presidential election.

He advises voting for a candidate not endorsed by the ruling party.

Singaporeans to cast their vote on 1 September

The Singapore Presidential Election 2023’s Polling Day is set for 1 September, designated a public holiday by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

There are a total of 2,709,455 eligible voters in the updated voter rolls – an increase of over 55,000 people from the 2,653,942 electors in GE2020.

Singaporeans will be voting to elect their ninth president from three candidates: the former GIC investment chief, Mr Ng Kok Song (75); former People’s Action Party senior minister, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (66); and the former NTUC Income chief, Mr Tan Kin Lian (75).