Browsing Tag

Singapore Elected Presidency

31 posts

K Shanmugam defends Tharman’s bid for presidential candidacy amid concerns over political pluralism

K Shanmugam, Law and Home Affairs Minister, staunchly defended Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s presidential candidacy amid debates about political diversity, asserting that the strength of a candidate and their connection with the ruling party shouldn’t undermine the essence of political pluralism. “Does that become the PAP’s fault that he’s a strong candidate? I think some things are probably properly laid at our door and some things I think we shouldn’t be responsible for. Good candidate comes forward. Well, that’s pluralism. And, you know, Singapore has other good candidates.”

George Goh asserts confidence in meeting eligibility for presidential bid despite questions

Despite concerns over his company’s financial standing, entrepreneur George Goh confidently asserts his qualification for Singapore’s Presidential Election. Collecting his certificate of eligibility application on Tuesday, Goh vowed, “I believe I am qualified.” He maintains that his diverse business background will suffice, despite none of his companies individually meeting the S$500 million equity requirement.

PAP’s Tharman for president is so troubling in so many ways

Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s presidential bid invites careful scrutiny. Despite a seemingly unblemished reputation, his deep-seated affiliation with the People’s Action Party raises critical questions. Can Tharman truly be the guardian of our national reserves and act as a check on the ruling party, or will his presidency simply further entrench the ‘ownself check ownself’ culture – a dubious blend of self-regulation and political complacency?” – Pat Low

Harvey Norman Ossia Founder George Goh announces his intention to run for the Singapore presidency

George Goh, founder of Harvey Norman Ossia, has officially announced his candidacy for the Singapore presidency, confirming earlier rumors. His media team stated that he will run as an independent candidate, emphasizing his lack of political party affiliations or baggage. Coming from a background of poverty, Goh started his entrepreneurial journey at 22 and built a business empire spanning 14 countries. He is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Border Mission Charitable Foundation and also serves as the Singapore Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.

Elections Department announces applications for Certificate of Eligibility to begin on 13 June

Singapore’s Election Department declared the application for Certificate of Eligibility and community declarations for the open Presidential Election 2023 to begin on 13 June. This comes after President Halimah Yacob’s announcement not to seek re-election, with People’s Action Party’s Tharman Shanmugaratnam announcing his intention to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election. The tightened eligibility criteria from a 2016 amendment leaves only a handful of Singaporeans eligible.

Tharman expresses desire for contest in upcoming presidential election

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, preparing to run in the upcoming presidential election, stresses his desire for a contest at an event on Sunday and assures his independence from the People’s Action Party (PAP) if elected. Speaking to local media, Mr Tharman downplayed concerns that his popularity may deter other potential candidates. “We have to see who comes up. But I certainly much prefer a contest,” he said, adding that he embraces competition as an opportunity to prove himself. “Having a contest is important for me. I much rather win or lose with the contest.” His candidacy sparks criticism, particularly from Reform Party’s Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, who highlights potential conflicts of interest arising from Tharman’s extensive governmental roles.

Tharman shows sudden interest in Geylang Serai but not during bazaar controversy

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who recently expressed his intention to run for President, graced a ground-breaking ceremony for a rejuvenation project in Geylang Serai. The project aims to revitalize the area with new public spaces, improved infrastructure, and programs promoting community bonding. During the event, local media reported how Tharman volunteered to sing a P Ramlee song, capturing the attention and applause of the crowd. However, it should be noted that Tharman was missing during the Geylang Serai Bazaar controversy, where vendors faced exorbitant rental costs. Tharman’s sudden interest in the area raises questions about his sincerity and motivation.

Did PAP change constitution to raise disqualification fine quantum to make Tharman look good?

Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has announced his resignation from the People’s Action Party to run for president. In 1992, he was charged and convicted for violating the Official Secret Act, fined S$1,500. As per the amended Singapore Constitution, those fined more than S$10,000 are disqualified from presidential elections. Could the change of fine limit, recently increased from S$2,000, have been changed to mitigate Tharman’s past fine’s impact, making it seem comparatively low?

Jeyaretnam questions Tharman’s eligibility for presidency, citing father’s rejection and Tharman’s past conviction

Reform Party Secretary General, Kenneth Jeyaretnam, questions Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s eligibility for presidency, scrutinising his political history and previous conviction. Mr Jeyaretnam raises concerns about potential conflict of interest given Mr Tharman’s former role as Finance Minister and his alleged lack of commitment to checks and balances. He further criticizes the People’s Action Party’s disregard for conventional checks and balances in the context of Tharman’s candidacy.

Elected presidency in Singapore: A reflection on late Ong Teng Cheong’s legacy and questions on Tharman’s independence

As Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam prepares for his presidential bid, questions arise about his potential effectiveness and independence as a check on the PAP-led government. Lessons from the tenure of the late ‘People’s President’, Ong Teng Cheong, indicate a presidency filled with challenges. Singaporeans must contemplate whether Tharman can separate his political past from PAP or if his tenure will mirror previous presidencies. This dilemma, paired with Tharman’s roles in reserve management, adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming election.