Presidential Election – Why I Choose Dr Tony Tan

Citizens of Singapore waited for a prolong 12 years to have a chance to elect their President. In the past two Presidential Elections, we were given a “one-too-few” eligible candidate for voting to take place. This round, we have four eligible candidates. Some may regard this as “two-too-many” situation. For me, I would say – the more, the merrier. It tells me two things: 1, more well qualified citizens are keen to take part in politics, which is highly needed for a small country like ours. 2, it means more choices for voters - you can choose the best among the four.

Actually, I like all of them. They are all well qualified and have the heart to serve the country and help its people. It is painful to let go of some I really like.

Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr. Tan Kin Lian are ideal for President post. Dr Tan has a heart very close to glass-root. Read his blog, hear him speak, you can tell his sincerity. There is no doubt he will put citizens’ interest above his formal party. Mr. Tan Kin Lian has excellent track records managing big organization with huge investments. He has workable plans to help the people. His strong Chinese language and his humble background will help him in understanding and helping the hard-Landers.

I felt that Mr. Tan Jee Say would be ideal to be in a governing team. PAP is trying hard to make changes to re-gain support from the people, but we cannot be sure they will succeed. Opposition has to work harder to form an alternate government team. Tan Jee Say’s present in opposition will enhance the chance of forming the alternate team. This is important. The real crisis will happen if citizens decided to give up on PAP and there is no capable enough opposition team to take over the government. Thus, I hope he keep himself in the opposition camp. Besides, I have concern if he will work well with the PAP government if elected. He would likely make the government nervous. It will be more difficult for him to accomplish his duties without co-operations from the government.

If Dr Tony Tan is not in the picture, I will be happy to have either Dr Tan Cheng Bock or Mr. Tan Kin Lian to be our President. Dr Tony Tan has the capacity bigger than what President’s duties required. I believe if he did not see the real need he would rather sit back and relax, than to join in the competition.

I choose Dr Tony Tan based on following key reasons:

1. For the stability of the country.

           After PAP reformed, our country is governed by a much younger and less experience team, without MM Lee and SM Goh watching them. On one hand, it is good for PM and his team to have the free hand on the steering wheel to make changes. However, on the other hand, it also imposes some risk. The young government team has to resolve many issues surfaced in the GE, besides, they have to deal with tough challenges ahead. Challenges faced can be in all aspects, not just internally but also externally, especially when they just lost a capable Foreign Affair Minister. In times of crisis and needs, Dr Tony Tan can be there to give helpful ideas and guidance. A capable and experience politician President such as him will help stabilize the country and resolve critical issues in time of needs, even he is not part of the government team.

2. Unforeseen future political development needs

           This President we elect will still be in office when we have our next General Election. We cannot foresee what will happen then. If performance of current PAP government do not meet people’s expectation, chances are – people choose to let the opposition take over. Imagine, if the country take over by a new team without experience? Alternatively, we can be in a stage of difficulty forming government if no party winning majority votes. In such situation, President may find himself have to play a vital governing role for a while. We never know.