Tan Kin Lian receives COE to contest in upcoming presidential election

SINGAPORE: Presidential aspirant Tan Kin Lian has been issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) to contest in the forthcoming Singapore Presidential Election 2023.

In a letter Mr Tan received from PEC on Friday (18 Aug) and shared to Gutzy, indicated that Tan, who submitted his application on 31 July, The PEC noted that Mr Tan were the Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited for a period exceeding 3 years.

“Based on the information available to the Committee, it is satisfied that you are a man of integrity, good character and reputation.”

In the letter issued by PEC secretary Cindy Khoo, the PEC satisfied, having regard to the nature of Mr Tan tenure in NTUC Income, the size and complexity of the company and his performance in the office, that Mr Tan have experience and ability that is comparable to the experience and ability of a person who has served as the chief executive of a typical company with at least S$500 million of shareholder’s equity and who satisfies Article 19(4)(a) of the Constitution in relation to such service.

“The Committee is also satisfied that you have the experience and ability to effectively carry out the functions and duties of the office of President.”

Meanwhile, another Presidential hopeful, former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, had his media team officially confirm on Friday, August 18th, that he received the COE around 10:30 AM.

Singaporeans are set to cast their votes on 1 September, with Nomination Day scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday (22 Aug).

1 September will likely be declared a public holiday due to the anticipated contest among two or more Presidential candidates.

Earlier,  Tan Kin Lian announced that he will withdraw from the race for the Istana if George Goh, the businessman, is deemed eligible to run.

“If the PEC allows for a four-way contest, I will refrain from submitting my nomination,” stated Mr Tan on Thursday. He also extended his best wishes to Mr Goh.

The declaration followed a series of exchanges between Mr Tan, aged 75, and Mr Goh, 63, with Mr Tan suggesting the possibility of one stepping aside should both qualify for the presidential race.

As of now, there hasn’t been any confirmation from Goh’s media team regarding his receipt of the COE from ELD.

Earlier on Monday, at a press event, Mr Goh, the founder of Harvey Norman Ossia, clarified that there had been no arrangement with Mr Tan regarding stepping down if both qualify and urged him to prioritize his own campaign.

Asserting the need for authenticity in a candidate’s intent on Monday, Mr Goh said, “Every candidate must be genuine.”

Mr Goh remains confident about his eligibility, stating that his consortium of five companies – which remains undisclosed – boasts a combined shareholders’ equity of S$1.521 billion over the past three years.

In preparations for the upcoming election, Mr Goh expressed his proactive approach, emphasizing the need for early preparations rather than waiting for the Certificate of Eligibility from the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC).