Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song declares himself “non-partisan” in nationwide broadcast

SINGAPORE: In the first presidential candidate broadcast, aired across 19 free-to-air channels in all four of Singapore’s official languages, presidential candidate Ng Kok Song identified himself as a “non-partisan candidate”.

The broadcast was at 7pm on Thursday, 24 August.

In his speech, the former GIC Chief Investment Officer emphasized his belief in the need for an elected president who has neither been a part of, nor endorsed by, any political faction.

“The president should be independent of any political party so they can exercise their pivotal duties without fear or favour,” Ng stated.

Highlighting the affiliations past presidents had with the ruling party, Ng set himself apart by emphasizing his independence.

He stressed the importance of a presidency that stands “above the partisan politics of Parliament” and championed the need for “independent, capable men and women” to answer the call when needed.

Maintaining that the nation cannot take the continuity of good governance for granted, Ng warned against an “ownself check ownself” mentality.

Drawing parallels to the corporate sector, he underscored the importance of an “external check that functions like an independent external auditor.”

Although not endorsed by any political factions, Ng showcased his remarkable 45-year service record, noting roles that had him overseeing reserves at the GIC and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Reflecting on his milestones, he said, “I have spearheaded the growth of Singapore’s financial services sector and navigated GIC through various crises, moulding it into a world-class institution.”

In his commitment, Ng promised to work “constructively and impartially” with the current administration, assuring that his participation would be impactful without being disruptive.

He highlighted his deep understanding of “how the governmental apparatus operates”, vowing to never shy away from voicing urgent issues, irrespective of their complexity.

Moreover, Ng reiterated his dedication to voicing the concerns of the youth, the elderly, and vulnerable groups, to ensure everyone progresses in Singapore’s journey forward.

Concluding his address, Ng encouraged Singaporeans to fortify the nation’s constitutional governance, underscoring his non-partisan perspective.

“Differences in viewpoints and political leanings should not create rifts in our society,” he opined, stressing the power of communal actions for societal elevation and cohesive progress towards a promising future.

Ng, together with Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former senior minister of the People’s Action Party (PAP), and former NTUC Income CEO, Mr Tan Kin Lian, will deliver their speeches in the upcoming broadcast, scheduled for 30 August at 7 pm.