Politics
Former PE2011 candidates unite: Dr Tan Cheng Bock endorses Tan Kin Lian for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election
In a pivotal turn for Singapore’s Presidential Election 2023, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a former candidate from PE2011, has endorsed Mr Tan Kin Lian’s campaign. This united front, bolstered by support from Mr Tan Jee Say, another candidate from PE2011, reinforces the call for an “independent president” ahead of the polling day on 1 September.
At the press conference, Dr Tan passionately appealed to the voters to choose wisely, “So today I want to plead with you to stand for what is right. Love your country by supporting the cause for an independent president. Your one vote counts; remember, your one vote counts. Make it worth it.”
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SINGAPORE: In a significant political development to the Presidential Election 2023, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, 83, a former candidate from the Presidential Election 2011, has endorsed former competitor Tan Kin Lian’s presidential campaign.
This follows after Mr. Tan Jee Say, 69, another candidate from PE2011, acted as Tan Kin Lian’s proposer on nomination day. This endorsement comes in the run-up to the polling day on the 1 September.
Today, the trio made a joint appearance at People’s Park Food Centre, marking the sixth day of the presidential campaign. Flanked by the two former candidates, Mr. Tan Kin Lian greeted the media and supporters.
At the following press conference, Dr Tan, chair of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) but speaking in his personal capacity as a previous presidential contender, extended his endorsement to Mr Tan Kin Lian.
He emphasized their shared vision, referring to their bond as that of “comrades.” Dr Tan accentuated the need for an “independent president” and underscored the president’s crucial role in overseeing the nation’s reserves and ensuring the country’s competent governance.
Hinting at potential risks posed by establishment-aligned candidates, Dr Tan stated, “Somebody who’s with the establishment… maybe makes them very uncomfortable if they choose to take decisions that is contrary to what the establishment people want.”
Dr Tan passionately appealed to the voters to choose wisely by saying, “So today I want to plead with you to stand for what is right. Love your country by supporting the cause for an independent president. Your one vote counts; remember, your one vote counts. Make it worth it.”
Speaking in endorsement for Mr Tan Kin Lian, Mr Tan Jee Say said he had known the presidential candidate since the latter was the CEO of NTUC Income, “I know he is bubbling with ideas all the time, what is good for the policyholders of insurance. That resonates with me, always customer-focused.”
“And I think he brings to this presidential election, that personal touch of concern for people, for customers. All the voters, all the Singaporeans are his customers. And he will work for their interests.” said Mr Tan Jee Say.
The endorsements from Dr Tan and Mr. Tan Jee Say represent a notable consolidation of support for Mr Tan Kin Lian.
In the 2011 presidential election, Dr Tan received 34.85% of the votes, Mr Tan Jee Say secured 25.04%, and Mr Tan Kin Lian obtained 4.91%. Dr Tony Tan clinched the victory with 35.2% of the votes, subsequently becoming Singapore’s seventh president with a narrow margin of 0.35%
Out of the three, Mr Tan Kin Lian is the only one eligible to run for president in 2023 as the criteria for private sector candidates was raised from S$100 million paid-up capital to S$500 million shareholders’ equity in 2016.
The former NTUC Income CEO also clarified that his campaign is independently financed, and both endorsing candidates were supporting “in their personal capacity.”
When questioned about a potential role for Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Tan Jee Say in the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA), Mr Tan Kin Lian expressed confidence in their shared vision, stating that both would be “excellent candidates to the council.”
With the general election looming by 2025, Dr. Tan acknowledged, in response to a media query, the inherent risks of his personal endorsement potentially affecting PSP’s prospects. However, he expressed faith in voters to make a judicious decision based on the performance of PSP and its Non-Constituency MPs.
“I’m glad that Cheng Bock and Jee Say have now endorsed my campaign. I will rely on their valuable advice to reach the people. I would like to express my sincere thanks for their support,” Tan Kin Lian said.
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As usual the MSM often asked questions with the intention to trap those who support TKL.
TS said if by way of affiliation, TCB and OTC would not be qualified to stand for election. Perhaps the MSM should ask TS why the system was designed deliberately to prevent TCB from contesting in 2017? Also, the MSM should do some investigation on the current President’s race.
Or are the MSM not allowed to ask such questions independent of their bosses instructions?
From the AWARE incident I read that tkl secretly took pictures of pretty girls in train and bus without their knowledge and permission for his own consumption and comments. Asking here is is true or lawful? I also like to hear what tcb who endorsed him think about this act, as he claims gutter politics and endorsed him. Is he condoning his comrade such act. I think this is serious as a president hopeful who might be a figure head will impact the thinking of our men and our women privacy. Wish not to hear one day the president can… Read more »
Most important:::
Kin Lian should now, give confidence to Our Singapore Civil Service & Administration Service.
He should clearly state that He would stand behind them & give clear advice & guidelines.
No interference or disruption by PAP Deep State Operators.
If George Goh steps in to endorse TKL, pappy stooges pants will fall off straightaway. LoL
I respect Tan CB and his opinions and if he endorses TKL for president I’ll vote for TKL.
Case closed. No discussion needed.
DPM Tharman will surely win and become our President. I challenge you fools. If he loses, I cut off my cock. If he wins, you go jump down from MBS. Who got balls here to take up this challenge from me? Otherwise, just shut your bloody mouth and stop badmouthing our DPM!
Ko Song angry already. Hehehe.
The reporters are trapping tkl and he seems not aware. How can tcb and tjs being appointed into CPA, being members or head of opposition parties? Something is very wrong here if that really happens.
Finally, the Oppies are learning to play the rules of the game. Unite the 39% into One voice and bring that to GE2024/25. The ruling party has taken Singaporeans for granted for too long, because the opposition has always been divided.
Vote for tharman ? What are his achievements . When he was education minister , he did little to improve the system
Yes. Show Your Support, Whatever.
But, The Most Critical Question Is, Have Y’all Awakened?
https://greatawakening.world/deepstate1
Where’s Tony Tan? 🙂 Or Georgie Porgy Goh? Still sulking?
Well Done Cheng Bock. Nicely Done.
Heaven got eyes !! Instead of getting 1 President, now we got 3 (All Tan’s) !!!
The concept of Independent should work both ways, no inclination towards the ruling party or opposition. It is understood too close to ruling government will affect his job of guarding the reserve. Inclination towards the opposition will also affect his job isn’t it. Perhaps government should enact new law preventing close association and endorsement to any party.
Old fool NKS is not happy with TCB not supporting him.
Ah cock should go back home to do meditation and plays with his toy object syb
Tkl, are you really independent or opposition?
TKL: Well said. Politics do not solve problems……
We will vote for you. No worries.
Nice 👍. Thank You TCB. You have given the ultimate push needed for TKL. Truly a patriot, who put aside being played by the $500m criteria to support TKL. An honourable gentleman. Let’s follow his lead and vote in TKL.
Wah!
Nothing can stop these 3 tan-musketeers.
With TCB endorsement for TKL, even civil servants also vote for the TAN.
All the best to Singapore!
Imagine Singapore president is tan and pm is wong. It will be tan-wong (蛋黄 in Cantonese.) country. Sounds good. Feel good. For more generations of Singapore to come.
Pertaining to the issues that relate to “Blank Votes” can anyone out there give your opinion as to whether there exists a brand of “ink” which would turn colourless within a short period of time after it is applied as a print on special paper.As we now know a new device has been introduced to assist voters mark the little “box” on the ballot paper.What do you think???😎😎😎
Three patriotic good men standing together for the good of the country and the people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
On the morning of Sunday 27th August 2023 TCB has finally come forward to formally endorse Presidential hopeful TKL.It would be interesting to see how the establishment react in support of their own kind.For those who intend to vote for TKL, don’t forget to use your own 🖊️🖊️ to X the appropriate box on the ballot paper, just to be “safe and sure”😎😎😎
Time for CHANGE!!
No more kelong papsident.
Enough of pap dirty politics and arrogance.
Why is TCB supporting TKL…..nothing better to do huh?