Former PE2011 candidates unite: Dr Tan Cheng Bock endorses Tan Kin Lian for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

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.