Nomination Day is here and the three-way race for the Singapore presidency is well and truly on between the three candidates, 75-year-old former investment chief of the GIC, Ng Kok Song; 66-year-old former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and 75-year-old former chief of NTUC Income Tan Kin Lian.
The trio had arrived at the headquarters of the People’s Association ahead of the afternoon deadline, at Jalan Besar.
All three presidential candidates filed their nomination papers earlier today successfully and were officially announced as candidates by Returning Officer Tan Meng Dui.
Following the official announcement, the trio can now officially begin their presidential election campaigns.
Highlights from their speeches
Ng Kok Song
First to speak after the nomination was Ng Kok Song, who highlighted his aim of protecting the three treasures of Singapore – The reserves, good public administration and social stability.
He also mentioned that “I do not belong to any political party,” and someone from the crowd shouted in response “bullsh-,” as Ng continued, “and so I am well placed to unite the people of Singapore to face an uncertain future.” (see embedded YouTube video below)
@sgprimememesters Someone interrupted Ng Kok Song’s nomination speech with rude comments. Was it @Tan Kin Lian or @Tharman Shanmugaratnam ‘s supporter?#Singapore #PE2023 #presidentialelection ♬ original sound – sgpmo
Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Up next to speak was Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who thanked his fellow candidates Ng and Tan, and said that he was looking forward to having a fair, dignified and honourable contest focused on what each of them bring to Singaporeans and for the future.
He said that “it will be a more difficult and challenging future that we face, which is the reason why I have entered this contest to offer all my experience and capabilities on the ground for a few decades, nationally and internationally, so that I can serve Singaporeans in the role of president with all my heart in the years to come.”
He also thanked all the supporters who came to support him and the other candidates.
Tan Kin Lian
Last on stage was Tan Kin Lian, who said that his candidacy aims to give the Singaporeans a chance to vote for a president who is truly independent.
He said that if he is elected, he will carry out his duties diligently, honestly and to the best of his ability; as he asked for the public’s support so that he can do his best for the people.