As the race for the presidency heats up, the political landscape is abuzz with discussions surrounding the clash of opinions between former NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian and fellow presidential hopeful George Goh.
During the launch of his presidential campaign, Tan Kin Lian hinted at an intriguing proposition. He suggested that if both he and George Goh ended up qualifying for the election, one of them should voluntarily step down to avoid splitting the votes.
The idea behind this proposal was to consolidate the support for a “non-establishment” candidate, enhancing their collective chances against more traditional opponents.
However, George Goh made it clear that he disagreed with the notion of one candidate urging another to withdraw from the race. In his view, the presidential election is a significant event that demands a serious approach, and it is not the place for advising others to step aside.
During a recent walkabout on August 16th, George Goh reiterated his stance. He advised Tan Kin Lian to concentrate on his own campaign and take steps to ensure that he does not lose his deposit, according to a report by Channel NewsAsia.
Goh emphasized that every candidate should prioritize their own efforts rather than attempting to influence their rivals’ decisions.
Here is what George Goh said
Here is a summary of my media interview I just gave at Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre today:
I would like to make one final comment about Mr Tan Kin Lian and what he has been saying. Running for the Presidential Election is a serious matter. Each candidate should focus on their campaign, get ready, and let the voters decide. It is true that the rules make it more difficult for an independent candidate to prepare for his campaign without knowing if he will be eligible but I have all my campaign materials ready. As an entrepreneur, I move forward confidently and don’t complain.
I read with interest what Mr George Yeo said in his interview about his book. He said he was asked by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to run for the 2011 Presidential Elections. This is similar to what I read about Mr S.R Nathan where he said that it was Mr Lee Kuan Yew who suggested for him to run. It seems this is how the establishment works.
This is why Independence is important. I am not told by anyone to run, and I do not change my mind if someone else tells me not to. I made up my mind since 2017, and continue to put myself forward without the endorsement and support of a huge machinery. To me, this is the mark of a truly independent candidate.