In the dynamic landscape of presidential elections, Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian, a seasoned 75-year-old candidate, has extended his well-wishes to his fellow presidential hopeful George Goh in a statement on his website earlier today, wishing him all the best for his future endeavours, according to AsiaOne.
It was earlier announced by the Elections Department that Tan had received his certificate of eligibility to run for the Singapore presidency earlier today, alongside former chief investment officer Ng Kok Song and former minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
He added that he was “disappointed” that George Goh didn’t qualify to run for the presidential election.
Didn’t qualify
Tan Kin Lian, in a statement featured on his official website, conveyed his personal disappointment over the fact that George Goh, a 63-year-old presidential hopeful, did not meet the qualifying criteria to contest the upcoming election.
Despite this, Tan conveyed his sincere well-wishes for Goh’s future undertakings, “I like to wish Mr. Goh all the best in his future endeavors,”
Expressing gratitude, Tan Kin Lian thanked the Presidential Elections Committee for their “favourable decision” and the early release of the announcement.
“Focus on your own election”
Notably, Tan Kin Lian had previously proposed the idea that either himself or George Goh should step aside to support “the other non-establishment candidate” in the event that both of them qualified to run.
Goh then responded and told Tan to focus on his own presidential campaign instead, saying:
“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.”