Aug 1, 2011
Why elected president must be the people's voice
MR DANIEL Chia said the elected president (EP) is not the office to be the voice of the people ('Accept EP's role or don't stand'; last Saturday).
Let me state in no uncertain terms that the EP must be the voice of the people as he is elected by all Singaporeans. Or else, whose voice is he representing?
He must be your voice to safeguard the people's money in the investments of your Central Provident Fund, Temasek Holdings and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation.
He must be your voice to make sure that top government servants appointed must have integrity and competence, as their decisions affect your lives.
He must be your voice to make sure that these two constitutional roles of the president must be carried out without fear or favour.
He must be your voice to champion causes that unite Singaporeans. These include promoting charitable work, creating awareness of the disadvantaged among us, and advancing sports, the arts and culture.
He must be your voice to bring the people's concerns to the Government through proper channels, without confrontation in public, as it is wrong to expect the presidency to be a centre of power on day-to-day politics.
I have not stated that I will publicly engage the Government on day-to-day politics, as implied in Mr Chia's letter. That is the role of MPs, as rightly pointed out by him.
This has been my stand. It is wrong of Mr Chia to assume that another candidate's opinion is also mine.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock
FORUM NOTE: The writer has submitted his application forms for a certificate of eligibility to run in the upcoming presidential election.
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