Presidential Elec 2023
Act in the best interest of the people
It is important for the people to elect a president who can act independently of the government in carrying out the duties set out in the constitution.
In doing this work, the president should be guided by the best interest of the people.
On most occasions, the president will approve the recommendations of the government, but there will be some occasions where the president has to ask for the recommendation to be revised. The aim is to get better decisions that benefit the people.
This will require hard work from the president, but he will be supported by a council of advisers, and also by inputs from other sources within and outside of the government.
After receiving the inputs and advice, the president has to make a balanced judgment, taking into account the pros and cons of the matter. This is an area that I had considerable experience in the past.
From my past experience, there is a tendency for decisions (in government and corporations) to be taken that are safe and avoid risk. Usually, these decisions turn out to be bad. The organization stagnated and weakened over time.
We need to be bold in making changes, and at the same time, be wise and cautious in avoiding unnecessary risk. This requires judgment and wisdom.
I do not accept the view, from academic experts or other people, that the president should stick to the narrow role that they have interpreted. The president can do more, and should do more, for the benefit of the people.
I hope that the people of Singapore will vote for a president that is independent of the government and has the courage and ability to act in the best interest of the people.
Tan Kin Lian
Add Comment
Yes! Don’t just blindly approve requests to withdraw reserves like last year $6b withdrawn because of covid. Scrutinise the ministries’ budgets closely. Make them go back to the drawing board. Let finance minister present budget again and parliament can debate for weeks again. And if still not good enough don’t approve! Make them redo and redo until no more covid then no need to spend money already.
Li 08 Aug 2023