This message is sent by my supporter to his friends who are cynical about electing a President that has limited powers.
Given that the government does not intend to scrap the office of the President, why not put all your weight behind the candidate that is most independent of the ruling party to help develop a basis of checks and balances, however difficult. With Tan Kin Lian, you have more chance of getting some value for your money, instead of being cynical about it and giving up in despair.
Tan Kin Lian holds the view that we do not necessarily need full executive powers to promote and nurture change. We can do it by the power of influence and of being the voice of the people. However, we do have to work within the system and in cooperation with the government. With the steps which PM Lee Hsien Loong are taking these days, we are all hopeful that he is sincere in wanting positive change and it's really like doing tap dancing or practicing tai chi to gain one step at a time. We will get there, not tomorrow but by golly, we will!
The PAP is trying desperately to downplay the President's powers but we know that it doesn't create positions that are meaningless. This commentary puts an entirely different complexion on the discussion: http://geraldgiam.sg/2008/11/the-elected-presidency-and-future-non-pap-govts/
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't create positions that are meaningless? Erm...what about Minister Without Portfolio, Minister Mentor and Emeritus Senior Minister?
ReplyDelete@"Kin Lian holds the view that we do not necessarily need full executive powers to promote and nurture change."
ReplyDeleteNo "executive" actions involved to interfere with the Govt. You just need to ask them intelligent questions.
IMHO the President's position is created by the PAP for one main purpose, ie to protect reserves.
ReplyDeleteIn a hypothetical situation when a rogue non-PAP govt emerges, this rogue govt might squander away all the reserves. The President can block this action.
Based on GE2011 results, there is a likelihood (albeit remote) that a non-PAP govt might emerge in future. Hence all the more reason for the current govt to have a PAP man as the President, just in case the non-PAP govt gets crooked ideas. This will pose a big challenge to candidates other than TT.