George Yeo to make decision in two weeks’ time
UPDATED
Former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo says he hopes to make his decision on whether to contest in upcoming Presidential Election in two weeks' time.
In a Facebook post on Monday morning, Mr Yeo, who will be visiting Taiwan, said he has asked "some young friends" to collect the eligibility forms for him "in case the presidential election writ is issued while I'm away".
"It is a big decision which I hope to make two weeks from now after taking in views and advice from many people. I ask for your patience and understanding," said Mr Yeo.
His post has garnered near 1,300 likes and over 200 comments in three hours.
Wrote Kian-peng Ong, "We certainly need a young president whom we respect and whose voice resonates with the general population"
Khiat Seet said, "Even with popular support from many people, you might already know if the Presidency is a position that suits you and the people of Singapore. No matter your decision, most people will still support and respect you."
Another potential Presidential candidate is former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, who will be submitting the Certificate of Eligibility form but has yet to make a final decision.
Last week, Mr Yeo said he was "thinking hard" about entering the Presidential polls.
"Many Singaporeans from different walks of life, young and old, have asked me to reconsider my decision on the Presidency, some impassionately," said Mr Yeo in a Facebook post.
The 57-year-old, who previously held office at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry as well as the Foreign Affairs for the last 23 years, said he is "thinking hard about it and praying for wisdom".
Mr Yeo, who led the losing Aljunied GRC team in this year's General Election, has previously ruled himself out of the President's job when he stepped down from politics in the aftermath of the GE results.
Then, he described himself as a "free spirit", who is "not temperamentally suited for the role".
Mr Yeo's latest comments on Facebook drew over 2,000 "likes" at the time of writing.
Most welcomed his decision to consider running for the post.
Said Priscilla Chiang, "Please do! Sir, you embody the qualities of a good president. With your past experiences. I'm sure you will carry out the presidential duties very well."
Ryan Joseph, however, asked Mr Yeo to clarify his earlier statements that he is not suited for the presidency.
He added, "One thing I like about Dr Tan Cheng Bok, who is also standing, is that as an MP he has shown an independent streak -- often voting against party lines and speaking up in Parliament for his constituents despite being rebuked by his PAP colleagues/Ministers. Could you share if you have done the same?"
Presidential hopefuls who turned up to collect the eligibility forms on the 1 Jun included 70-year-old Ooi Boon Ewe, who tried and failed to contest in this year's GE, as well as former PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bok, 71.
Last week, when Yahoo! Answers asked netizens for their views on Singapore's next President, Mr Yeo was among the popular choices.
Other names suggested by netizens were former Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Tony Tan and Professor S Jayakumar, and ex-Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
The Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year.
Candidates have to be a Singapore citizen, above 45 years old, non-partisan and must have held key appointments in Parliament or other comparable positions in the last three years.
