Dr Tan Cheng Bock plans to ask the government to move out of the Istana. (Screengrab from CNA)
Singapore's four Presidential candidates have shared their plans in their first television broadcast on Thursday.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock reminded Singaporeans of his background as he shared his career as a medical doctor in Ama Keng, a poor village in Lim Chu Kang, to voicing the dreams of Singaporeans in Parliament for 26 years.
He then spoke on the growing desire for a clear distinction between the government and the office of the President.
"To strengthen the independence of the Presidency, one of my proposals will be to ask the government to shift its operations from the Istana grounds to another location," said the 71-year-old.
"The Prime Minister and Cabinet offices should not be housed in the same compound as the President, as this familiarity attracts unwanted suspicion of undue influence. It may sound drastic but I believe this is the correct thing to do for Singaporeans," he added.
Dr Tan said that the separation between the President and government is critical to public confidence as the physical separation will further assure the people that the two institutions are independent of each other.
"The Office of the President and the government must not be seen as the same. Under the Constitution, their powers are separate. Let's keep them separate," he added.
The former People's Action Party Member of Parliament also shared his plans to introduce an annual statement to let Singaporeans know whether the President is doing his job in safeguarding the reserves, their CPF, the appointment of civil servants, charitable activities, and national identity programmes in the arts, sports and culture.
Tan Jee Say argued the President must be independent of the ruling party. (Screengrab from CNA)
Tan Jee Say reminded Singaporeans that the purpose of direct election is to give moral authority to the President to provide checks and balances on the government.
He stressed that the President must be independent of the ruling party and only such an independent person can have the moral authority to check on the Government.
"He must not be influenced or hampered by past ties with the ruling party. If his ties with the ruling party had been long and strong, it will be difficult for the person to shake off the emotional ties he has with the party," he said.
"My three opponents are honourable men but they were members of PAP for 20 to 30 years until they resigned from the party with two of them having quit only very recently," he added.
"During this period, they ate, slept, walked and breathed PAP. Do you now expect them to have a breath of fresh air? Mentally and emotionally, it will be very difficult for them to think differently from the ruling party and challenge their former colleagues and friends."
He went on to reassure voters that he can provide checks and balances on the government without restraint.
"Unlike them, I do not have the same emotional baggage that they carry because I have never been a member of the PAP."
Dr Tony Tan asked voters to their trust in his years of experience. (Screengrab from CNA)
Dr Tony Tan shared with Singaporeans his background and how he experienced Singapore's independence after the Japanese occupation.
The former deputy prime minister stressed the need to focus on the true responsibilities of Singapore's President.
"Some people argue that the President must take a public stand on current issues. I hear and share the concerns of Singaporeans," he said, and added, "But policies are debated in Parliament and implemented by the government."
"Others have said that the President must oppose the government. That is a job for the opposition. People interested in such roles should run for Parliament in the next General Election."
The 71-year-old also asked Singaporeans to consider the two most important roles of the President.
"The first role of the President is to be the Head of State. At home, the President stands for all Singaporeans. He has to be independent and above politics.
"He must be fair, knowledgeable and balanced, especially when called on to resolve disputes between different organs of the state," he continued.
"Abroad, the President is Singapore's face to the world. He has to carry our flag with confidence and dignity. He must have the stature to stand with world leaders and represent our country."
"The second important role of the president is to protect our nation's financial reserves -- which is our country's savings. This responsibility is what makes our Presidency special and is why we are having an election."
He went on to urge voters to put their trust in his years of experience and assured Singaporeans that he will represent the nation with confidence, dignity and a steady hand to protect the reserves.
Tan Kin Lian is confident he will be able to take a different perspective from the government on issues. (Screengrab …
Tan Kin Lian reiterated his promise to do his best as President if elected.
The former NTUC Income chief promised to be Singaporeans' voice to convey their concerns and aspirations to the government.
"As I have never been a minister or Member of Parliament, I will be able to think outside the box and take a different perspective from the government on the issues that are faced by Singaporeans," he said.
"I will act independently of the government in carrying out the duties of the President, especially as a check and balance to prevent abuse of power and corruption," he added.
In carrying out the duties of the President, the 63-year-old shared that he will be guided by his personal values of honesty, fairness, positive attitude, courage and public service.
"I will also continue to seek the views of the people your views on the issues that are important to you," he said.
"To help me keep in touch with the people, I will form a President's Personal Council comprising of people from many segments of our society. They will help me to identify the important issues that affect many Singaporeans."
"I will adopt a constructive and cooperative approach in working with the government to understand these issues and help to find the appropriate solutions. This will include the inputs and views of the civil servants and the ministers," he added.
The four candidates will have one more television broadcast on the eve of Polling Day, which is also the Cooling-off Day.
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