Netizens list their choice for S’pore’s next President
Singapore's next President should be non-partisan and a non-PAP member, said netizens.
When Yahoo! Answers asked netizens who they would like to have as Singapore's next President, many suggested ex-Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo, former Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Tony Tan and Professor S Jayakumar, and ex-Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
Over 700 responses was received to the question posed: "Who should run for President?"
Among the names suggested by netizens, George Yeo's name was top on the list despite his retirement from politics. Mr Yeo has held office at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs in the last 23 years.
However, he said in an earlier interview that he is a "free spirit" and "not temperamentally suited for the role", when asked if he will consider running for President.
In the past, walkovers for the Presidential Elections were common due to its rigid criteria. Although the role of a President is a ceremonial one, the strict criteria ensures that the President is a person of integrity and with exemplary moral standing.
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. According to election rules, the Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year.
Yahoo! Answers user V. Raman chose Dr Tan Cheng Bock and said, "Dr Tan will be a very suitable candidate in all aspects. He is a professional, with years of experience in politics and with good character. He has been leading an exemplary life to be a role model to Singaporeans, provided he will be non-partisan and neutral irrespective of whichever party comes into power."
Thrushover suggested a Malay President and felt that since Singapore's first President, Yusof Ishak, there has been representation from all other races except the Malays.
Zoul agreed and said, "Abdullah Tarmugi would be good because we need to consider the race rotation of the elected President. I believe having a Malay President is next."
Some users also suggested Lee Kuan Yew, who recently gave up his Minister Mentor role in Parliament.
According to Janey, she felt that Mr Lee should be made President because "he is the founder of Singapore."
Other names such as Yam Ah Mee, Nicole Seah and Jack Neo also surfaced.
A comment that received the highest rating came from philip. He said that Singapore People's Party Chiam See Tong should be the next President.
He listed down reasons such as "well-loved amongst Singaporeans" and "a credible man of great wisdom and humility" for his choice of Mr Chiam.
Do we need a President?
However, netizens also questioned the need for Singapore to have a President when the role is largely symbolic.
"No need for a Presidential role in this country. His or her job is to just safeguard this country reserves, somebody else in the ruling party can take this extra role, since all the top ministers' salaries are paid by taxpayers. It is a waste of taxpayer's money and this may well be put for other useful resources. At least, GST can be reduced and hence our cost of living," said simon.
Female President for Singapore?
Some netizens also called a female President for Singapore. They suggested Ho Ching, wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and CEO of Temasek Holdings to stand for President.
According to micguan, she fits the bill and qualifies for the role with her experience running Temasek Holdings.
typher2000 felt that another potential female President is author Catherine Lim, who is seen as someone who is "neutral in politics".
Another name suggested by netizens is Chan Heng Chee. She is currently a professor at the National University of Singapore and Ambassador to the US. She was previously Singapore's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
