Tan Kin Lian: Suggestions are within the Constitution
Having studied the powers of the President, presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian believes the initiatives he would like to introduce if elected are within the Constitution.
Responding to comments by current President, SR Nathan, Tan said, "I have also studied the powers of the President within the constitution in framing my ideas. So far, nobody has told me that my suggestions are out of the scope of the President's powers."
The 63-year-old former NTUC Income chief announced his decision to run for President on Tuesday.
Mr Nathan, whose comments were carried in the media on Wednesday, reminded those who want to see a more aggressive President that the role is circumscribed by the Constitution.
Mr Nathan was quoted as saying: "Mr Tan or whoever can have all the ideas about what to do, but you must remember that the presidency operates by the Constitution.
"What is possible and what is not possible is determined by that. So, I won't want to belittle his enthusiasm. If he can do it, good luck to him."
Tan had earlier flagged the possibility of creating an annual report on Singapore's reserves to increase transparency on the matter.
On Wednesday, Tan said his ideas are "not made out of enthusiasm but my frank assessment of the issue (i.e. the unease of the people) and the need to better communicate the position in an annual report."
He acknowledged that there "will be limitations" on what is disclosed in the report but it "should be possible to allay the concerns of the people" without negatively impacting national interest.
Tan has also raised another initiative he would like to introduce.
Tapping on the Internet and social networking tools like blogs and Facebook, he would like to build a platform for Singaporeans and the President's office to discuss "big issues affecting the country and the people".
"I believe that it will be a good channel to maintain close contact with the people," said Tan, who will enlist others to help him manage the platform.
He also agreed with a forum writer's suggestion that losers in the Presidential poll, who garner, say 20 per cent of the vote, should be allowed to serve on the Council of Presidential Advisors.
Tan said his main aim in standing for the election is "to give Singaporeans a wider choice to candidates to vote as the next President of Singapore".
He told Yahoo! Singapore he is now forming his core campaigning team. National Solidarity Party chief Goh Meng Seng has confirmed his intention to help Tan in the campaign.
Said Goh, "Kin Lian will be a good candidate as I observe, he has a strong sense of fairness and public service."
Tan urged for the contest to be "carried out on a positive climate and that people will focus on the strong points of the candidates".
Tan also said he has "high respect" for Dr Tan Cheng Bock, ex-Minister George Yeo, former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan and Mr Nathan.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock has indicated he would run for President, while the other three have not confirmed if they will be contesting.
