Tony Tan ‘saddened’ by false allegations on family

While it has been a dignified campaign overall, Dr Tony Tan has pointed out that he "deeply regrets" the personal attacks and baseless allegations that have been directed to him and in particular, his family.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his walkabout at a food market in Chong Pang on Thursday morning, he shared his thoughts on his Presidential campaign.

Although "strong statements" have been made from time to time, such exchanges are expected in the heat of the hustings. But overall, he mentioned that the campaign has been "dignified".

Reiterating that the Presidential campaign is different from the General Election, the 71-year-old said, "Sometimes the two can be confused but on the whole it's been manageable and I would like to see that way because it sets a pattern for future campaigns."

However, he singled out the "personal attacks" that have been made against him and in particular his sons over the allegations that they were given preferential treatment during their National Service.

Dr Tan was defence minister between 1995 and 2003.

"There's only one thing which I deeply regret, that is I'm outraged by the false allegations that have been made. This smear campaign and the lies, baseless allegations and the attacks on my family.

"For example, with regard to my sons' National Service allegations," he said, and added that they have responded on the issue and have released a statement this morning.

The former deputy prime minister went on to stress that the allegations were baseless, which acts only to distract voters from the important issues and the actual role of the President.

"They are lies. They are designed to distract Singaporeans from the true debate of the role of the President and the future of Singapore," he said.

"I'm saddened by such personal attacks because it sets a wrong tone in Singapore. Our politics should be based on debate on issues, on real problems."

Such tactics, he emphasised, should be stemmed out because if allowed to continue, it will "lower the tone of politics in Singapore".

"And it doesn't do anybody any good," he added.

On Thursday morning, his three sons, Peter, Patrick and Philip released a statement which said, "Our reputations and the institution of National Service have been maligned, simply to attack our father, Dr Tony Tan."

"We fulfilled all obligations in accordance with the rules, regulations, and deployment policies of Mindef (Ministry of Defence)," adding that they are "proud" to have served Singapore during their NS stint.

This issue has been brought to light even before the campaigning period. The other Presidential candidates' rallies -- Tan Jee Say and Tan Kin Lian -- also saw their guests speakers hitting out at the NS saga surrounding Dr Tony Tan's sons.

During the last day of campaigning, Dr Tan, who was accompanied by his wife, continued his outreach at Chong Pang food market, greeting stall owners and residents.

Describing his campaign as an "exciting journey", he added that he was glad to have "this opportunity" to go around the country meeting Singaporeans of all sectors.

This he said, allowed him to understand the concerns of Singaporeans with most being worried about the current economic outlook.

Highlighting that keeping Singaporeans employed is "crucial", Dr Tan also reiterated that his background and knowledge will come in handy to steer the country through the economic uncertainties.

He also hoped that Singaporeans would understand the main important issues, in the midst of the campaigning period.

"I hope Singaporeans will cut through all -- you know, elections have always a lot of smoke, a lot of fluff -- messages. But you have to cut through all of that and see what is their solution.

"Answer is to elect a President who can represent Singapore, who has the stature to take on the very important responsibilities of the Head of State," he said.

"And I think this is where with my background and experience, I have to offer my services to Singapore and Singaporeans once again. And I hope Singaporeans will give me the opportunity to serve them once again."