Instead of focusing on the role of the presidency and what the candidates can bring to the office of the President, there is now “a strategy of toxic campaigning about one’s allegiance”, says one political observer.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ng Kok Song have criticised Tan Kin Lian for securing endorsements from opposition politicians Tan Cheng Bock and Tan Jee Say.
Tan Kin Lian said he doesn't believe in politicking, in a presidential TV forum organised by CNA on Monday (Aug 28) night. He was answering a question on how he can convince voters that he is not politicising the election and will exercise his powers without fear or favour. "It is not helpful when you're solving difficult problems, to mix.
Tan Cheng Bock, a critic of the ruling PAP endorsed outsider Tan Kin Lian, said it was vital for the president to be independent of the ruling establishment given the position’s role as a gatekeeper of the country’s vast reserves.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, along with other opposition parties, endorsing Tan Kin Lian's bid for the presidency is "unhealthy and worrisome", said Ng Kok Song on Sunday (Aug 27). Ng was speaking to reporters at Chinatown Complex, just hours after his opponent Tan Kin Lian announced an endorsement by 2011 presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock. He said what happened.