Today Online -by Leong Wee Keat Updated 12:44 AM Aug 11,2011
Singapore –Presidential hopeful Tan Cheng Bock has questioned Law Minister K Shanmugam’s most recent comments that the President’s influence on the Government in areas outside his constitutional powers would depend on his experience,knowledge and wisdom.
Writing on his Facebook page,Dr Tan said the President would have been deemed to have the necessary qualities "by virtue of his being issued the Certificate of Eligibility". "This is further endorsed by the people of Singapore who have voted for him,"he added. "Is the Minister questioning the decision of the Presidential Elections Committee and the choice of the voters?"
Dr Tan,who is former Member of Parliament for Ayer Rajah,argued the Law Minister has "set the stage of confrontation"between the President and the Prime Minister (PM) when he speaks of the different level of respect the Prime Minister will give. Dr Tan added,"Is he saying the choice of the voters of Singapore matters little? This is a very judgmental approach to the office of a Presidency elected by all Singaporeans. It amounts to "I will hear you if I respect you and if I like you". I hope this view is not shared by the PM."
On Sunday,Mr Shanmugam reiterated that the President’s influence on the Government in areas outside his constitutional powers would depend on his experience,knowledge and wisdom.
Dr Tan said he recognised that the Presidency must not be a centre of power and work with the government in the interest of Singapore. "This is important or both offices will always be in a state of tension and the country suffers. This is the stage that should be set for the future relationship of the two offices especially in the light of the current world economic climate,"Dr Tan added.
The Presidential hopeful felt there "must be mutual respect"for the Government and Presidency as both are elected by Singaporeans. Otherwise,Dr Tan warned of "a high level of suspicion between the two".
In response to media queries,Mr Shanmugam said,"Nothing I had said justifies Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s suggestions. I had explained in detail the constitutional position of a head of state. I have also made clear that the Presidency must be respected. I do not want to comment further."(Amended at 12:20 AM Aug 11,2011)
Source:http://www.todayonline.com/SingaporeVotes/EDC110809-0000470/Tan-Cheng-Bock-responds-to-Shanmugam
Dear Mr Tan CB
I have known you as a man of integrity since the days you were an MP. I believe you are a suitable and qualified candidate and have the sincerity to serve the country which is now so polarize.
Please share with us how you would do to reunite our countryman that are so disillusioned by the government policies and poltics over the last 10 years. If you are able to shed more lights in these areas of concern,I am sure you will win the hearts of many Singaporean.
Honestly,I will choose you if I use my heart to think and TT if I use my head to think.
I wish you every success and pray that you have the wisdom to contest and the courage to fight with the on coming soldiers of miw.