Interests of people come ahead of party colours, says Halimah Yacob
Presidential hopeful Halimah Yacob at her press conference, on Aug 29. Photo: Robin Choo/TODAY
SINGAPORE — A day after the writ of election was issued, presidential hopeful Madam Halimah Yacob unveiled her campaign team, which includes representatives from business, labour and social welfare sectors, and an election slogan calling on Singaporeans to help her build an inclusive society.
Addressing criticisms that she would not be able to act independently because of her close ties to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), the former Speaker of Parliament reiterated on Tuesday (Aug 29) that she would continue to be guided by the principle of putting the “interests of people” first.
Speaking at a press conference at the NTUC Centre, Mdm Halimah said that her campaign slogan of “Do Good Do Together” is a call to action and a goal to create an inclusive society for everyone, and not just those who are “rich, educated or able”.
Noting that the President should unify the nation, Mdm Halimah, 62, pointed out that she would continue to promote social cohesion and uphold the values of multiculturalism. “My focus will be to look at our shared goals and common values.”
Following her announcement earlier that she would contest the President Election, some members of the public had questioned her independence, given her political background.
When asked how she would convince voters that she could act independently, Mdm Halimah said that putting Singaporeans’ interests above that of party colours has been the guiding principle of her career in over four decades of public service.
And she would continue to adhere to this principle if elected as President.
“Whatever I do, it has always been people first, people first, people first ... My loyalty lies with Singapore and Singaporeans.”
Anyone in public service who puts “the interest of people behind party colours” is doing the people a “gross disservice”, she said.
"I respect whatever views Singaporeans have ... But I do ask that they also look at that aspect I have explained earlier,” Mdm Halimah added, referring to her point that Singaporeans should assess the candidates based on their contributions and achievements, and not their past affiliations."
Singaporeans are due to head to the polls on Sept 23 to pick the Republic’s eighth President, if there is more than one eligible candidate. Nomination Day is on Sept 13, and the nomination process will be held at the auditorium of the People’s Association along King George’s Avenue.
Apart from Mdm Halimah, two other potential contenders have declared their interests to take part in the election, which is reserved for the Malay community. They are chief executive of Second Chance Properties Salleh Marican, 67, and chairman of marine services provider Bourbon Offshore Asia Pacific Farid Khan, 62.
Both men have submitted their certificate of eligibility and community certificate forms to the Elections Department last week. Mdm Halimah reiterated on Tuesday that she would submit her application forms in “due course”.
When asked if she would be disappointed by a walkover, or concerned that she would not be seen as deserving the presidency if she wins without a contest, Mdm Halimah said that whether a contest takes place depends on the Presidential Elections Committee, as it will assess the suitability of candidates.
In response to a question whether the reserved election is at odds with meritocracy, Mdm Halimah said that the principle is “not compromised at all”, since all candidates will have to satisfy the eligibility criteria.
However, she added: “At some point, I do hope that in future, we may not need a reserved election. We can have an open election for everyone but I think the process is still a work-in-progress.”
At Tuesday’s press conference, Mdm Halimah was flanked by seven members of her campaign team – made up of friends and former colleagues – who had volunteered their services. They will also act as her nominators and election agents.
Her team includes Nominated Member of Parliament Chia Yong Yong, president of voluntary welfare organisation SPD; Mr Lawrence Leow, former president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises; unionists Mary Liew and G Muthu Kumarasamy; law professor Simon Tay; chief executive of Ain Society Mohd Yusof Ismail; and Mr Lim Hock Chee, chief executive of supermarket chain Sheng Siong.
With her team representing various groups in Singapore, Mdm Halimah said that it is important for an aspiring president to have the support of people from all backgrounds and communities.
Having witnessed how she had stood her ground and shared her views on labour issues at international conferences, Prof Tay, 56, who is also chairman of think-tank Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said that while Mdm Halimah has a “golden heart”, people should not “underestimate her brains”.
Mr Mohd Yusof, 58, whose Malay-Muslim non-profit organisation helps underprivileged families, described Mdm Halimah as “humble and grounded”, and a person who prioritises others before self.
