Ng Kok Song urges voters to pick him as President for his experience with Singapore's reserves, political neutrality

SINGAPORE: Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song urged Singaporeans to elect him as President, highlighting his past experience building up the country's reserves and his lack of political affiliation. 

He was confirmed as a candidate on Tuesday (Aug 22) for the 2023 Presidential Election, alongside former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian. 

"On National Day, we celebrated the three national treasures that define our country, Singapore, as exceptional. I'm standing for President to protect these three treasures," he said, speaking to the crowd gathered at the nomination centre after his candidacy was confirmed.

"I can protect the reserves. I spent my entire career at GIC and MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) helping to build up our reserves," he said in his two-minute-long speech. 

Mr Ng is the former chief investment officer of GIC, Singapore's sovereign fund. He addressed the crowd in English, and briefly greeted supporters in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. 

After 45 years in the public service, Mr Ng also said he has what it takes to uphold the integrity of public service appointments. 

Singapore's third treasure is its social stability, where Singaporeans have lived in peace and harmony, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, he added. 

"I do not belong to any political party. And so I'm well-placed to unite the people of Singapore to face an uncertain future," said the 75-year-old, who was the first among the three candidates to deliver his speech. 

"For these reasons, I humbly ask you, my fellow Singaporeans to choose me as your President." 

Speaking to reporters after the nomination, Mr Ng said that the role of the President is more important than ever in this time of high costs of living and with scandals clouding the political establishment.

On rising costs, he said: “What the president should do is to make sure that we protect our reserves. Our reserves is what gives confidence to our currency and helps us to keep down the cost of living.”

On the issue of recent political scandals, Mr Ng said they should be dealt with transparently as soon as they come to light.

“Now, when there are doubts about the integrity of the public service, of political office holders, the President has the right to check on such key appointments, especially in the public service," he told reporters.

"TRUSTED FRIEND AT THE ISTANA"

Mr Ng was also asked about his chances in the election, and to respond to Mr Tan Kin Lian’s comment that he was not a “strong” candidate.

He said he had stepped forward to ensure that Singaporeans have a chance to exercise their right to choose the President.

“What are my chances? I do not know, it is up to the people of Singapore,” he added.

“As far as I’m concerned, I have come forward to serve you and I ask you to give me the chance to serve you. I want to be your trusted friend at the Istana.”

Mr Ng also pointed out that he has not belonged to any political party, unlike Mr Tan and Mr Tharman. Mr Tharman was a Cabinet minister and People’s Action Party (PAP) MP for more than two decades.

Mr Tan was formerly a member of PAP. His supporters that showed up at the nomination centre are also from various political parties, mainly from the opposition, Mr Ng pointed out.

“I do not belong and have not belonged to any political party,” he said. “I am the only candidate who does not have any affiliation with any political party.”

But he acknowledged that this means he is not familiar to many Singaporeans. He said he plans to go “all out” so that more Singaporeans can meet and get to know him.

This includes using social media to reach out to more young people.

Mr Ng explained that his election symbol is a hand, with the five fingers symbolising Singapore’s various races. The palm signifies the diverse people of Singapore coming together and he hopes to unite the nation as President.

The presidential candidate was also asked to comment on how candidates should present themselves on social media given the controversy over Mr Tan’s posts on “pretty girls”.

He declined to comment on the criticism of Mr Tan but said: “Speak the truth, be genuine, let the people judge you.”

"UNDERDOG"

One of Mr Ng's first stops after the nomination was Kangkar in the Hougang area where he grew up. 

He visited Block 475A Upper Serangoon Crescent where his childhood home used to be, accompanied by his fiancee Sybil Lau, his younger brother Charles and his son Terence.

He also greeted residents at Kang Kar Mall nearby.

Speaking to reporters, he called himself an “underdog” and said there were jeers when he gave his speech at the nomination centre. He added that he will overcome this by “speaking from my heart and by speaking to the hearts of Singaporeans”.

“I am not a government-endorsed candidate. That makes me an underdog and that’s why people say, ‘How do you rate your chances?’ The implication is I have no chance or little chance,” Mr Ng said.

“You look at the nomination centre today. How many buses brought the supporters of the other candidates? How outnumbered we were.”

Addressing the booing, he said it came from a “vocal minority”. “The silent majority went home. It is the silent majority that matters to me, not the loud minority,” he added.