PE 2023 campaign broadcast: Different types of people needed at top levels of public service, not just scholars, says Tan Kin Lian

SINGAPORE — Aside from scholars, different types of people should take roles in the top levels of public service, Mr Tan Kin Lian said in his first Presidential Candidate Broadcast on Thursday (Aug 24).

"While we should continue to value the contribution of our scholars who have excellent thinking skills, we should also value the knowledge and experience of people who have spent many years on the job and know the ground well." 

Should he be elected president, Mr Tan, 75, said that those who have gained knowledge from their "many years of dedicate service" will have the opportunity to advance to positions of leadership.

Mr Tan was one of three presidential candidates whose speech was aired during the Presidential Candidate Broadcast across 19 television and radio channels, including news channel CNA.

Organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the broadcasts offer candidates 10 minutes for each of the four official languages, to share their campaign messages on air.

Candidates will have another opportunity to deliver their messages during a second broadcast on Aug 30, the last day of the election campaign.

KEY POINTS FROM SPEECH

• Mr Tan said that he is taking part in the election to give Singaporeans a chance to vote for a President who is “independent of the ruling government”
• He said he would perform the two duties of the President — to safeguard the country’s reserves and protect the integrity of Singapore’s public service — diligently and honestly, should he be elected
• He also plans to ensure that the reserves are invested prudently and work with the Government to ensure it benefits current and future generations
• He will value the knowledge and long experience of people, appointing them into key roles in the public service
• His confidence to do so stems from his 30 years of experience as NTUC Income’s chief executive officer
• He reiterated that he "does not intend to be an adversary" to the Government, but will work closely with it
• He wants to rekindle the unity and pride “Singaporeans felt 50 years ago”, by ensuring that they are financially secure, allowing them the scope to see beyond their immediate concerns. He did not say how he would do this
• With his humble background, he said that he understands the hardship and aspirations of Singaporeans

“If I am elected into the high office of the President, I intend to remain in close touch with the ordinary people,” Mr Tan said.

“I believe that I can perform my duty best, if am in touch with the pulse and heartbeat of the people.”

Concluding his message, Mr Tan asked for Singaporeans' support so that he can “provide an independent perspective and act in collaboration with the ruling Government, to deal with the challenges of the future”.