SINGAPORE: The forthcoming Presidential Election will, in all likelihood, be different from the previous ones.

This is the first time that both parliamentary and presidential elections are being held in the same year, separated by a mere three months. The dust from this month’s General Election has yet to settle and we are on the threshold of the fourth Presidential Election, with polling likely to be in August.

My hunch is that, unlike in 1999 and 2005, there will be a contest this time. And it is probable the strong ground sentiments, polarised political mood and emotions that characterised this year’s May GE will also manifest themselves in the presidential polls. This is despite the Presidential Election not being a political contest in which candidates debate and challenge each other on political platforms and policies.

Candidates have to be non—partisan — a candidate will have to formally end affiliation to a political party by Nomination Day.

A key theme in the recent GE was the strong belief that in a one—party dominant system like ours, the checks and balances provided by a credible Opposition was not only desirable but necessary. This growing desire for a more open, vibrant and competitive political system is likely to nuance the Presidential Election as well.

As such, a candidate who is closely identified or connected with the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) or the Government could suffer a distinct political disadvantage, compared with a rival candidate who is not connected with the Establishment.

This was acknowledged by PAP chairman Lim Boon Heng on Sunday when he observed that " people would prefer if there were someone who can be a strong unifying symbol for Singaporeans, who’s not so closely related to the PAP" .

LIMITED GUARANTEE

Yet, Singaporeans’ high expectations of the Elected President to function as a check on the PAP Government need to be tempered and moderated.

Singapore’s head of state is not vested with the same powers as the executive presidents of the United States, France and many Latin American countries.

Despite our President being elected, our system of government remains a parliamentary one in which policy—making and law—making are the prerogatives of the Cabinet and Parliament.

Put simply, the Elected President is not designed as a countervailing source of political power in our system.

The Elected President has two key custodial functions: That of protecting Singapore’s financial assets and safeguarding the integrity of Singapore’s public service. It is in these two areas where the President can function as a check — whether it is drawing down on our past national reserves (as was done in 2009) or the appointment of key office holders (such as the Supreme Court judges and military chiefs), the concurrence of the President is necessary.

In layman’s term, the President holds the " second key" . But the President cannot initiate a drawdown of the reserves or make key appointments, laws or policies his powers are inherently reactionary.

In most other areas, the President has limited discretionary power, mostly acting on the advice of the Cabinet, or being constitutionally required to consult with the Council of Presidential Advisers.

When the Singapore Constitution was amended in 1991, after an extended public debate and consultation, the Elected President was structured as a " watchdog" to protect Singapore from self—destructing under an irresponsible, populist and corrupt government.

Given our parliamentary system, the important but limited powers of the President are by no means a full—fledged guarantee against poor governance or an incompetent government.

WITHOUT PARTY ENDORSEMENT

The candidacy of the late President Ong Teng Cheong and current President S.R. Nathan were backed by the PAP Government. In past elections, once a candidate was endorsed by the establishment, other potential candidates (whether previously from the establishment or not) were less keen to throw their hat into the ring.

However, this time round, a candidate who receives an endorsement from the Government or organisations such as the NTUC may be disadvantaged given the political climate. We should not be surprised if the Government or NTUC does not endorse any candidate this time. This would be a step in the right direction. Imagine what it would be like if the political parties each had their " preferred" candidates.

We should endeavour to keep the contest non—partisan and non—adversarial the contest ultimately is about who can best do the job.

In any case, while some may still be concerned over a candidate with ties to the establishment, we should assess such a candidate with an open mind. After all, given the stringent requirements, the reality is that a majority of those who qualify to contest would be connected with the establishment in one way or another.

We should go beyond labels and look instead at the candidate’s track record, temperament and motivations.

The late President Ong served as NTUC secretary—general, a PAP MP for 28 years and was Deputy Prime Minister. But as Singapore’s Elected President, he performed his constitutional duties without fear or favour and had well—publicised run—ins with the Government.

ANNOUNCE INTENTIONS EARLY

Thus far, only former veteran PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bock has indicated that he will contest in the Presidential Election. President Nathan, who turns 87 on July 3, has not indicated whether he will seek re—election when his second term of office ends on Aug 31 this year. There are no term limits on the President.

The formal electoral process commences on June 1. It is hoped that all those with interest in contesting would declare their candidacy shortly.

Nomination Day for the previous three Presidential Elections in 1993, 1999 and 2005 were all in mid—August and this year’s edition is unlikely to be different.

We are less than 90 days from the presidential polls. It is of utmost importance for Singaporeans to get to know the aspiring candidates seeking to be their head of state.

Candidates should not be afraid to have their records, deeds and motivations in seeking office scrutinised. We should be very worried if a candidate decides to show his hand only when the Writ of Election is issued.

Fresh from the GE, many Singaporeans hope to be able to cast their ballots in the Presidential Election. A real contest would boost the standing and legitimacy of the institution of the Elected President, and reinforce the power and responsibility vested in Singaporeans exercising their democratic choice. —

TODAY

Eugene K.B. Tan is assistant professor of law at the Singapore Management University School of Law.

SINGAPORE: Some Members of Parliament have called for more creative approaches to engaging residents and grassroots volunteers. Besides creating more feedback channels, they said MPs must set the tone and encourage real feedback.

There has been much self—reflection within the ruling PAP, on what did not work during the recent election campaign.

But criticism that grassroots volunteers may not have been honest in their feedback, has garnered mixed response.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday said activists had given " their honest feedback, which unfortunately we sometimes failed to interpret correctly."

MP for Tampines GRC, Mr Baey Yam Keng said information may sometimes be misinterpreted due to lack of context, or time. He also conceded that some MPs may also hear only what they want to.

" As an MP we need to set the tone, that we do not shoot down negative comments," said Mr Baey.

Besides getting feedback from different channels, Mr Baey said MPs also need to watch how they interact with the grassroots.

" Sometimes people tend to be a bit more defensive or a bit scared that, ’oh, I’m speaking my mind and you may not like what I hear’. One approach I tend to use is, ’what have you heard in coffeeshops?’"

New MP Mr David Ong was a grassroots leader for 12 years before entering politics. He feels that the view that grassroots volunteers could have shied away from being honest with MPs is " a myth" .

MPs are not kept in the dark, he said, pointing to multiple feedback channels that residents have to get in touch, including the MP’s Facebook page or Meet—the—People Sessions.

" Residents can actually walk up to them and say, ’hey I’m not happy with this’. You cannot hide that from the MP," said Mr Ong.

But some grassroots leaders said one source of frustration is that sometimes they don’t know if the feedback they’ve given has been taken seriously, or is being acted upon.

A senior grassroots leader who only wanted to be known as Mr Goh, said: " I wonder whether government MPs have their own discussion, and do they also feedback to the ministers?" Singaporeans now are willing to speak their minds, but is anyone taking it seriously?"

It’s a point echoed by Joo Chiat MP Mr Charles Chong, who noted that almost all the issues that surfaced during the election — from cost of living, to the influx of foreigners and ministerial pay — had already been aired before.

But MPs said on issues of national policy, there are certain constraints that prevent policymakers from acting on popular demands, and in the end, it boils down to how these limitations are communicated to the man—on—the—street.

New MP Mr David Ong hopes to do more in areas where he can help.

He plans to petition policymakers directly, instead of just writing letters on behalf of residents.

" The agencies will normally get back to us, but more often than not it’s the usual answer, that it’s unsuccessful for the petitioner. But I’d like to raise up some cases where we think it could warrant some more attention. Because we do see the merit of these cases, and I’d like to get a clear understanding from policymakers, from the agencies, why some of these cases are not approved," said Mr Ong.

Mr Ong also hopes to reach out to new segments of the population better, by organising activities that appeal to specific interests.

— CNA/cc

SINGAPORE: Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim said he would focus on ensuring the arts reaches out to all levels of society.

[arts  are of nO value as they  cannOt  fill stOmachs.  citizens  needs  fOOd  and  lOw cOst  Of living to be ENSURED  ? ? ? ?]

Dr Yaacob said his team, including Senior Minister of State Grace Fu and Minister of State Chan Chun Sing, will finalise their duties in the ministry by next week.

Dr Yaacob was speaking to reporters on Sunday at the opening of the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre.

" The Ministry is going to be left—brained and right—brained you have the economic part — the IDA, MDA — those policies would have to continue to be implemented, especially in terms of building up the telco and Internet industry," Dr Yaacob said.

" On the other side, we have the arts heritage part, (such as the Singapore Arts Festival) and the Arts and Cultural Strategic Review...There is a lot of push to bring arts down to the community level and this is something we need to continue to do to ensure that everyone appreciates the arts and understands what it is."

[Is  Singaporeans  cleaning toilets and  cleaning tables an arts  ? ? ? ?]

community needs ministry to bring  fOOd prIces and cOst Of living dOwn ! ! ! !

nO  feeling for arts when citizens are HUNGRY  ! ! ! !

— CNA/cc

SINGAPORE: Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said there is a shortage of rental flats in Singapore, and there is a need to ramp up supply by " ten of thousands" .

However, Mr Khaw said it will take some time to make up this shortfall, as the construction industry is unable to cope with the sudden surge in demand.

Mr Khaw spoke about the need to ramp up the supply of rental flats, during a youth forum at the Woodlands Community Club.

" Single mothers, divorcees (may) suddenly have no flat (or) no money to buy (one), so they are counting on rental (flats)," Mr Khaw said.

" Then there are all kinds of HDB rules that prevent them from renting. The rules are not frivolous.

" The problem HDB faces is that they are just short of rental flats. It’s quite clear in my mind —— we need to ramp up the building of rental flats as quickly as we can. Not just by a few thousands actually we need to (increase) by tens of thousands. And the earlier the better."

This comes two days after the HDB announced the supply of new BTO flats will be increased this year from 22,000 to 25,000 units.

Mr Khaw said the HDB needs to build " almost similar numbers" of rental flats, but said there are challenges.

While Mr Khaw is keen to ramp up the supply of new flats quickly, he admitted the construction industry cannot cope with this sudden surge in demand.

The industry is used to building some 15,000 units a year.

As such, Mr Khaw said it will take some time to meet demand.

Mr Khaw added he needs to study the capacity of the construction industry to understand how fast flats can be built.

Meanwhile, Mr Khaw was asked at the forum, about the large presence of foreigners in Singapore.

Some in the audience said they felt threatened when it came to competition for jobs.

Mr Khaw acknowledged that too many foreigners were allowed in, the last few years, and there was a need to calibrate the numbers.

But he noted the relationship between economic growth and foreign labour, and said by reducing their numbers, Singaporeans are accepting there will be trade—offs.

Mr Khaw said: " We thought (taking foreigners in) was important to bring wages to people’s pockets, so that we can grow as fast as we can... (and) catch up with other countries.

[Catch Up with  WHICH  COUNTRIES  ? ? ? ?]

" But now, we get the message that ’we don’t want so much growth, that we are prepared to accept slower growth’.

[Citizens  HATE  POPULATION  GORWTH  ? ? ? ?]

[dId the citizens' WELLBEING  GROW  with  hIgh  Cost of living   over the LAST DECADE   ? ? ? ?]

" It actually affects the youth immediately, because when you slow down growth, it means that job opportunities also come down (and) starting pay also comes down" .

[GOOD JOB  & HIGH SALARY dId  nOt  GROW over the LAST DECADE  for the  citizens  ? ? ? ?  ]

[Instead  Singaporean  toilet cleaners & table cleaners GREW  ? ? ? ?]

Other issues touched on at the forum included alternative pathways for youths who want to pursue the arts, and global competition.

—CNA/wk

SINGAPORE: In the aftermath of the recent General Election (GE), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has revealed there had been criticisms of the shortcomings of grassroots activists both in the People’s Action Party (PAP) and People’s Association.

Speaking at a dinner on Sunday to thank volunteers of his Teck Ghee division of Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), PM Lee said the shortcomings would be remedied and the party would strive to do better.

Mr Lee said activists from the PAP and community leaders played a crucial role in the run up to the GE, with some even taking leave during the nine days of hustings.

He acknowledged there had been some criticisms of their shortcomings.

But Mr Lee emphasised it would be unfair to blame the activists, as the majority have committed enormous time and energy to community work, and have done their best to serve the residents.

Mr Lee added the activists had given their honest feedback, which unfortunately the party sometimes failed to interpret correctly.

" People say various things —— they say that (the activists) stood between the MP (Members of Parliament) and residents, you shielded the MP, or you didn’t respond enough to the residents’ needs, or you didn’t speak candidly enough when the residents were giving feedback and the MP didn’t get a good sense of what was on the ground," Mr Lee said.

" And my response to this — some grassroots leaders and party activists reading this have been discouraged. My response is, don’t be discouraged.

Mr Lee said clearly there were problems which were missed and areas where the party can and must improve.

These include strengthening the party’s presence on the ground, improving the way MPs and the grassroots network operate with more effective ways to bond with residents, and reaching out to groups which the party needs to better connect with, including young adults, and residents who live in private estates.

—CNA/wk

SINGAPORE: Given the current sentiment among the electorate, Singaporeans might prefer a President who is not so closely linked to the People’s Action Party (PAP), retired minister Lim Boon Heng said on Sunday when asked about former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock’s bid to run for the Elected Presidency.

The former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office said he read the news of Dr Tan’s intention with " very, very mixed feelings" .

Both Mr Lim and Dr Tan were first elected to Parliament in the 1980 General Election (GE). They were parliamentary colleagues for 26 years before Dr Tan stepped down from politics prior to the 2006 GE. Mr Lim retired from the political scene before the recent GE.

Speaking at the sidelines of a People’s Association event, Mr Lim said: " My sense is that people would prefer if there were someone who can be a strong unifying symbol for Singaporeans, who’s not so closely related to the PAP."

While there could be exceptions, he added: " I don’t know whether Dr Tan Cheng Bock, in spite of his independent streak of thinking and expression of views, fully meets the bill."

Mr Lim said he hopes that other capable Singaporeans will come forward so that the country could pick the " best person for the current climate that we have" . —

TODAY