We Three Kings Of… Singapore?

Eager observers of Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Race may have experienced deja vu on the 27th of August, when the runners-up of the 2011 Race came together to join forces.

Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), and Mr Tan Jee Say of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) threw in their endorsements of presidential candidate Mr Tan Kin Lian. Following a morning walkabout in People’s Park Food Centre, the former political rivals held a press conference where they expressed their support for Mr Tan Kin Lian’s campaign.

This proverbial oath in the peach garden saw the three Tans, who collectively won 64.8% of the vote in the 2011 election, come together in an attempt to drum up more support for Mr Tan Kin Lian’s bid for President. This announcement of support is the latest in a string of such proclamations from opposition party figures. The subject of Presidential Advisors came up during the conference, with Mr Tan Kin Lian being asked whether he would have his former opponents as members of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA).

While no direct answer was given, Mr Tan did mention that the two “share the same vision of an effective independent president” and that “they will be excellent candidates to the council”. Despite Mr Tan’s coy response, campaign posters celebrating the alliance tout a vote for him as one for “three presidents”. When questioned on whether the increasing amount of opposition support could breach his status as an independent president, Mr Tan reaffirmed his desire to be a president who hears all voices and perspectives.

link: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/dr-tan-cheng-bock-turns-up-at-walkabout-to-support-tan-kin-lian