SINGAPORE: Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election, has garnered the support of notable opposition figures. His campaign team includes proposer Tan Jee Say, who contested the 2020 General Election with the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), and seconder Lim Tean, leader of the Peoples Voice (PV) party. Prabu Ramachandran of PV serves as his principal election agent.
Facing a three-way race, Tan Kin Lian appeals to Singaporeans seeking an independent president without establishment ties. His opponents are former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and ex-GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song.
Among his supporters is Dr. Michael Fang, a PV candidate for Jalan Besar GRC, who is volunteering in Tan’s campaign. Fang emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in Singapore’s reserves, urging undecided voters to consider rallying behind Tan. “Alternative parties and middle-ground voters should unite behind Tan Kin Lian,” Dr. Fang shared, adding that Tan’s independence from the establishment makes him a compelling choice.
Calls for Opposition Unity
However, achieving unity among opposition supporters remains a challenge. At a public forum on Aug 18, Jufrie Mahmood, a seasoned politician, urged Dr. Tan Cheng Bock, chairman of the Progress Singapore Party, to endorse Tan Kin Lian.
Speaking at the “Friday Conversation” event, Jufrie dismissed calls for spoiling votes in protest of George Goh’s disqualification. Instead, he emphasized the importance of choosing between Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian. “Tan Kin Lian has the courage to raise critical issues,” Jufrie said, advocating for strategic opposition support to maximize Tan’s chances.
Jufrie stressed that an endorsement from Dr. Tan Cheng Bock could significantly shift the race. “With Tan Jee Say already endorsing Tan Kin Lian, securing Dr. Tan’s support would be a game-changer. It would signal that PAP candidates can be defeated, breaking the psychological barrier of PAP invulnerability,” he stated.
Divergent Opposition Perspectives
Despite Jufrie’s calls for unity, differing views within opposition circles persist. SDP member Abdul Salim announced he would spoil his vote, expressing dissatisfaction with the candidates. Salim stated that he doesn’t believe in voting along party lines for a presidential election, instead advocating for a blank vote as a symbolic gesture for George Goh’s disqualification.
Salim explained on Facebook, “A blank vote is a vote for George Goh. Let us make our voices loud and clear.”
Historical Context and Implications
The 2011 Presidential Election saw Tan Kin Lian secure only 4.91% of votes, with Tan Jee Say gaining 25.04%. The winner, Tony Tan, narrowly edged out Dr. Tan Cheng Bock with 35.20% versus 34.85%.
As the Sept 1 polling date approaches, the question remains whether opposition supporters can unite behind Tan Kin Lian to challenge establishment candidates or if divergent strategies will dilute their impact.
