Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Tan Kin Lian emphasize fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in their approaches to managing the nation’s reserves.
SINGAPORE: During a televised presidential forum on Monday (Aug 28), Singapore’s three presidential candidates—Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Tan Kin Lian—shared their perspectives on the considerations for unlocking the country’s past reserves. These discussions highlighted the critical responsibility of the President as the guardian of these funds.
All candidates agreed that the reserves must be used prudently to benefit Singaporeans, with Tharman emphasizing spending that not only helps people survive crises but also strengthens recovery efforts. “Be fair,” he added, stressing support for low- and middle-income Singaporeans and avoiding favoritism toward large firms.
Tan underscored the importance of determining whether the reserves are used for the people’s benefit and whether the purpose is “proper.” Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, he expressed concerns about subsidies benefiting banks and questioned such use of reserves.
Ng highlighted the need to balance saving for future generations and spending for present needs. He also advocated for transparency, calling for clarity on the size of reserves and government assumptions about crises and revenue alternatives before drawing from them.
Building a More Inclusive Society
When asked about fostering inclusivity, Ng envisioned the President as a “chief volunteer,” inspiring more support for volunteers, caregivers, and even migrant workers. Tan prioritized care for the elderly, emphasizing its potential to relieve burdens on families. Tharman, meanwhile, focused on uplifting disadvantaged groups, including children, those with mental health struggles, and the elderly, pledging to support ground-up initiatives.
Appeals to Voters
In their closing statements, the candidates outlined their vision for the presidency. Tan promised to act independently, advocating transparency and accountability while addressing challenges faced by young Singaporeans. Ng stressed the need for a non-partisan President motivated by service rather than personal gain. Tharman presented himself as a proven leader, optimistic about Singapore’s future and committed to fostering fairness and inclusivity.
As Singaporeans prepare to vote, the candidates’ diverse approaches to safeguarding the nation’s reserves and building an equitable society remain central themes in their campaigns.
