Tan Cheng Bock to run for President: ruling party getting nervous?

Former outspoken PAP MP, Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s decision to stand for Elected President  has sparked expressions of concern in some quarters of the ruling party, The People’s Action Party which has ruled Singapore with an iron hand for more than 40 years.

As an MP he ruffled a few feathers, and now his public declaration to stand for Elected President has sent ripples of nervousness through the PAP.

Mr Lim Boon Heng, a former Minister in the Prime Minister’s office said, “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,” (TODAY, May 30).

An Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) told Today: “For Presidential Elections, there’s always been a candidate that the Government supports … it’s quite clear that we will be fully behind this person so it will be very awkward (to have Dr Tan in the contest).”(TODAY, May 28),

This is consistent with the ruling party’s bad habit of installing its people and supporters in almost every position of influence ranging from the media, trade unions, grassroots organisations to the People’s Association so it’s not surprising Dr Tan’s candidacy has raised alarm within the ruling party’s leadership.

Singaporeans have had enough of yes-men, and Dr Tan, though he comes with his PAP baggage, will make for a refreshing change.

Having a President as a yes-man defeats the whole purpose of having him safeguard our reserves (apart from other duties like appointment of key office holders and assent to bills).

It’s a no-brainer for a future dictator to devise ways to raid our national reserves, and transfer them to  secret overseas accounts like what Gadaffi of Libya had done when an incumbent President is beholden to him.

It’s time we cultivated a culture of having an independent President beholden to no one. Together with an alert citizenry and strong democratic institutions (currently lacking), we should be able to thwart a corrupt future leader. 

Many I’ve spoken to for feedback approve of Dr Tan, but the ruling party it appears has thrown a spanner into the works.

**********************************************************************************************
Speaking his mind:

Tan Cheng Bock: ‘I went to a lot of the rallies, and the anger people expressed was palpable. It was quite scary. Imagine what could happen to Singapore if this anger is not addressed?’

**********************************************************************************************