Presidential hopefuls react to Shanmugam remarks

Law Minister K Shanmugam said:

'President can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet; and he must follow the advice of the Cabinet in the discharge of his duties'.

The six presidential hopefuls each commented on Mr Shanmugan's remarks:

TAN KIN LIAN:

'It seems the president has less freedom of speech than ordinary citizens. 

'I think if it's not forbidden, it is allowed. It doesn't mean I can do anything I want, it still has to be done in a proper, sensible way.'

TONY TAN:

'Yesterday, I attended a lively discussion at the IPS Forum on the Elected Presidency. The presentations and the Q&A were extremely thought-provoking. I will have more to say about my own views of the Office of President in the coming days and weeks.'

Note: What TT meant is that he needs to check back with his PAP cronies and teleprompter before commenting.

TAN JEE SAY:

'I think the mission of the president is to provide checks and balances on the Government. He would not be doing his duty if he doesn't speak up whenever the Government crosses the line or fails to deliver the promises it's made to the people. He has the moral authority to do so because he has been directly elected by the people. If I'm elected president I would not betray their trust and I would speak up for them. 

But I would not abuse my speaking rights. My approach is always first speak privately and confidentially with the prime minister, and convey my concerns. And I hope after the discussions he would make appropriate changes and I would not pursue further. But on fundamental issues of conscience, I reserve the right to speak up, when concerns of the people are not adequately taken care of.'

TAN CHENG BOCK:

'The president is elected by Singaporeans. The office should be accorded due respect. So I am surprised by the minister's remarks, which I quote: 'Whether the president actually wields influence obviously depends on who the president is. If he is someone who commands little or no respect of the prime minister, then of course influence will be limited.' 'Is he saying that the people's choice of the president matters little unless he is endorsed by the Government? Then how is the president to be above politics?'

ANDREW KUAN:

'The president's quality of voice (timbre) to the prime minister depends on his financial management skills and calibre, communication abilities, the amount of unfiltered voices of Singaporeans (he hears), informed working knowledge and practical wisdom; so he can speak from his heart, (with a) clear mind and agile spirit'

OOI BOON EWE:

'Laws are made for man, not man for the law. You have to ask: Is the law good for the country? 

'It is contradictory that an elected president cannot do this, cannot do that. 

'The Council of Presidential Advisers is not elected and yet he has to heed its advice. He shouldn't be bound by chains. Otherwise, make it a non-elected president or ceremonial president instead.'