George Yeo running for President?

[land118]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...132540/1/.html
George Yeo running for President?
By Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid | Posted: 01 June 2011 1611 hrs



SINGAPORE: Former minister for foreign affairs George Yeo said he is thinking hard about running for the Presidential Election.

Writing on Wednesday on his Facebook page, Mr Yeo said he is "praying for wisdom".

He also indicated many Singaporeans had asked him to reconsider his decision.

Mr Yeo had previously said he did not have the temperament to become President.

When contacted, Mr Yeo declined comment, only saying that he will "leave it as it is for the time being".

The Elections Department on Wednesday distributed seven certificates of eligibility for the Presidential Elections.

First to pick up the forms was seventy-year-old Ooi Boon Ewe.

Mr Ooi failed in his bid to contest the recent General Election as an independent candidate.

He said he has resigned as chairman of his political party -- the People's Liberal Democratic Party -- in order to run for President.

Meanwhile, former People's Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Tan Cheng Bock also collected his certificate of eligibility.

Dr Tan said he would go back to his roots to rally support, and intends to carry out walkabouts at his former ward of Ayer Rajah, which he describes as his "base camp".

He said he came personally to collect the forms along with supporters to show he is serious about contesting the Presidential Election.

Dr Tan said he believes Singaporeans should vote for a presidential candidate based on individual merit.

"I would prefer that people take a deep analysis of the individual candidate, irrespective of his (past) party," Dr Tan said.

"I will lose some votes maybe because of my past association with PAP. But that's all in the game, it's ok.

"If they don't like me because I belong to the PAP, they are free not to elect me. But I want to believe that Singaporeans generally would assess me on a slightly different view."

Another person who collected two sets of forms on Wednesday was Mr Martin Lee, who said he was collecting them on behalf of his friend, an entrepreneur in his 50's whose surname is also "Lee".

Mr Martin Lee gave little away, adding that the person is from the private sector, who fulfils all the eligibility criteria for President.

The Elections Department also saw many who came to restore their names on the Registers of Electors after failing to vote in the recent General Election.

One of them was famous water-colour artist Ong Kim Seng, who said he wishes "his good friend" -- current President SR Nathan -- would run for President again.

-CNA/wk

[land118]

Tan Cheng Bock and George Yeo, both ex PAP...., wonder if anyone else would stand for this..?

[rattydrama]

maybe PAP asked George Yeo to counter Tan Cheng Bock? Tan Cheng Bock is very popular to people who know him. He is a very passionate person, I know he even let his not so rich patient O-Dang $ in his Lim Chu Kang clinic or maybe now he is still practicing in his Jurong West Clinic?

[ysyap]

If GY reverses his earlier decision not to run for presidency of the republic, then many Singaporeans will surely flock to restore the pride he totally lost during the recent GE...

[sh]

the question is who will stand out more against PAP as president?

The president is supposed to the a check and balance against the garment.

[devilplate]

Looks like tan gona b our president liao

[Wild Falcon]

May not. If he loses twice, that must be the greatest humiliation in one's lifetime. If he can't even win the likes of Chen Show Mao and Low Thia Khiang as a mere MP for Aljunied, he shouldn't be too confident of winning the Presidential election - a higher post. Remember, President is supposed to a "check and balance" and GY has always been viewed as a Yes man in parliament who hardly voiced out against anything.

In short, there might be some sympathy votes since he lost his job and million dollar pay but most Singaporeans will vote rationally.

If GY reverses his earlier decision not to run for presidency of the republic, then many Singaporeans will surely flock to restore the pride he totally lost during the recent GE...

[ysyap]

May not. If he loses twice, that must be the greatest humiliation in one's lifetime. If he can't even win the likes of Chen Show Mao and Low Thia Khiang as a mere MP for Aljunied, he shouldn't be too confident of winning the Presidential election - a higher post. Remember, President is supposed to a "check and balance" and GY has always been viewed as a Yes man in parliament who hardly voiced out against anything.

In short, there might be some sympathy votes since he lost his job and million dollar pay but most Singaporeans will vote rationally.

What is higher post??? Its a totally different post... none of the candidates stand out distinctly... GY has Aljunied GRC to prove his passion and its there for all to see... President needs to be compassionate... no need to be so much into policy making but need to relate more with the people... Also must look at his opponents... Well, if GY loses in presidential election, then its double lost for him... indeed rather embarrassing!!!

[Wild Falcon]

A President is a higher post than an MP lah - however u wanna spin it. An MP only gets $15k per month. President is $4 million leh. GY has Aljunied GRC to "prove" what? That he cannot relate to the people of Aljunied? He lost leh which means it's not good enough. So someone who is not good enough to serve the people of Aljunied is good enough to be President of Singapore? I'm not saying he will lose - but he shouldn't be over-confident.

What is higher post??? Its a totally different post... none of the candidates stand out distinctly... GY has Aljunied GRC to prove his passion and its there for all to see... President needs to be compassionate... no need to be so much into policy making but need to relate more with the people... Also must look at his opponents... Well, if GY loses in presidential election, then its double lost for him... indeed rather embarrassing!!!

[Antione]

GY should study the profile of his "supporters" before he decide to run for president. It may be biased to certain group of people. Sometimes people get carried away thinking the support is unanimous. President represents all of Singapore - across all race, religion and political beliefs.

[land118]

Hope there will at least be a truely independent candidate so that we get a 3 corner fight tis time....

GY may get some sympathy votes and if he become President, effectively he get pay increase...., but Tan CB indeed has got good record and I also heard that he has been kind to patients that he treats in his clinic

[land118]

Recall this call by WP Pritam Singh in recent GE rally:


http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singa...204216775.html

WP’s Pritam Singh: George Yeo as President

Workers' Party (WP) Aljunied GRC 'A team' member Pritam Singh says the party is "not looking to kill any tigers" during this election.
During his rally speech at Yishun stadium on Sunday evening, Pritam responded to Foreign Minister George Yeo's wife, Jennifer, who said on Facebook that "who dares to kill her tiger would have to deal with her".
He also hit back at Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's comments, that the quality of the government will go down if Mr Yeo were to lose the election.
"It is as if George Yeo, like all the tigers around the world, is being treated as an endangered species," said the post-graduate law student.
"I promise you that the Workers' Party is not interested in killing any tigers... I would not be so worried about George Yeo. In the next few months, Singapore will host another election -- the presidential election," he told the estimated 10,000-strong crowd
"I strongly recommend that George Yeo contest in the presidential election. In that way, George Yeo can still be part of the government and SM Goh can relax," he said to loud applause.
Since Pritam's suggestion, several "George Yeo for President" pages have sprouted up on Facebook. One already has over 1,100 likes.

[ysyap]

A President is a higher post than an MP lah - however u wanna spin it. An MP only gets $15k per month. President is $4 million leh. GY has Aljunied GRC to "prove" what? That he cannot relate to the people of Aljunied? He lost leh which means it's not good enough. So someone who is not good enough to serve the people of Aljunied is good enough to be President of Singapore? I'm not saying he will lose - but he shouldn't be over-confident.

Many people agreed that he did a good job as a minister so can 'prove' his credential lah.. you should know that he's just in the way of that A team from WP. This A team will literally slaughter any other PAP ministers in their way if they contest in nearly any other GRC lah.. it's just that its Aljunied... anyway people had no problem with GY... its the other members in his team that got the negative lime light! Yes he shouldn't be over confident...

Cannot look at the post as higher post although it commands more in terms of many respect than an MP or even a minister. It is non-political in nature. President represents Singapore but when it comes to political issues, its the ministers...

[BillyCutie]

Many people agreed that he did a good job as a minister so can 'prove' his credential lah.. you should know that he's just in the way of that A team from WP. This A team will literally slaughter any other PAP ministers in their way if they contest in nearly any other GRC lah.. it's just that its Aljunied... anyway people had no problem with GY... its the other members in his team that got the negative lime light! Yes he shouldn't be over confident...

Cannot look at the post as higher post although it commands more in terms of many respect than an MP or even a minister. It is non-political in nature. President represents Singapore but when it comes to political issues, its the ministers...

When I learned Tan Cheng Bock running for presidency, I thought what a half-PAP man who is very close to GCT. Something is brewing.... Now comes George, a full PAP man... more brewing behind

Surely, Singaporeans are smarter to see through these.

[ysyap]

When I learned Tan Cheng Bock running for presidency, I thought what a half-PAP man who is very close to GCT. Something is brewing.... Now comes George, a full PAP man... more brewing behind

Surely, Singaporeans are smarter to see through these.

hahaha.... but president by tradition, never even participate in country's policy making...

[land118]

When I learned Tan Cheng Bock running for presidency, I thought what a half-PAP man who is very close to GCT. Something is brewing.... Now comes George, a full PAP man... more brewing behind

Surely, Singaporeans are smarter to see through these.

Hmm, some important constitution that need new President to amend and change?

[BillyCutie]

hahaha.... but president by tradition, never even participate in country's policy making...

The type of presidents Singaporeans had - were dictated by PAP choice. So they were the "tradition". I hope time has changed for a more independent figure head. Even if he doesn't participate in policy making, he can be more impactful in uniting Singaporeans.

I think PAP is damn worried now... no time to fan off opposition parties in the next 5 years and now one more hot seat sitting on top of them.

[land118]

The type of presidents Singaporeans had - were dictated by PAP choice. So they were the "tradition". I hope time has changed for a more independent figure head. Even if he doesn't participate in policy making, he can be more impactful in uniting Singaporeans.

I think PAP is damn worried now... no time to fan off opposition parties in the next 5 years and now one more hot seat sitting on top of them.

Which scenario is better for PAP:

1. 2 ex PAP candidate vs 1 independent candidate OR

2. 1 ex PAP candidate vs 1 independent candidate

Maybe best scenario is

2 ex PAP candidates against each other ...

[BillyCutie]

Which scenario is better for PAP:

1. 2 ex PAP candidate vs 1 independent candidate OR

2. 1 ex PAP candidate vs 1 independent candidate

Maybe best scenario is

2 ex PAP candidates against each other ...

Hello, friend. 2 ex PAP against each other means all singaporeans lose and PAP wins - becos both are planted. Got it ?

2 ex PAP vs 1 independent means PAP diffusing votes. Independent will get much lesser in 3 parties fight than 2. Got it ? Got it?

[Andrew76]

PAP linked candidate, Singaporean lose? Non PAP linked candidate Singaporean win? What kind of weird logic is that?

[BillyCutie]

PAP linked candidate, Singaporean lose? Non PAP linked candidate Singaporean win? What kind of weird logic is that?

The president holds the 2nd key and suppose to check and balance. So it calls for independency. For the good of Singapore, ideally he should not be PAP-linked to be effective check.

How can he check if he is endorsed by the government, put in by the government? Simple logic, no rocket science.

[Andrew76]

Agree with the logic that the president is to check on the govt. But how does one determine if a candidate is "independent"? cos going by that logic, would a opp-linked candidate more suitable? does the fact that a candidate used to be from any party means he cannot be "independent"?

[land118]

1 signal from the ruling party on who they are support, or even any hint from a Minister on some good words on a particular candidate will at least garner some min. 75% of all civil servants and GLC, NTUC staff related votes already..., 1/2 the battle is won..., so what do you think. So if you are an ex ruling party member, surely you want your former Boss to endorse you, because u have 1 leg in the hot seat already if he say say..., so win how? Must say thank you to your Supporter/s right.., then next day "takan" them? unlikely..... certainly not with GY. My thought, you may beg to differ.

Unfortunately, normally, voters are left with 1 choice or maybe 2 choice, so many of us effectively will just go with 1 of them..., don't think many of us treat this as important as the GE in the past because we all know it ain't going to make much difference.

[Andrew76]

Frank comment. Though the same could be said of a candidate cavorted by the opp or any party. This is politics and any candidate that says he is truly independent I would take his words with a pinch of salt. What really matters is not his political affiliation but what he would do for Singaporeans as a whole. Will he dare to check on the govt if he finds something fishy? Can he represent singapore competently on the world stage? Or will he be one who only knows how to sing govt.'s praises without thinking or the reverse, criticize the govt for the sake of criticizing? Anyway this is my view only and u can have yr own views.

[Wild Falcon]

WP said that because GY made the election about him losing his million dollar FM job and looking sad half the time. So they gave him a "consolation" like oh even if u lose, can still continue to earn millions by being President. It was said in jest lah

Recall this call by WP Pritam Singh in recent GE rally:


http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singa...204216775.html

WP’s Pritam Singh: George Yeo as President

Workers' Party (WP) Aljunied GRC 'A team' member Pritam Singh says the party is "not looking to kill any tigers" during this election.
During his rally speech at Yishun stadium on Sunday evening, Pritam responded to Foreign Minister George Yeo's wife, Jennifer, who said on Facebook that "who dares to kill her tiger would have to deal with her".
He also hit back at Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong's comments, that the quality of the government will go down if Mr Yeo were to lose the election.
"It is as if George Yeo, like all the tigers around the world, is being treated as an endangered species," said the post-graduate law student.
"I promise you that the Workers' Party is not interested in killing any tigers... I would not be so worried about George Yeo. In the next few months, Singapore will host another election -- the presidential election," he told the estimated 10,000-strong crowd
"I strongly recommend that George Yeo contest in the presidential election. In that way, George Yeo can still be part of the government and SM Goh can relax," he said to loud applause.
Since Pritam's suggestion, several "George Yeo for President" pages have sprouted up on Facebook. One already has over 1,100 likes.

[land118]

WP said that because GY made the election about him losing his million dollar FM job and looking sad half the time. So they gave him a "consolation" like oh even if u lose, can still continue to earn millions by being President. It was said in jest lah

Ya, the "jest" may become true....kinda of soul searching by GY. Maybe this is Not the case of "no fish, prawn also better", but "no prawn, fish lagi best!".

[Wild Falcon]

"Many people say" he did a good job? Maybe you can give some examples of his great accomplishments? I'm not aware of his accomplishments or him speaking up much during parliament. Bear in mind when his was Health Minister, he was the one who radically reduce the intake of medical students such that we have to import as many foreign doctors today who cannot communicate with our elderly. Also, the mass import of foreigners during his reign as trade and foreign minister. And also some of his speeches smack of elitism. He manage to stay under the radar - but his accomplishments is nothing sterling.

GY lost in his precinct with below-average score. Stop blaming his team members. In fact, the Malay MP and the new Chinese MP brought up the average score at Aljunied. Without the other 2, he would have lost even more.

But would be very interesting if he runs for Presidency. So we have one PAP endorsed candidate (GY), one ex-PAP and unendorsed candidate (TCB) and who else?

Many people agreed that he did a good job as a minister so can 'prove' his credential lah.. you should know that he's just in the way of that A team from WP. This A team will literally slaughter any other PAP ministers in their way if they contest in nearly any other GRC lah.. it's just that its Aljunied... anyway people had no problem with GY... its the other members in his team that got the negative lime light! Yes he shouldn't be over confident...

Cannot look at the post as higher post although it commands more in terms of many respect than an MP or even a minister. It is non-political in nature. President represents Singapore but when it comes to political issues, its the ministers...

[land118]

Latest news, GY still member of CEC. Interestingly, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua also...Think GY wants to run for President, he should step down from this appointment, maybe in the 1st place he should have decline this...if indeed he wants to run for President..

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...132529/1/.html

"The other members of the CEC are Mr Goh Chok Tong, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Wong Kan Seng, Mr George Yeo, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Ms Indarenee Rajah and Mr Teo Ser Luck"

[stl67]

Latest news, GY still member of CEC. Interestingly, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua also...Think GY wants to run for President, he should step down from this appointment, maybe in the 1st place he should have decline this...if indeed he wants to run for President..

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...132529/1/.html

"The other members of the CEC are Mr Goh Chok Tong, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Wong Kan Seng, Mr George Yeo, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Ms Indarenee Rajah and Mr Teo Ser Luck"

What does CEC do? Not very well verse on this.

[land118]

What does CEC do? Not very well verse on this.

People's Action Party's new central executive committee (CEC)

http://www.facebook.com/notes/people...7225148?ref=mf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People's_Action_Party