'Today we are here as comrades who share a common vision': Tan Cheng Bock on why he is endorsing Tan Kin Lian as president
Former 2011 presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bock, 83, has come out to lend his support to former opponent and current presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian, making a surprise visit at a walkabout at People's Park Food Centre early Sunday morning (Aug 27).
They were also joined by Tan Jee Say, 69, another former 2011 presidential candidate and Tan Kin Lian's proposer for his presidential bid this year.
At a press conference held in a Chinatown TCM store this morning, Tan Cheng Bock said: "Today we are here as comrades who share a common vision."
"Today, I, Tan Cheng Bock want to plead with you to stand up for what is right. Love your country by supporting the cause for an independent candidate."
He added that Singaporeans "want transparency and accountability", and that he's sad that the "political landscape is in such turmoil".
He also described the "pretty girls" debacle as "gutter politics".
Separately, he also expressed his disappointment that a "highly-qualified candidate like George Goh was not eligible".
'He did not offer me anything': Tan Jee Say
Tan Jee Say then stood up to say how Tan Kin Lian, 75, brings that "personal touch" to the 2023 Presidential Election and that he hopes to help him with his "knowledge and expertise".
"He (Tan Kin Lian) did not offer me anything. And I did not ask for anything in return," he added.
"I just do what is right. And what is right is to have an independent president. And Kin Lian has all the hallmarks of an independent president."
In the 2011 presidential election, Tan Cheng Bock garnered 34.85 per cent of the vote, Tan Jee Say secured 25.04 per cent, while Tan Kin Lian received 4.91 per cent.
Tony Tan won with 35.2 per cent of the votes and became Singapore's seventh president.
This story is developing.
chingshijie@asiaone.com
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