Ng Kok Song says it’s ‘unhealthy and worrisome’ with several opposition parties joining up to endorse Tan Kin Lian
Dr Tan Cheng Bock, along with other opposition parties, endorsing Tan Kin Lian's bid for the presidency is "unhealthy and worrisome" in this election, said Ng Kok Song on Sunday (Aug 27).
Ng was speaking to reporters at Chinatown Complex, just hours after his opponent Tan Kin Lian announced an endorsement by 2011 presidential candidate Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
He said that what happened this morning is against the spirit of Constitution.
"The president of Singapore should not belong to any political party," he said.
Earlier this morning, Dr Tan had made a surprise visit at Tan Kin Lian's walkabout at People's Park Food Centre.
At one point during the walkabout, Tan Kin Lian was flanked by Dr Tan and Tan Jee Say, as they waved to well-wishers at the food centre.
Speaking at a press conference later, the 83-year-old said that he is supporting Tan's campaign in his "personal capacity" and not as a politician.
"We are here as comrades who share a common vision," he said.
Dr Tan is chairman of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) and was a former member of the People's Action Party (PAP).
"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."
'Gutter politics': Dr Tan
Dr Tan 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".
Tan Jee Say, who is Tan Kin Lian's proposer, also said at the press conference that the latter "has all the hallmarks" of an independent president".
And that Tan Kin Lian 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, Dr Tan 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.
Dr Tony Tan won with 35.2 per cent of the votes and became Singapore's seventh president.
This story is developing.
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