ID :
204049
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 04:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/204049
The shortlink copeid
PRESIDENT-ELECT TONY TAN'S SLIM VICTORY A REFLECTION OF CITIZENS' MINDSET?
PRESIDENT-ELECT TONY TAN'S SLIM VICTORY A REFLECTION OF CITIZENS' MINDSET?
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The slim victory for former deputy prime
minister Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam in Singapore's presidential race may be a
reflection of changes in the mindset of its citizens to determine their future.
He has become the island state's seventh president, winning the four-corner
election by 7,269 votes or a 0.34 per cent margin, following a recount.
He secured 744,397 or 35.19 per cent of the total valid votes while Dr
Tan Cheng Bock received 737,128 or 34.85 per cent.
Tan Jee Say garnered 529,732 votes or 25.04 per cent and Tan Kin Lian
obtained 103,931 votes or 4.91 per cent.
The Elections Department had ordered a recount of all votes cast after the
first tally showed the two front-runners were less than two per cent apart.
Saturday's presidental poll was the first contested election since the 1993
election when Ong Teng Cheong won in a straight fight.
It was also the first multi-candidate presidential race for Singapore.
Gone are the days when the people could easily be swayed by sugar-coated
talk and promises to win their hearts and mind.
This time around, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must run full gear
in its quest to become the people's party by implementing its promises made in
the last General Election.
It cannot be denied that the ruling party has taken various measures to
fulfil its promises to Singaporeans, in the wake of an economic downturn which
led to high inflation and increasing standard of living on the island-state.
Thus, Singapore's new president must play an effective role to fulfil
promises made during the campaigning period.
In his campaign, Tony Tan, who has vast experience in the economic and
financial sector, confidently said he could help Singapore weather the next
financial and economic crises.
He noted that the president did not have executive powers, except in five
areas clearly specified in the Constitution.
"The president is not the centre of power in Singapore. Only the government
is. They make the economic decisions, not the president.
"But this does not mean the president does not have influence. He has access
to the prime minister, Cabinet ministers and all Cabinet papers," he added.
"(If elected,) I will encourage Singaporeans to strike out in new areas, and
give them opportunities to try new ventures and new ideas. I can help encourage
their dreams and bring them to reality," he pledged.
As many are aware, Tony Tan, dubbed the most favourite candidate of Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is widely associated with the ruling party.
He can play a great role in assuring Singaporeans that PAP is still relevant
and sincere in its quest to uplift the lives of its citizens.
-- BERNAMA
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The slim victory for former deputy prime
minister Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam in Singapore's presidential race may be a
reflection of changes in the mindset of its citizens to determine their future.
He has become the island state's seventh president, winning the four-corner
election by 7,269 votes or a 0.34 per cent margin, following a recount.
He secured 744,397 or 35.19 per cent of the total valid votes while Dr
Tan Cheng Bock received 737,128 or 34.85 per cent.
Tan Jee Say garnered 529,732 votes or 25.04 per cent and Tan Kin Lian
obtained 103,931 votes or 4.91 per cent.
The Elections Department had ordered a recount of all votes cast after the
first tally showed the two front-runners were less than two per cent apart.
Saturday's presidental poll was the first contested election since the 1993
election when Ong Teng Cheong won in a straight fight.
It was also the first multi-candidate presidential race for Singapore.
Gone are the days when the people could easily be swayed by sugar-coated
talk and promises to win their hearts and mind.
This time around, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must run full gear
in its quest to become the people's party by implementing its promises made in
the last General Election.
It cannot be denied that the ruling party has taken various measures to
fulfil its promises to Singaporeans, in the wake of an economic downturn which
led to high inflation and increasing standard of living on the island-state.
Thus, Singapore's new president must play an effective role to fulfil
promises made during the campaigning period.
In his campaign, Tony Tan, who has vast experience in the economic and
financial sector, confidently said he could help Singapore weather the next
financial and economic crises.
He noted that the president did not have executive powers, except in five
areas clearly specified in the Constitution.
"The president is not the centre of power in Singapore. Only the government
is. They make the economic decisions, not the president.
"But this does not mean the president does not have influence. He has access
to the prime minister, Cabinet ministers and all Cabinet papers," he added.
"(If elected,) I will encourage Singaporeans to strike out in new areas, and
give them opportunities to try new ventures and new ideas. I can help encourage
their dreams and bring them to reality," he pledged.
As many are aware, Tony Tan, dubbed the most favourite candidate of Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is widely associated with the ruling party.
He can play a great role in assuring Singaporeans that PAP is still relevant
and sincere in its quest to uplift the lives of its citizens.
-- BERNAMA
