SINGAPORE: Mr Tan Jee Say was the first presidential candidate to hold a rally.
About nine speakers addressed the crowd at the Toa Payoh Stadium before Mr Tan took to the stage on Tuesday.
They included some opposition candidates who stood in the last General Election such as Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Dr Ang Yong Guan, Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss and Nicole Seah.
Mr Tan defended the line-up of speakers for his rally, saying some may be members of opposition parties but they were speaking on behalf of all Singaporeans.
Mr Tan spoke on what he thought the role of the President should be and said that for too long, Singaporeans have been accustomed to the idea that the President has a limited ceremonial and diplomatic role.
Mr Tan highlighted the five areas the President has veto powers under the Constitution. He paid particular attention to the use of the nation's reserves and key appointments.
He said: "This is your money and if the government requires it I as President will make sure that it is well spent on meaningful projects that benefit Singaporeans directly such as schools and hospitals.
"On key appointments, I will scrutinise the background and track record of all government appointees who come before me for confirmation.
"I will ensure that only true talented Singaporeans are appointed (and) who are motivated by a sense of public service and not by huge financial rewards."
He added that he will examine more closely appointments to government bodies, statutory boards and government-linked companies because "too few people are holding too many portfolios within the government."
If elected, Mr Tan said he would also publish an annual report detailing the custodial, ceremonial and social responsibilities performed by the President during the year.
He noted that Singaporeans are "thirsting for change" and that he intends to "ask the government to do more".
Mr Tan said: "This government needs to be challenged and checked, if we do not want it to become complacent.
"First, I intend to change the direction of the Presidency to move it much closer to the aspiration of the people.
"To do that, I cannot remain within the ivory gates of the Istana. I must move among the people and initiate programmes that galvanise the young and the young at heart and harness their energies to build a better Singapore."
Mr Tan ended the rally with a talkshow format question-and-answer session, where he spoke about his early years and experience in the public and private sectors.
- CNA/ir
About nine speakers addressed the crowd at the Toa Payoh Stadium before Mr Tan took to the stage on Tuesday.
They included some opposition candidates who stood in the last General Election such as Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, Dr Ang Yong Guan, Jeannette Chong-Aruldoss and Nicole Seah.
Mr Tan defended the line-up of speakers for his rally, saying some may be members of opposition parties but they were speaking on behalf of all Singaporeans.
Mr Tan spoke on what he thought the role of the President should be and said that for too long, Singaporeans have been accustomed to the idea that the President has a limited ceremonial and diplomatic role.
Mr Tan highlighted the five areas the President has veto powers under the Constitution. He paid particular attention to the use of the nation's reserves and key appointments.
He said: "This is your money and if the government requires it I as President will make sure that it is well spent on meaningful projects that benefit Singaporeans directly such as schools and hospitals.
"On key appointments, I will scrutinise the background and track record of all government appointees who come before me for confirmation.
"I will ensure that only true talented Singaporeans are appointed (and) who are motivated by a sense of public service and not by huge financial rewards."
He added that he will examine more closely appointments to government bodies, statutory boards and government-linked companies because "too few people are holding too many portfolios within the government."
If elected, Mr Tan said he would also publish an annual report detailing the custodial, ceremonial and social responsibilities performed by the President during the year.
He noted that Singaporeans are "thirsting for change" and that he intends to "ask the government to do more".
Mr Tan said: "This government needs to be challenged and checked, if we do not want it to become complacent.
"First, I intend to change the direction of the Presidency to move it much closer to the aspiration of the people.
"To do that, I cannot remain within the ivory gates of the Istana. I must move among the people and initiate programmes that galvanise the young and the young at heart and harness their energies to build a better Singapore."
Mr Tan ended the rally with a talkshow format question-and-answer session, where he spoke about his early years and experience in the public and private sectors.
- CNA/ir
