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Presidential hopefuls weigh in on PM's rally speech
THE four presidential hopefuls yesterday said that they welcome Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's emphasis on "Singaporeans first" in his National Day Rally speech.
Dr Tony Tan posted on his Facebook page that he has no doubt that Singaporeans have the energy and imagination to "take Singapore to a new level that is unimaginable today".
But he also cautioned that Singapore needs to distinguish between imposing populist and imposing pragmatic policies, noting that politicians may feel compelled to appeal to popular demand for the sake of electoral gain.
Such populist policies can be very damaging, he warned.
"This temptation is affecting the Presidential Election, with some candidates appealing to the public in ways that could go beyond the parameters of our Constitution," he added.
"I fear that they are writing cheques that even the president cannot cash."
Mr Tan Kin Lian said he was encouraged by PM Lee's proposed measures to address issues such as housing, jobs and education, as well as his commitment towards a more open and consultative approach to reach out to Singaporeans.
Mr Tan also supports active citizenry, a view shared by Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
"I believe this is a good way to encourage Singaporeans to come together as one," he said.
Mr Tan Jee Say noted that PM Lee's speech was one which everyone should take notice of, although it remained to be seen if the proposed solutions were adequate to ease the concerns of Singaporeans.
Still, he pledged to assist to heal the social divisions and unify the country, if elected as president.
THE four presidential hopefuls yesterday said that they welcome Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's emphasis on "Singaporeans first" in his National Day Rally speech.
Dr Tony Tan posted on his Facebook page that he has no doubt that Singaporeans have the energy and imagination to "take Singapore to a new level that is unimaginable today".
But he also cautioned that Singapore needs to distinguish between imposing populist and imposing pragmatic policies, noting that politicians may feel compelled to appeal to popular demand for the sake of electoral gain.
Such populist policies can be very damaging, he warned.
"This temptation is affecting the Presidential Election, with some candidates appealing to the public in ways that could go beyond the parameters of our Constitution," he added.
"I fear that they are writing cheques that even the president cannot cash."
Mr Tan Kin Lian said he was encouraged by PM Lee's proposed measures to address issues such as housing, jobs and education, as well as his commitment towards a more open and consultative approach to reach out to Singaporeans.
Mr Tan also supports active citizenry, a view shared by Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
"I believe this is a good way to encourage Singaporeans to come together as one," he said.
Mr Tan Jee Say noted that PM Lee's speech was one which everyone should take notice of, although it remained to be seen if the proposed solutions were adequate to ease the concerns of Singaporeans.
Still, he pledged to assist to heal the social divisions and unify the country, if elected as president.
