SINGAPORE: Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian has revealed that the InfoComm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has removed three statements from a speech by him on the grounds that the president does not have the power to make such promises.
He made those statements in a speech that is set to be broadcast on television and online today (August 24).
In a press statement released early this morning (24 Aug), Mr Tan Kin Lian revealed that IMDA has removed the following three remarks he had made during the taping of his speech:
- “I will highlight this overall investment strategy (i.e. to invest the reserves soundly) to the professional investment managers to achieve the desired results”;
- “The actual monitoring will be the duty of the board of directors, but they will receive my advice and guidance on the approach to be taken”; and
- “Beyond these constitutional duties, I have a vision – to use the president’s office to influence policies that will make a better life for the people of Singapore. I will focus on three fundamental areas, crucial to the well-being of our citizens: bringing down the cost of living, ensuring affordable housing for all, and securing jobs that provide a sense of stability and a path to progress.”
In his press statement, Mr Tan Kin Lian argued, “I considered these statements to be the most important parts of my speech and that IMDA did not have the authority to interpret the constitution in a narrow way and asked for these statements to be removed. I did not have the time to argue about the removal of these paragraphs. I will bring it up to IMDA separately.”
The former NTUC Income chief, who called it fate that he is contesting the looming election as the qualifying criteria were somehow expanded to include him, added:
“Some people suggested that I was misleading the people by promising them goals that I did not have the executive authority to deliver. I am not misleading the people. I had made it clear, in many statements, that I would be using the office of the president to convey to the government about the hardships faced by the people and about their aspirations.”
Mr Tan Kin Lian promised to first advise the Prime Minister against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike planned for 2024 if he is elected.
He said, “I know that the government had already announced that they are going ahead with the increase. I (would) advise them to reconsider. I am not being political. I am expressing the view of a large segment of the people. Their voices should not be ignored.”
Pledging to bring up his views in private conversations with the Government leaders, he added: “I remain hopeful that I would be able to persuade the prime minister and ministers to modify some of their existing policies that will give a better life for the people.”
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