The Voice of the People and the Constitution

Response to Minister Shanmugan’s comments at IPS seminar,

Mr Shanmugan has presented a clear explanation on what are the constitutionally defined roles and responsibilities of our Elected President. If I am elected, as the constitutional Head of State, I would certainly uphold the letter and spirit of the law of our land and follow all the constitutional requirements expected of me.

In carrying out the duties of the President, I do not see a conflict between the constitutional requirements and the 5 values I espouse namely: Honesty, Fairness, Public Service, Courage and Public Service. These are the values I will apply in using the soft powers of the President.

In fulfilling my pledge to be the Voice of the People, I am pledging to be their interlocutor with the government as and when useful and appropriate. I note that he and Professor Tommy Koh revealed that the PM meets with the President weekly and I assume this convention will continue, whoever is elected. This mechanism ensures that substantial discussion could take place, if both sides are willing to have a dialogue.

During this period, leading up to polling day, each candidate must find the means to make themselves known and hopefully be forthright and truthful about how they intend to carry out their duties. As stated in my latest statement (http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2011/08/voice-of-people.html) if elected, I intend to work in full co-operatrion with the government to find common ground on issues that the people feel strong about. I believe that a good government will be able to recognize a genuine call from the people and that the moral authority of the President will be sufficient weight for fair consideration.

Obviously, I will have to exercise discretion in raising the issues which are of greatest concern and urgency as well as those which are of real impact on Singapore and where there is need for confidentiality or discretion, I will know how to exercise this. I believe strongly that much can be achieved with a spirit of cooperation but it has to be both ways.