Presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song conducted a walkabout at Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre today (Aug. 19).

Speaking to the media before the walkabout, he shared his considerations for running for the 2023 Presidential Elections (PE2023), as well as his thoughts on George Goh's ineligibility.

Did not want a walkover

"I would like the people of Singapore to be able to exercise their right to vote. The people of Singapore do not want another walkover," Ng shared.

When Ng first came forward to announce that he would be gunning for presidency, there were only two other hopefuls, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Goh.

However, he was "very concerned" that Goh was not going to qualify, which would result in a walkover if Ng himself did not enter the arena.

Ultimately, Goh did not qualify for the election as he did not manage "one very large private sector organisation".

"So I'm very relieved that by my coming forward, there will be an election," Ng said.

With regards to Goh's ineligibility for the election, Ng said that he "felt sorry" for the presidential hopeful, and commended Goh for the time and effort spent campaigning.

Ng added that he admired Goh's "bravery" and "courage".

Wants to protect the reserves

Ng's second reason for standing for election was that he "[does] not want to see our financial reserves being squandered".

He cited his experience helping to build up the reserves, through his work at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and GIC for 45 years.

Ng added:

"In the last week you've heard our Prime Minister himself explaining to the people of Singapore why the reserves are so important, and why if we are not careful the reserves will be spent in no time if we have a bad government and if there's no president to check the government."

"I have a very deep personal interest, having spent my whole professional career looking after the reserves," Ng shared, "so I want to do whatever I can to protect the reserves".

Not about the fame, power or money

Ng emphasised that with the role, he isn't looking for power or fame, nor is he looking for money.

"I'm 75 years old. What sort of fame do I want? What sort of power do I want?"

He shared that he grew up as a "poor boy from a very poor family", and leads a "simple life".

"The president is not the prime minister," Ng said, noting the role's limits.

Didn't automatically qualify because he was not a CEO

During the walkabout, Ng reflected on the Aug. 18 announcement that he was qualified to run for president, alongside Tharman and Tan Kin Lian.

"I'm relieved that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) understand that at the GIC, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) is as important as the CEO."

https://mothership.sg/2023/08/tharman-shanmugaratnam-ng-kok-song-tan-kin-lian-qualify-for-presidential-election-2023

Ng applied under the Elections Department's (ELD) public sector route, which required the candidate to have served for three years or more as the chief executive.

He did not automatically qualify as he was the CIO of GIC Private Limited instead.

The Committee took note of this and said that his experience and performance in GIC are comparable to the Constitutional requirements of a President, granting him the certificate of eligibility.

"I'm glad they (PEC) understood that, and therefore certified me as eligible," Ng said.

Upcoming campaign efforts

When asked what his campaign efforts are in the coming weeks, Ng said:

"Do more of this, coming to the hawker centre, to the wet market, so that more and more Singaporeans can see me in person and can meet me."

Walking around Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre after the media door stop, he met residents having their lunch and shared that he grew up in the area and is a Montfort Secondary School alumni.

However, Ng acknowledged that many residents do not know who he is "because I have never been a politician... so this is a big disadvantage."

This is in comparison to Tharman, whom Ng described as a formidable opponent, and likened the former PAP politician to Goliath

"It is like David versus Goliath. It is possible. I hope the people of Singapore will help David."

Top images taken by Alfie Kwa.