Speaking to the media on Wednesday (Aug. 30), the final day of campaigning, Ng Kok Song spoke about his vision of what a "united Singapore society" can be.
He suggested that such a society would have the characteristics of inter-religious friendship, sharing the fruits of economic growth, caring for each other across generations, and living together in harmony.
Ng's remarks were made at the Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery in Geylang East, and he had been invited there by its abbot, Shi Ming Yi.
Ng's vision of "united Singapore society"
"The first characteristic is a society where people of different religious communities and groups can be in friendship," said Ng, adding that the idea of friendship goes beyond just tolerance or even respect.
Ng recalled how, in 1993, he was part of a London-based Christian meditation community that invited the Dalai Lama to give a Buddhist perspective on the teachings of Jesus.
"I think this is the kind of sharing that will make for friendship among the different religions," Ng said, adding that he would like to see more such events in Singapore.
Ng brought two books covering interfaith themes and presented them to the abbot. Photo by Daniel Seow.
In response to a question about his views on people who don't hold on to a particular faith, Ng said it is important for Singapore to have "a secular society", not "anti-religious", but one that is tolerant and respectful with a "level playing field" for those with religion and those who choose not to have a religion.
Ng's second desired characteristic of his "united Singapore society" was one that could share its "fruits of economic growth" — where "those who are more endowed with wealth" and "those who have more income" could share with "those who have less".
He also spoke about a "united Singapore society" being one where people care for each other across "three generations": Those who are elderly in retirement, those who are of working age, and those who are young in school.
Ng said he witnessed this on a visit to a home for seniors on Aug. 29, 2023, where the "working age population" and teenagers interacted with the elderly.
"The fourth characteristic of a united society that I would like to see is one where whoever lives in Singapore lives together in harmony," he said.
He said he welcomed foreigners but added that "it's very important that citizens must come first," adding that "only when the citizens come first can the United society we want to see be sustained."
He also said "foreigners of lower income", such as migrant workers and domestic helpers should be appreciated and acknowledged.
"And I would like — if I'm chosen president — to bring that vision of a united society into reality," he said.
Ng was also asked to comment on Tan Kin Lian's comments made on Aug. 30, regarding Ng and their fellow candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
However, Ng declined to comment further, referring reporters to his previous comments on the matter, and saying "such political talk" should not be brought into "a holy place".
Reflecting on the past eight days of campaigning, Ng said he had done his "very best" to share his vision of the presidency. He added:
"My happiest moments were when people came up to me and spoke about how much they appreciated my coming forward to serve Singapore. When I heard that, I felt inside me that all my effort has been extremely worthwhile."
After speaking to the media, Ng also took some time to meditate with the monks at the monastery.
Ng meditating at the Foo Hai Ch'an Monastery on the last day of campaigning. Photo by Daniel Seow.
Top photos by Daniel Seow