The Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) said that it was unaware of Tan's social media posts before his certificate of eligibility was issued.

The response came after Tan's past social media posts which referred to “pretty girls”, “pretty joggers” and “pretty slim girls” came under the spotlight.

In its statement on Aug. 21, the PEC stated that it does not go through every applicant's past social media posts before issuing or declining a certificate of eligibility.

"Nevertheless, where comments made by an applicant on social media or in other media are specifically brought to the PEC's attention before a certificate of eligibility is issued or declined, the PEC would consider them in its assessment of the applicant's eligibility."

Once the PEC issues a certificate of eligibility, it is not legally entitled to "revisit its earlier decision so as to confirm or revoke the certificate previously issued", said the committee.

"Any additional facts regarding a candidate which come to public attention after the candidate's certificate has been issued, would be for the electorate's consideration and assessment before casting their votes."

The PEC added that since it was not aware of Tan's social media posts before his certificate of eligibility was issued, the issuing of the certificate "could not have amounted to an endorsement of [Tan's] social media posts".

Tan was issued his certificate of eligibility on Aug. 18, along with Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ng Kok Song.

Tan doubles down on the statements he made

In a live stream on Facebook on Aug. 21, Tan doubled down on his previous comments about young women on his social media, calling them "pretty girls".

Tan said that the girls would "prefer [the] attention", and when he tells girls they look pretty, the girls thank him.

Tan reasoned that girls like the attention because they "take so much trouble" to dress up.

"So I don't know why people were considered [the comments] to be rude because the girls themselves were never really offended."

Answering a question by a Facebook user on where "all the pretty girls are", Tan replied that they are all on the street and "dress in a very attractive way".

He then went on to say that all men should "pay attention" to these "pretty girls" as the girls "put in a lot of effort to dress pretty".

"There's nothing wrong with appreciating pretty girls," said Tan.

"I'm sure the girls also appreciate good-looking men, so there is nothing to be so upset about."

He also reasoned that those who were upset by his posts were "not the pretty ones".

@sgprimememesters Tan Kin Lian respond to comments about his Facebook posts on pretty girls. #presidentialelection #pe2023 #Singapore ♬ original sound - sgpmo

"Very small" minority of people are uncomfortable with his social media posts about young women: Tan

During his walkabout at West Coast Food Centre on Aug. 21 morning, Tan described his posts on social media as "light" and "enjoyable".

He claimed that only a "very small" minority are uncomfortable with his posts.

"If you don't like what I post, please stay out. Don't make very rude remarks," Tan added.

AWARE Singapore raises concern over Tan's "history of objectifying women"

The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) also raised concerns regarding a presidential candidate who "has a history of objectifying women" but has been "cleared to participate" in the Presidential Election.

While AWARE did not name Tan, their statement came out hours after Tan addressed his social media posts.

"Consistently posting about 'pretty girls', recording videos of women in public without their consent, or commenting about their appearance isn’t merely a matter of personal preference or light 'amusement'," said AWARE.

AWARE called it "an act of objectifying women", reducing women to their appearances for entertainment.

"Such behaviour from anyone in or aspiring to a position of influence suggests it's acceptable to trivialise women and overlook their myriad abilities and contributions."

In response to Mothership's queries regarding AWARE's statement, Tan simply said:

"I do not respond to malicious people with malicious agendas."

Top photos via Tan Kin Lian/Facebook & Google Maps Streetview