On Monday (Aug. 28) night, presidential candidates Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Tan Kin Lian took part in the presidential forum, which was broadcast live on CNA.
Here are some highlights from the hour-long forum.
Tan Kin Lian referred to his notes the most
While all candidates sat down with sheets of paper in front of them, not all three referred to their notes equally.
Image screenshot via CNA/YouTube.
Tharman appeared not to use his notes while answering all the questions, and Ng would occasionally glance downwards.
Tan, however, made liberal use of his notes, at times holding them up and reading directly from them.
Image screenshot via CNA/YouTube.
Tharman was the first to fire shots
The candidates each had to deliver their answers within a prescribed time limit and did not have separate time blocks to respond to each others' answers.
They could have responded to what other candidates had said, but Ng and Tan opted to deliver their own answer instead of addressing the others.
Tharman, however, was first to refer to his fellow candidates, doing so in his first answer, where he said:
"First, I must say my fellow candidates each bring distinct strengths and reputations and life stories, which I respect. But I'll have to say respectfully, that none of them bring the breadth and depth of experience that I have in which I'll bring to the presidency."
Tharman was also the first to address another candidate by name.
When asked what unique traits they each possess to help them represent Singapore on a global stage, Tharman said:
"I agree with Kok Song's last point.
To represent Singapore effectively on the world stage, you have to be able to work with government. The president represents Singapore and he has to work closely with the government and know what Singapore's interests are."
Ng & Tharman crossed swords (almost) over past affiliations
A question was posed to the candidates on how they can convince voters they were not politicising the election and will exercise his powers without fear or favour.
In response, Ng said that there is a danger that the president cannot act without fear or favour "if you have candidates who are supported or endorsed by any political party".
This is because the president "might have been influenced in serving the political agenda of the political parties concerned".
"So I stand as the only non partisan candidate in this presidential election," Ng said.
Tharman was next to reply, and said that people should "avoid simple labels" but assess each candidate as "individuals" and assess their character.
Tharman said that if people went by the "label" of whether they have been a political party member, past presidents like Ong Teng Cheong and Tony Tan, and presidential candidate like Tan Cheng Bock would have been ruled out.
Tharman then asked people to "think about it", that someone who "may not be a member of a political party" but like "senior civil servants" have "owed their positions" to their bosses "who were ministers in the government of the day".
He then raised another example of private companies, such as construction companies that depend on government contracts or "a fund management company that depends on government monies".
"Does that make you not independent? Not necessarily," he said, adding that he felt people should "avoid the simple labels" and "make this a contest between individuals".
Ng Kok Song elaborated on his election symbol
During the forum, Ng made a reference to his election symbol, which comprises a hand with a heart shape at its palm.
The question posed to him was: "Beyond your ceremonial and community roles, how do you intend to be a unifying figure for the nation?"
In his answer, Ng linked the idea of unity to his campaign symbol.
"The five fingers signify that although we have five different races, religions, languages, yet we are one, we are one palm."
However, "when one finger gets wounded, the whole hand, the whole palm, feels the pain," Ng explained.
Tan Kin Lian wore same tie as Ong Teng Cheong
In answer to a question about how he would build a more inclusive and compassionate society, Tan brought up Singapore's first elected president Ong Teng Cheong.
Tan said that he would continue the annual President's charity, which he said Ong had expanded on when he was president.
Tan added that Ong once appointed him to chair the charity to promote the Singaporean mode of dress.
One of the results of that charity was a red and black orchid-themed tie that was presented to Ong.
Tan was wearing the same tie during the presidential forum, saying: "I'm very happy to wear the same tie today."
Image screenshot via CNA/YouTube.
Tan had also worn the tie during the previous campaign broadcast, and on Nomination Day.
CNA moderator jumped in during closing statements
The presidential forum was moderated by CNA news presenter Otelli Edwards.
At the end of the forum, the three candidates delivered their closing statements, sharing what they wish to tell voters before heading to the polling stations on Sep. 1.
Following Tan's closing statement and before Ng started speaking, Edwards interrupted the closing statements segment to remind viewers on the aforementioned fourth point — that the president cannot express public views on legislation or government policy without being advised to do by the government.
Edwards is likely to be referring to some of the points Tan mentioned in his closing speech about national service, high costs of living and unaffordable housing.
Top image screenshots via CNA/YouTube.