I don’t care much about the Singapore Presidential Election because I strongly believe we don’t need one. We already have an army of ministers headed by a Prime Minister. And we also used to have a Minister Mentor too. And mind you, these posts demands million dollar pay checks that is paid by tax payers.
Honestly, I am totally unaware of what the Singapore President can and cannot do. But it seems that even some of the candidates are as blur as I am.
Check out this video. Do not watch from start to finish because you may foam in the mouth due to boredom. Jump to 1.57
Jayakumar: “Some of their statements (of the would-be Presidential candidates), seem to imply that the President is a center of power….. that he have executive powers. That is not the case.”
This is most bizarre. If I am interested in a job in Graphic Design that commands a 1.7k monthly salary, I would read the requirements plainly stated on the classifieds.
At the very least, before I email my resume, I would read the job ad to see if I qualify and also be aware of the responsibilities and what is expected of me. I think this is the normal standard procedure for any sane adult who is out job hunting.
But trying to find a new President on the other hand, is a whole different world altogether. -_-”
I have 2 questions regarding this Presidential Election fiasco:
1) How can the candidates apply for a job when they are unsure of the job’s requirements to the extent that Jayakumar and Shanmugam needs to explain to them via TV?!
2) Before accepting applicants, why didn’t the Government explain clearly to the candidates regarding the role and responsibilities of the Singapore President?
Surely the Government can clarify the President’s role better than a classified ad on Straits Times right? RIGHT?!
Anyway, like I said earlier, I disagree with having a President PERIOD because of the simple parables below:
You cannot have 2 husbands in a family.
You cannot have 2 chiefs in 1 village.
You cannot have 2 Principals in 1 school.
You cannot have a leader (Prime Minister) and another pseudo leader (President) to govern a country. It will only bring management difficulties in the future. ESPECIALLY if the would-be President thinks he possess “executive powers”.
And lastly, according to the video, the President’s powers is limited to:
a) Protection of reserves
b) ISA detention / CPIB investigation
c) Restraining orders under the religious harmony act
BUT even in those few areas, the president has no power to initiate decisions or policy. He only has BLOCKING POWERS.
With the economic turmoil that is NO DOUBT on its way and with western countries enforcing austerity measures (cutting back on Government spending), why the heck are we having a $4 million dollar President that can ONLY BLOCK policies? Surely, we can have better use with that money. But alas, this is yet another example of the mighty Government going full steam ahead in the wrong direction. I’m not in the least bit surprised.
The one who rushes to be leader will not make a good leader,
Evil Bunny!