What if...

To be honest, I have not really considered or wondered about the outcome of the PE2023.

Presidential Candidates 2023

It really doesn't matter which of these become POTROS.

Simply because in the day-to-day running of Singapore, POTROS has no role. 

So if for example, POTROS is under the impression that he can make significant policy for Singaporeans, he would be mistaken.

The most the President can do, is to hold up legislation that requires his assent.

So if, for example, MND tables a motion to incorporate the Standard, Plus and Premium BTO scheme, and Parliament passes the law, POTROS can refuse to assent to the bill, passing it into law.

[This is just an example. Based on what PM said at NDR 2023. I DO NOT KNOW if it needs parliamentary endorsement.]

POTROS is not able to, for example, unilaterally abolish s377A of the Penal Code, or abolish the Death Penalty, or legalise the sale of chewing gum. 

Nor can POTROS reduce or abolish GST, the COE scheme, or decommission the Public Transport Council. Nor affect CPF contribution rates, nor affect the retirement age, nor allow full withdrawal of one's CPF balance at age 55, or do away with the restrictions on the Special Account or in any way affect the operations of the CPF Board.

So... What if...

Tan Kin Lian is President

To be honest, I have NO IDEA what is his campaign promise, or what he hopes to do. In the forum, he mentioned including care for the very old (above 80 yrs old) with the President's Charity.

He had ran for President in 2011 and lost so badly that he forfeited his deposit. Now he wants to try again. And now he has the endorsement of Tan Cheng Bock, a former PAP MP and later opposition politician, and also former presidential candidate in 2011 (a close runner up). If Tan Cheng Bock's supporters vote for him, he should not lose his deposit. 

As President, he might be deluded enough to try to be "independent" and may try to throw his weight around. He may challenge Parliament to show his independence, but eventually, he may learn that he has no room to manoeuvre. And then he will settle down.

Ng Kok Song

Also wants to care for the elderly, sick, and poor, and also their care-givers, and volunteers. He is seen as a "pro-establishment" candidate, being the Chief Investment Officer of GIC and tied to various govt and pseudo-govt organisation. He is also known as the man who taught Lee Kuan Yew meditation. 

As one who has worked with or within the govt, he should know and is unlikely to exceed the boundaries of his role. 

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

He had said that the role of the President was as a unifying symbol and to "uplift people" (whatever that means). 

As a former Minister in the PAP govt, and an MP, he would be aware of the role of the President in the legislative process, and would know that the President has no political role. 

He is seen as the most "establishment" candidate, most unlikely to rock the boat, and most unlikely to have delusions about the role of the President. 

Singaporeans had indicated that they would have liked him to be the next Prime Minister of Singapore, but he is too old (born 1957, 66 yrs old in 2023), and would have to start looking for a successor immediately. As it is, the previous PM-designate, Heng Swee Keat, had asked to be taken off consideration as the next PM because he felt he was too old and would not have enough time to be a good PM before having to find a successor. He was born 1961, and is now (2023) 62 yrs old. Younger than Tharman.

However, there is some anti-establishment feeling and resistance to voting Tharman as President. 

For some reason, Singaporeans feel like the President should be non-establishment (if not outright anti-establishment). And by "establishment" they mean "PAP".

Which is stupid. 

The President acts as the "goalkeeper", and we want the goalkeeper to help the other team score?

Video: About the Elected Presidency - by Walter Woon.