[FULL] Ask The Next President Anything | The Straits Times

How would they handle corruption among politicians, or celebrate if elected as the next president? Young Singaporeans ask presidential candidates Mr Ng Kok Song and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam a few tough - and some fun - questions. *Presidential candidate Mr Tan Kin Lian declined The Straits Times’ invitation to come on the show.
The challenge is that the candidates have just 90 seconds to answer the video questions.
[Watch More] • Presidential Election ...
Follow ST’s coverage of PE 2023: str.sg/pe2023
0:00 - Ask The Next President Anything
0:58 - Q1: What kind of president would you be?
4:02 - Q2: Is the president just a figurehead?
7:02 - Q3: How have the experiences in your youth shaped you?
9:58 - Q4: What can the President do about mental health issues among youth?
12:54 - Q5: How would you handle corruption among Singapore’s politicians?
15:48 - Q6: How would you celebrate if you win?
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[@helloday1990]

Both gentlemen are very high caliber candidates. It is clear to me they both love our beloved country and have bravely stepped forth to offer themselves for this important job. They both deserve to be our next president. Unfortunately, only one will eventually be. Thank you so much to both Mr Ng Kok Song and Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam for your time and effort to campaign for the presidency. I respect you both greatly and may the best man win. Forward as one! Majulah Singapura!🇸🇬🇸🇬❤️❤️🇸🇬🇸🇬

[@hayleyt.4680]

These subtle but meaningful gestures-the nods of agreement and the understanding smiles exchanged during their responses to the questions-tell us a lot. They show that both Mr. Ng and Mr. Tharman have similar values and aspirations for the country. We are so lucky to have such impressive presidential candidates who are wise and respectful!

[@andytanex]

Great interview, no disparaging argument whatsoever towards each other. Honestly, this is the kind of respect and resilience for one another that we need in a president to hold singapore strong. Either Ng or Tharman can be my president ❤👌

[@zanaros2606]

In taiwan you will see them charging and punching one another, lolol. Their parliament is like WWF/WWE wrestling arena.

[@vincentmok9614]

​@@zanaros2606❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂nm😂😂😂❤h🎉

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

@@zanaros2606if Tan Kin Lian appears, he would like Rudy Giuliani 😂

[@krollpeter]

@@zanaros2606 and Thailand, South Korea, Cambodia, ... Mind you, a little bit of a havoc factor would sometimes also be good for Singapore.

[@zanaros2606]

​@@krollpeter The taiwanese wrestling parliament members are partly acting lah...lol. They know deep down that if they keep doing this, their targeted supporters will think they are working hard for them. Which is why a lot of fighters already prepared for a fight with various equipment, even before any discussion has started. Like how the party that threw pigs' guts, prepared raincoats and umbrellas before any debate even occurred. It's called strategic wrestling, while the majority of the common unthinking people are fooled into thinking that they are working so very hard for people's rights. That's how they get votes and supporters, lol. Acting.

[@edwardratcliffe9177]

I'm tired of hearing about the failing economy worldwide. Does this really affect everyone equally?

[@user-zg3rg3ng2k]

It does. Just on different scales

[@jimcolsby8465]

That true buddy. I sometimes wonder if everyone's financial state is as bad as mine now. Which is looking like a crack den tbh. Not that I do not have a nice job but inflation has dealt me a heavy blow

[@vipushiya7594]

Hey Jim. Wonder how these big investors keep afloat in times like this? They let their money work for them. You don't have to be a financial genius. Diversify your holdings as much as possible. Seek help. Follow the news and do not bother that the media is clamoring about recession. I have made over 1.2m even in turbulent times like this. A lot of news is noise tbh. It has always been this way

[@rajeshrajan6200]

vipushiya7594 you must be very good

[@vipushiya7594]

I wish. I still get the benefits of good trading from a pro anyway. I have been copying trades from Mary Elizabeth Huxley. A registered US broker. If trading expert was a person, she's definitely the one! She's up there with the best managers in US right now

[@wjteng14]

Thank you to Mr. Ng Kok Song and Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam for answering our questions. May the best man win 🎉

[@Notdoingenough]

RUVVISH

[@Tony-nr8dp]

You left out one whom ah sohs & ah peks staunchly support !!

[@theinquisitor7191]

I have a question. Can Singapore have clearance for creating a cyber bomb?

[@deschan2246]

Voting for either one, u get Halimah 2.0 Ownself cleared ownself continue perpetually

[@zanaros2606]

Later Mr. Ko Song make all our reserves kosong ah...

[@EquInoX123]

Well done! The only 2 people deserving to be our next president. May the best man win!

[@teoangela507]

I'm so happy I watched this. Both candidates are so impressive, eloquent & answered all questions well & graciously. Its a pity I have to choose only one. Its very obvious who has won my vote, but to the other candidate who does not, it doesn't mean you're not good. Its just that my family & I have always believe & trusted this candidate for many years & I feel he carries himself very well be it at home or internationally. Well done Mr Tharman, you got my vote as well as my family of 3 generations

[@homehome3071]

temasek govt invested 3 billions in Ng Kok Song company, wondering y he always praise Tharman and dislike Tkl. google avanda investment management

[@yx6160]

NKS speaks well at his age. Sincere and genuine person

[@simchiewoon8255]

Tharman is a best person can be president of singaporean pls vote for tharman he can make our Singapore and singaporean proud the world knows him I hope very singaporean can support and vote for tharman thank you

[@ivansomlai8346]

I am not Singaporean but have been many times to Singapore and do follow your news weekly. Most impressive for me was the exemplary polite civility between the candidates. Such exchange ought to be a required watching by politicians in most countries around the world, not in the least in North and South America and Europe. Even though the questions were from youth, the candidates illustrated how respectful communication encourages positive attitudes for all. Barring any pre-election unsavoury revelations, either one of them as President and the other as Vice President would be an ideal outcome.

[@oldlee2706]

Haha

[@johnlim1678]

We already have a PM, such a tiny dot country. Whose paying the Vice President salary? You? period

[@pranabkhuntia]

Mr Tharman is actually Prime Minister material. It will be a waste to make him a nominal head of state.

[@tankman20064]

What a waste

[@jong798]

He has already repeatedly said that he does NOT want to be PM. And honestly, it’s not hard to understand why.

[@SGCraftYoutube]

@@jong798 why?

[@Southernanglersg]

​@@jong798why ?

[@evangelinelim7174]

Because Tharman still prefer to physically reach out to the lower income group to uplift their lives. No need to talk too much in parliament, he is more of a do-er.

[@Cheseknite]

In my honest opinion, these 2 candidates are the only ones that matters. Quality and respect for each other. Not like the other one finding toilet or pretty girls lol

[@homehome3071]

Auditor test of independence: 1. Person not paid or invested by govt. eg, temasek govt invested 3 billions in Ng Kok Song company, he failed this test of independence 2. Person not work in the govt or officially member of any party in last 6 months or 1 year eg. tharman fails this independence test. But Tan Kin Lian fulfill the independence definition. He did not work in govt or have membership of any party for decades already or collect any salary or investment $ from govt or opposition. He merely got endorsement. and endorsement does not frustrate independence. He is a free to get endorsement from anybody. Every Singaporean has the right to praise anyone or endorse anyone publicly and it will not frustrate independence

[@Cheseknite]

​@@homehome3071 So if Temasek backed company means fail independence? If any government invests in your company, then the company is not independant? What stupid logic is that?? "He merely got endorsement. and endorsement does not frustrate independence." -> So, if he becomes president, and he clearly states it in his interview; he will consider to nominate the opposition LEADERs to be inside the Counsel of Presidential Advisors. Can you please tell me how is this independant and not 'frustrate independence"? Also, I will rather have a President that respects and works in hand with the Prime Minister, while staying impartial. Not one who will oppose the government decision based on his emotions against the current government and then bring havoc to our country. If you like gutter politics, i suggest you move to USA where you can clearly feel the impact. Count your blessings if you live in Singapore and stop voting for dumb idiots who find pretty girls or toilets in the vicinity.

[@user-qp6wf8vt1p]

i teared when I heard answers from Mr. Ng regarding last question and I think of my Mum too.

[@user-oe5kw7do6k]

Ya that is emotional. And I think he almost weep.

[@rathnadevikarapenan7065]

Mr Tharman understands wgere there is righteousnesss in the heart there is beauty in rhe character .great lesson on resilience and resoect.

[@yeezeey4037]

I'm impressed by both gentleman. My only criteria for the President of Singapore is to be able to fly the Singapore flag high outside the country. Make more friends internationally and its people will be keenly welcome wherever we go. All the best to both candidate and may the best man win.

[@veni9738]

Mr.Tharman knowledge and experience for spore is vast.He is the best candidate to be the next president!

[@user-bm1zs4kz4p]

Such a pity that 2 great Presidential candidates have to contest the same position at the same time, it would be so much beneficial if Mr. Ng can come first, establish / re-establish a new setting on how the Elected President can / should / would discharge the duties, paving a new path & direction for subsequent EP to come, then follow by Mr. Tharman (succession of Mr. Ng on next EP) to continue not just the new setting but propelling the Elected President roles to a newer height. But things don't go better most of the time & we all have to make hard decisions. This PE is, perhaps, the best PE IMO for having two very strong, experienced, & gentleman candidates contesting in the Presidency, win or lose both can certainly live their life with pride, dignity, and no regrets, I wish both of them the very best.

[@jessewongadams9771]

I think this election has brought forward 2 good men to contest for this esteem position in Singapore. I’m very impressed by Mr Ng Kok Song’s answers - agree with meditation on coping with stress and remembering his mom. Very touching. wish he had run when he was younger. Good luck to both men

[@truthseeker000000]

Very gracious of both candidates. I especially like Tharman’s genuine words to Mr Ng - “ …great answers” as they shook hands. 👍👍

[@thaibasil0997]

Both are quality candidates. It will be a good fight and I can see there is respect for each other which is a good sign of healthy competition. Thanks for stepping up to give Singaporeans a choice and exercise of vote.

[@Bloodcel878]

Cant believe that Singapore has such tremendous smart person, these 2 persons will make Singapore proud

[@FARID1870]

Love their articulate answers and civility. It is disappointing that TKL didn't attend to present himself.

[@seoulseokjin]

Mr NKS shows a bit more emotion than Mr TS. Sometimes he nods at what TS said, sometimes he smiles/ laughs, at the end he almost choked talking about his Mum. But overall still very classy and has the Pres. vibe. He connects with people well, especially for his age. TS is really PM material, well controlled, calm, capable. Why must we choose these 2 for the same job?! Arghh…May the best man win!

[@LordBagdanoff]

NKS got the president vibe. Very impress with him!

[@taufeqabbas6149]

NKS is my hero.... best vote... gives great spirit to emulate... Old Cow Young Grass.👍

[@Cookie-CARE]

Cool, collected, composed. Always stand your ground. Work your best to the end. Never assume victory. I like. Swee! 👏 鼓掌

[@JJarJared]

Damn, the last answer from NKS, got me on the heart strings. T.T

[@susanngin3481]

Really applauded both gentlemen Mr Ng KS n Mr Tharman for answering those questions beautifully. Both hv their own words of wisdom. Love n getting to knw Mr Ng speech tru social media. Such an unique man shd join politics earlier when young....at least share his expertise in his field of work or his life experiences. With every words he speak he think n tread it carefully. If he competes with others n no Tharman involve I will definitely choose him. Mr. Tharman will gain my vote cos I like the way he speaks. It shows his sincerity n generousity attitude n respect all. He is humble, confident, walk the ground to connect with residents....listen their problems n act on it. I am sure he can raise n represent Singapore flag high for the world to see......very very disappointed in Mr Tan KL .....he can't speak well n didn't participate in ST invitation. He definitely cannot be President.....no way......I truly respect Mr Ng KS for his determination to run for presidential election esp at tis age. Thanks n salute him.

[@serenequekSG]

So glad for these 2 very solid, grounded, stable and wise contenders who are able to carry themselves and represent Singapore on the world stage!

[@lolipopi503]

Where is a another president nominatee?

[@johnlim1678]

we dont need $million dollar puppets dude. 💙💙💙💙

[@lolipopi503]

@@johnlim1678 lol late as usual.

[@andersonleong474]

Look forward for a roundtable debate amongst these 3 PE candidates.

[@JL..]

Very well done segment by the young team of The Straits Times, love the respectful and genuine questions, would've been great if there were more, but it was sufficient to show us a glimpse of the character as well as the capability of our future leader Also want to thank Tharman and Kok Song for being well prepared, respectful and a good representation of our nation here

[@4988raja]

Tbh koksong is a nice hardworking person. Tharman knows and he’s aware of the leadership both of them cherish!

[@nicrome]

They’re friends

[@constancelau2347]

Maybe Tan Kin Lian chickened out bcos he knows he cannot give quality answers like Ng and Tharman did. Both gave words of wisdom and with good poise. Pity TKL decided speaking out about his fb post and about where to find public toilets are more important as a presidential candidate.

[@teoangela507]

Though TKL chose to absent himself, I hope he had watched this & learn from both candidates how to speak graciously, wisely & professionally & not loud & noisy as he always does. Learn also their body language when they speak

[@bloodmoon135]

he likely dont want to be sitting beside someone who bad mouthed him.

[@constancelau2347]

@@bloodmoon135 I don't recall anyone badmouthing him. More like TKL was the one taking jabs at Tharman and Ng Kok Song in his interviews.

[@bloodmoon135]

@constancelau2347 well not Tharman (think so far he has good sportsmanship)..but KS was criticizing TKL.

[@Jack-hy2ki]

​@bloodmoon135 that's becos TKL threw shades 1st. Tbh, none of these 2 bad mouth or smeared TKL. TKL ownself crushing his foot with rocks.

[@seahkokchin4703]

My family of 7’s votes are split btw NKS and TS. Ng is my President

[@Heyits_sitinurr]

Massive respect for both Mr Ng & Mr Tharman for being present & answering these tough questions from our youths. Both of you have my moral aupport. ❤️

[@wholisticparadigm]

I suspect one of the main reasons TKL declined is due to the format of candidates needing to keep answers within a 1.5 min limit. perhaps he may not be able to handle answering questions, giving concise but cogent answers within the short time limit. he fumbles answering the questions, he can end up looking worse to the viewers

[@eunagiii]

he declined bc he cannot stop himself making comments about the pretty host

[@sgroadie6367]

Thanks to both of you for showing pure class.

[@vyong1]

Not referring to this quick-fire round per se, I noticed that Tharman generally tend to give politically correct answers whereas NKS' answers come across as more sincere and real in the campaign. Regardless, let the voters in Singapore decide who they want as elected President. Kudos to NKS for giving real contestation to Tharman despite being the underdog; it's rare that voters get strong candidates, so vote wisely! Win or lose, both men deserve voters' respect.

[@moot8107]

I respectfully disagree. NKS's responses seem to be framed intentionally to appeal to the people. Sob story, themes that millennials and Gen Z's are concerned about (meditation, mental health, social media). I think they're great, but it also seemed too convenient.

[@deschan2246]

Ghost

[@mohdhaidar3347]

Wa Mr Thaman speaks n put the points through.If he knows what he is putting than we have the right person to be our president

[@ivylau6508]

Many of us like NKS grateful and remembers our hard life parents especially our mothers who'd toll unconditionally for their children! Decades may have past but fond memories😢 of them never fades. Always ❤

[@kayerraga]

Please let either one of them win this election. The one who is not present cannot represent Singapore on the world stage.

[@accountforhpxiaomi4551]

I totally agree

[@teoangela507]

Agree, why did he choose not to attend. Is he afraid he cannot handle the Qs? Watching this gave me so much peace of mind & feeling so much relieved if either wins but definitely not the absentee

[@zanaros2606]

he busy playing dota at home lah

[@melginger3794]

❤ Mr Ng

[@markmaz-sk7su]

Great Answers by Both. The respect they had for each other really gave me goosebumps in a positive way. May the best man win!

[@justsomeasianguy220]

I really loved NKS last answer

[@vkkl6213]

NKS answered very genuinely 👍🏻

[@KJ-rl8rz]

Whole heartedly agrees on that. Somehow he gives me that LKY vibes in his speech

[@Rustledd]

This was a great showing of the candidates!

[@alertscpi7898]

I enjoyed it. Very well done by the ST team. Both TS and NKS speak and answer the questions very well, calmly and eloquently. May the best man win. No show from TKL. Don't even have the guts to speak your views. Thank you for the deposit contribution again the 2nd time.

[@eddieleekk]

TKL definitely no gut, not knowledgeable, and not eloquent in front of these two strong candidates.

[@lktzu2821]

Tharman is so articulate and gregarious.

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

Thankful for these two gentlemen who run a dignified Presidential campaign.

[@mingchin8699]

We are so lucky to have these two great men contesting for President. Either man would be such pride and asset to our country. Love all the responses, especially the ones on tackling Corruption.

[@johnlim1678]

They know you? What so great? Can share what great things they did for the people? 💙💙💙

[@ajqmq]

Tan Kin Lian already down and out, scared to speak out his views.

[@davidwee130]

Can't get up

[@singsing3628]

Tan Kin Lian is same generation as NKS. TKL has only Secondary 4 education whereas NKS finished his formal education with an honor degree in Physics from the National University of Singapore. TKL is a very weak candidate who went into hiding.

[@MeowMaster176]

Thank you TKL for contributing your deposit to the country. Given a perfect opportunity to show the people what you can do for Singaporeans, and you declined it. I wonder why

[@deschan2246]

I can bet with u anytime, Tan kl will not lose his deposit this round. Tharman n Kosong may lose.

[@MeowMaster176]

How much you want to bet?@@deschan2246

[@leonardng4711]

He has no confidence to face the voters. He is out of the race and not fit for the office the moment he commented that it’s quite fun, okay for “pretty girls”

[@JL..]

let's bet lol @@deschan2246

[@anaidross]

@@deschan2246 I must concede that Mr Tan will not lose his deposit and is now a formidable candidate. It has more to do with the endorsement of Dr Tan Cheng Bock and not so much Mr Tan's own abilities. Through Dr Tan, all the anti PAP forces are united to back Mr Tan. The PAP vote could now be split between Mr Tharman and Mr Ng. So please do not underestimate Mr Tan's chances.

[@devan_nair]

Thank you, gentlemen, for a being open and sharing truthfully your strength. Regardless of the outcome, you both have presented to the world that we have a pool of very outstanding leaders, in our small Nation. I believe that as a small nation, we do need a bold and strongly respected head of state, one that is current on the world stage, and who have already a recognised present not just locally but globally. One who understand its dealings and commands the respect of his counterparts in the international forum. In the role of president of our small nation, like LKY we must ensure that we can continue the legacy of being a strong influence, to overcome any global geopolitical threat. With an clear deep understanding of the working of government, and it will help if this comes with leading the local political stage as Member of Parliament, as then there can be productive representation and not a disruptive

[@WalterLim]

Both Mr Tharman and Mr Ng has done very well in this Q&A session. I'm heartened by their well thought out responses. Kudos gentlemen!

[@deschan2246]

Of course , its scripted. They r well prepared, y r u surprised?😂

[@WalterLim]

@@deschan2246 Haha of course. Still, some don't even bother to script out their responses before hand.

[@leonardng4711]

TKL declined invitation because he felt unsecured and is not of presidential material so to speak.

[@accountforhpxiaomi4551]

You are absolutely right

[@Utube1024]

Its because Straits Time is gov mouth piece so no need to waste time and effort. Its a wayang all questions premeditated.

[@za7v9ier]

He doesn't know how to answer questions.

[@Utube1024]

@@za7v9ier Nks will lose his deposit and the young consort will leave him for someone younger and stronger that can lasts longer.

[@Josh890_0]

@@Utube1024right and many of the bad comments made all around are faked. If you know what I mean

[@penguin6700]

We are all entitled to our own opinions but it really irks me when I come across mean comments which are personal speculations.

[@AlanOng-rs4sx]

It takes great courage to step forward and contest the presidency. None of the candidates should be subjected to mean comments. I will vote for the candidate who can advance Singapore’s interest best.

[@Tony-nr8dp]

Well said !! 👏

[@theinquisitor7191]

No clue who the old presidential candidates are. But Tharman would win because people recognize him. 😂

[@ImperialArmour]

Kok Song gets my vote for his anti-corruption answer.

[@o00o00o00]

i just want my holiday. thanks for coming out and challenge tharman

[@yusufbest4475]

NKS to me is the peoples president.. just a likable person and seems capable. Tharman will still win as expected but it would be interesting to see the %

[@monywa2007]

wow. it's so touching to hear the last answer. Celebrating by thanking the most important person in our life, mother. Regardless of the outcome both candidates are equally great and competitive.

[@Kelvinjubalee5]

Well said and answer to the questions TS. A very humble approach.

[@kwokchoonchiang1531]

Regardless of race,it is the sportsman leading the issues

[@nbkhsg]

CPIB should be under control and direction of President and not PMO.

[@shereenkhan]

Well done Tharman, you’ve got my vote. Very down-to-earth humble individual (& not over-confident to the point of arrogance), reminds me of all the past presidents.

[@deschan2246]

Ghost😂

[@unicoi]

Well done by both candidates, the team at ST and the questions from the youth.

[@aquaontherocks]

I do respect Mr. Tharman’s IQ, EQ, & how composed & a gentleman he is when answering questions regarding other candidates’ comments/ sarcasm in other interviews. He‘s a role model himself in displaying racial harmony. And his wife would also be a very presentable First Lady with a true compassionate heart. At least she started community works for the disadvantaged & ex-inmates for more than 20yrs, instead of just joining some focal agency beginning of this year hoping to create a compassionate image just before her bf runs for presidency 😂 We need a president & First Lady who are genuine, people-oriented & compassionate who set good examples. And not people who’re overly financially-oriented, $-faced & power hungry. I’m not so into voting for a man who’ll encourage people to gamble 4D as a secret of getting rich. And someone with a low EQ for rejecting a reporter’s request to answer in Mandarin. We can always answer in a friendlier & less arrogant way. It’s all about EQ. It’s nothing wrong to admit your Mandarin sucks & will work towards brushing it up, for example. 😂

[@homehome3071]

Auditor test of independence: 1. Person not paid or invested by govt. eg, temasek govt invested 3 billions in Ng Kok Song company, he failed this test of independence 2. Person not work in the govt or officially member of any party in last 6 months or 1 year eg. tharman fails this independence test. But Tan Kin Lian fulfill the independence definition. He did not work in govt or have membership of any party for decades already or collect any salary or investment $ from govt or opposition. He merely got endorsement. and endorsement does not frustrate independence. He is a free to get endorsement from anybody. Every Singaporean has the right to praise anyone or endorse anyone publicly and it will not frustrate independence

[@janeausten3488]

I don't like people who like to boast .You can work 100 yrs places.I am not interested in listening You are old about to go.

[@KimberleyAnnTan]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@bobkids009]

Interesting programme indeed.....!

[@jjvon6578]

Questions should be asked about what challenges facing by Singapore and how a new president should go about solving them.

[@MsLilac88]

Hello, I look forward to a more positive outcome in the presidential election. 😊 Let’s vote wisely for someone who deserves our votes. 🙏

[@itsjustabigailify]

I have known about Tharman and little about Ng Kok Song, this interview is both great and reflected on the 2 candidates very well. May the best man win. As there can only be one president, I just wanted to say that thank you to each presidential candidate, putting yourself forward was because you felt strongly about the future of Singapore, and no matter the result, has not gone unnoticed. This was a great interview and lastly, majulah singapura!

[@watiu9lei]

No need say much, Tharman the winner. He is the only one with international experiences and the world already know him. he almost chief the IMF, he wil do us proud. and i trust his ability and capability. tharman the winner.

[@hiramiah5935]

very good thanks

[@whenthewindstays]

I knew who I wanted as the president of my country, but to the other candidate, I salute and respect you. 👍

[@JL-sw3sb]

Thank you Mr. Ng and Mr Tharman. I appreciate your prompt responses to these spontaneous questions and adherence to the time frame. Your presence in various situations, whether daunting or not, and your ability to communicate with confidence, respect, and authenticity demonstrate your skill in handling stress from diverse scenarios and individuals. I observed your consistent emphasis on serving others in your presentations. At no point did I witness you attacking anyone of differing views. Well done!

[@billiebeebee8174]

My respect to both man. Both r good candidates. 😊

[@user-kx1tw2jy7x]

Wah NKS is damn good at tugging heartstrings 😂

[@manchu-qu9mw]

No use cheap talking, when elected then we shall know. I truly respect the integrity under the late LKY era and most of his ministers. Now time seem to have changed.

[@aquaontherocks]

Altho I quite agree Mr. Tharman is more of a PM material, since he has chosen to run for presidency, I’ll respect & support that 💪🏻. With his global recognition & all-round experience in different Govt sectors, I believe he’ll be a very appropriate figure representing SG so that no country can look down on us.

[@zhihongyin8646]

the country will be looked down for puppet.

[@user-tj7sd9cy7n]

Two such powerful and yet gentlemen of high calibre. Singapore is proud to have nurtured them in their own ways. The cordiality and graciousness between them speaks the volume of their character. Great job! All the best to both! The other candidate deliberately declining this interview could just NOT stand equal in every way.

[@gadjet888]

Good luck for both presidential candidates..

[@richie6802]

T talked about not stressing the kids. What has he done when he was a Minister ? The PAP is the ONE which causing all these stresses through their policies. Period.

[@MinyakBubut]

My q. Why so many overpaid foreign workers nowadays... Our own people have to do sai kang like grab driver, grab food delivery & so on... My nephew completed his studies in Australia & came back to work as a full time Grab driver... That's the best singapore has to offer...

[@JeremyTanTinyRedMan]

Both of them are really awesome. Tough choice between these two. But i have already made up my mind.

[@ritalee4964]

Yes, both men are great but we have to choose one who doesn’t get emotional easily😊

[@carmelo665]

One of them could be President, and the other could be Vice-president in this election.

[@muaz2101]

There is no VP in SG governance system

[@nicrome]

One could be President with the other as first lady

[@jjvon6578]

No way. It would be a waste to our pay taxes money.

[@eszeezee6967]

The winner can propose the other as one of his adviser. And if the proposition is accepted, I think the anti PAP camp will fall into depression for the next 6 years.

[@anziar3038]

Kin lian declined the invitation because he's only comfortable in the company of those associated with the oppositions.🤣🤣

[@davidwee130]

He's the opposition man

[@Notdoingenough]

Despite managing state reserves, the remuneration of senior GIC executives - including Ng’s - has remained a state secret.

[@ylein6508]

Obviously super high

[@kokkheonglow5638]

Vote the one telling that Great Answer. ..kneeling down and telling to his mother about his achievements to come !

[@user-zw1hn1mw2k]

TKL dare not take up the challenge? Worried he will look like a fool among these 2 ? To Tharman and NKS, we love you both! Thanks for taking up the challenge of putting yourself up there to run for President and also taking up the challenge in this ST segment to share your thoughts

[@seowweeling4373]

KoK Song score 8 out of 10 to me. The different so obvious. I believe KoK song will do Singaporean proud

[@kennytan5055]

the host ending is hilarious. the most polite way to get viewers to subscribe

[@yusufbest4475]

NKS seems to me like the best candidate. Energetic, positive, capable and neutral..

[@newconvert2962]

How many of you know His father Kanagaratnam Shanmugaratnam, born in Singapore in 1921, hailed from a family of five children and had Ceylonese Tamil heritage. His father worked as a teacher. The road was named after the island Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), as a large Ceylonese Tamil community had settled down around the area in the 19th century. The first group of Ceylonese came to Singapore after the Straits Settlements became a Crown colony in 1867.

[@kierantan8798]

good sharings from both candidates would prefer ng kok song though.. may the best man win! tkl probably checking out some girls on the bus rn

[@jenlim1936]

I would like my president to look after our own Singaporeans, including Singaporeans living overseas. I believe if we take care of our own people, we will be connected, loyal and happy. Then Singaporeans will shine a good example internationally. We also want to be known as honest, have integrity, no corruption and be known for kindness as well. A good reputable honest country with smart and loving kind people. 🙂❤💪

[@Its_a_me_WSA]

Many countries can learn how to hold an election and debates like what has been shown here - they may be competing but done in a very respectful and civil manner to each other, without resorting to dirty politics and personal attacks. May Singapore's future elections continue in this vein

[@teoangela507]

Yes, I watched with peace of mind unlike reading the absentee's FB & WA chat group which is always full of heavy criticisms & negative comments making me very tensed & stressed

[@tancolvis5240]

if being Elected as President of SG in what power can the EP help the low income lift up them or the EP can uses part of % monthly transferring to them to tie them over for the term and to help those family's or individual ?

[@kahoeliew8633]

Impressive

[@user-yb9dl6ok9r]

15:05 Someone tell Mr Tharman that the actual full form of CPIB is “The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau” and not what he said “Corrupt Practices Investment Board 😅”

[@zanaros2606]

Aiyar just a tiny mistake lah...if everyone focus on all the tiny little mistakes each of us makes, then no wonder so many countries got such high mental illness rates. Since everyone of us feels all so incomplete, for not attaining an illusionary absolute "Perfection". Then we choose to judge and point out the mistakes of others instead.

[@user-yb9dl6ok9r]

i am not trying to be Anal but ST has carefully removed what he said from the “youtube captions”. If you notice the caption doesn’t show for that word. So if they can care so much, i think people then have the right to know. I know mistakes can happen by anyone but people should own their mistake not hide it. But i ❤ Mr Tharman. He is certainly the frontrunner and probably the most capable person for this job. I think 4G leadership needs someone like him to be around.

[@99gillianlee]

No system is perfect and do not want a smart 'Alex' president to abuse the system, so the code of conduct with stringent integrity is the key for the elected President. All voters please cast your vote wisely. Mr Ng KS, I will definitely vote for you.

[@ErenYega747]

No smart person president, what does that mean? Someone who is not a smart president would follow the system. Even when the system is not perfect... So WHY ask for no smart president THEN say the system is not perfect - which obviously means needs checks - and we know a smart person can check the system - but then ask for a no-smarts president, who tags along to the system, even not a perfect one. How does that make sense? Ng KS or Tharman both I think Singaporeans would be happy with if whichever would win. But please, when saying to vote wisely... includes thinking through what you say...

[@Papistrash]

If there was any doubt whether Singapore’s campaign laws are overly harsh and constricting, the Elections Department put all that to rest when it announced that Mdm Halimah’s campaign was legal despite their pronouncement that she was actually campaigning before she was officially allowed to stand as a candidate.