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IMPORTANT FOR SINGAPORE TO HAVE “TRULY INDEPENDENT” PRESIDENT
It is important for Singapore to have “a truly independent president with no past associations with any political party”, added former veteran newspaper editor Han Fook Kwang at Friday’s press conference.
Mr Han – who had agreed to help Mr Goh on “media-related matters” for his campaign – said that “when you find somebody who not only qualifies, like George, but who’s willing to come forward and who is not endorsed by the powers-that-be, we should support them (and) if possible, help them”.
In his explanation of why he believes Mr Goh qualifies for the role, Mr Han added that Mr Goh “has been the most transparent all the candidates in revealing some of these numbers”.
Often stressing his lack of political ties as his advantage, Mr Goh had previously described an “independent” candidate as one who is not from any political party, not on the board of any government-linked company, and not involved in Citizens’ Consultative Committees.
Other supporters at the press conference also expressed their belief that Mr Goh is right for the job, highlighting his “down-to-earth” nature.
Mr Joey Foo, a volunteer at Border Misson, the charitable foundation that Mr Goh and his wife founded, pointed out that he has seen the presidential hopeful interacting with participants at every event that the foundation is involved with.
He also recalled an “unforgettable” incident where Mr Goh invited “a couple of (cardboard) collectors and disabled people” to his house for Chinese New Year celebrations.
Another supporter, entrepreneur Matthew Fong, similarly shared that “in spite of his business”, Mr Goh had a “heart for the less fortunate”, including cardboard collectors.
Meanwhile, Ms Alicia Cheong, co-founder of online learning platform Geniebook and Mr Goh’s niece, added that her uncle “possesses a deep empathy and understanding of the pain and challenges faced by ordinary citizens”, having experienced hardships himself.
“This personal connection drives his passion for community work and serving the people, ensuring that their needs remain a priority in his leadership,” she said.
Mr Goh’s wife, Mdm Lysa Sumali, told reporters on Friday that when her husband first told her about his intention to run for the Presidential Election, she “fully supported him because I know his heart is really with the people”.
“And in terms of preparing, well, I have to prepare many things, be it for the family, for my children … We always have an honest conversation, open conversation with them,” she added.
“And with George, we have been discussing ideas and I’ve been following (him) to many events with him because we work as a team. It’s always been (that way). We also set up Border Mission, our charity organisation … as a team.”
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