SINGAPORE: Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song has conceded defeat after a sample count of the Presidential Election showed that he received 16 per cent of the vote share.
"The relatively low percentage of votes that I obtained was the price that I really need (to) pay in order to give Singaporeans the opportunity to exercise their right to vote," said Mr Ng on Friday (Sep 1) night.
"That was the ultimate objective when I set out to stand for the presidency, and I'm glad that I've achieved that goal."
Speaking to the media from the office of his social media agency where he and his supporters were gathered for the results, Mr Ng said he decided to concede the race, adding that “there is no need to wait a few more hours” for the final vote count.
“The result is clear.”
The sample count showed Mr Tharman with 70 per cent of the vote share.
“I just received a phone call from Mr Tharman saying that my team and I had put up a vigorous campaign and I, in turn, congratulated him on the magnificent victory,” he said.
Mr Ng Kok Song thanking members of the media as he leaves the office of his social media agency on Sep 1, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Try Sutrisno Foo)
Mr Ng Kok Song hugging a friend after the announcement of the sample count results. (Photo: CNA/Tang See Kit)
Mr Ng, the former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, said he had decided to throw his hat into the ring for the presidency to ensure that the people of Singapore have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
“I think I have accomplished that goal because the presidential election did take place today.”
Another reason for him to step forward was to give Mr Tharman a contest, he said, adding that he is “very glad” that the former Senior Minister has “earned a mandate” from the people of Singapore.
The sample count shows former Senior Minister Tharman far ahead in the race with 70 per cent, while former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian is third with 14 per cent.
Counting is still in progress and the election result could be different from the sample count, said the Elections Department.
On whether he had expected Mr Tharman to lead the vote count by a huge margin, Mr Ng replied that the former politician has a “formidable political record”.
“So, 70 per cent is not far from what he achieved in Jurong, and to be able to do it at the national level, I think it’s even more laudable.”
Throughout his campaign, Mr Ng has reiterated his lack of political affiliation to political parties and stressed the message that it is time for Singapore to have a non-partisan President.
He does not think that the results indicated that Singaporeans have rejected that notion, adding that the principle of non-partisanship has now entered the public sphere.
“I think the seed has been sown. The word non-partisanship will now enter the vocabulary of governance in Singapore,” he said.
“My hope is that … the principle of non-partisanship will grow over time and … will contribute to the further maturing of the political process in Singapore.”
Following the elections, Mr Ng said he intends to return to his “private life”.
Apart from spending more time with his pets, he would also be going back to running his investment firm, which he started eight years ago with the hope of contributing to the development of Singapore as a financial center.
“I will continue to serve my country until my last breath.”
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"The relatively low percentage of votes that I obtained was the price that I really need (to) pay in order to give Singaporeans the opportunity to exercise their right to vote," said Mr Ng on Friday (Sep 1) night.
"That was the ultimate objective when I set out to stand for the presidency, and I'm glad that I've achieved that goal."
Speaking to the media from the office of his social media agency where he and his supporters were gathered for the results, Mr Ng said he decided to concede the race, adding that “there is no need to wait a few more hours” for the final vote count.
“The result is clear.”
The sample count showed Mr Tharman with 70 per cent of the vote share.
“I just received a phone call from Mr Tharman saying that my team and I had put up a vigorous campaign and I, in turn, congratulated him on the magnificent victory,” he said.
Mr Ng Kok Song thanking members of the media as he leaves the office of his social media agency on Sep 1, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Try Sutrisno Foo)
Mr Ng Kok Song hugging a friend after the announcement of the sample count results. (Photo: CNA/Tang See Kit)
Mr Ng, the former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, said he had decided to throw his hat into the ring for the presidency to ensure that the people of Singapore have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
“I think I have accomplished that goal because the presidential election did take place today.”
Another reason for him to step forward was to give Mr Tharman a contest, he said, adding that he is “very glad” that the former Senior Minister has “earned a mandate” from the people of Singapore.
The sample count shows former Senior Minister Tharman far ahead in the race with 70 per cent, while former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian is third with 14 per cent.
Counting is still in progress and the election result could be different from the sample count, said the Elections Department.
On whether he had expected Mr Tharman to lead the vote count by a huge margin, Mr Ng replied that the former politician has a “formidable political record”.
“So, 70 per cent is not far from what he achieved in Jurong, and to be able to do it at the national level, I think it’s even more laudable.”
Throughout his campaign, Mr Ng has reiterated his lack of political affiliation to political parties and stressed the message that it is time for Singapore to have a non-partisan President.
He does not think that the results indicated that Singaporeans have rejected that notion, adding that the principle of non-partisanship has now entered the public sphere.
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“I think the seed has been sown. The word non-partisanship will now enter the vocabulary of governance in Singapore,” he said.
“My hope is that … the principle of non-partisanship will grow over time and … will contribute to the further maturing of the political process in Singapore.”
Following the elections, Mr Ng said he intends to return to his “private life”.
Apart from spending more time with his pets, he would also be going back to running his investment firm, which he started eight years ago with the hope of contributing to the development of Singapore as a financial center.
“I will continue to serve my country until my last breath.”
Continue reading...