Dear all,
This morning I sent off an email to our Prime Minister, Chief Justice and the PEC asking them for their stand regarding Tharman's reply. Please help to share and viral my email and this petition. https://chng.it/pLGcDTxTHM
Below is my email:
Dear Prime Minister, Honorable Chief Justice and Esteemed members of the Presidential Elections Committee,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Iris Koh, and I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of Singapore regarding the nomination of Mr. Tharman for the position of President of Singapore. On Nomination Day, 22nd August, I visited the Elections Office with the intention of filing my objections to Mr. Tharman's candidacy, primarily based on my suspicion of foreign interference arising from his affiliations with Organizations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), where he serves on the Board of Trustees.
Regrettably, I encountered an issue in the process of filing my objection. Despite my presence at the Election Office gates by 11 a.m., I was not permitted to submit my objection before the conclusion of the nomination process. It was only subsequent to the closure of nominations that I received the necessary email address to formally file my objections. As a devoted citizen of Singapore, I was disheartened by the denial of my opportunity to present my concerns.
Given Mr. Tharman's affirmations that he retains positions on the Board of Trustees of WEF and other international appointments, irrespective of the election outcome, I am compelled to seek clarifications from your esteemed offices. I kindly request your guidance on the following matters:
The Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) upholds stringent criteria for candidates from the private sector. Could you elucidate the rationale behind allowing candidates from the public sector to maintain multiple appointments while serving as the Head of State? Is there a distinction between public and private sector commitments that justifies this allowance, or is there room for concern about potential moonlighting?
Could you provide information regarding the compensation Mr. Tharman receives for his international appointments? Given the gravity of assuming the highest office in our nation, it is pertinent to ascertain whether the President's role might be affected by potential conflicting responsibilities, raising questions about moonlighting and its implications. Even if the appointments are pro-bono, the applied duty of a Board Member implies that he would need to put the interests of that organisation first. As such I object to Tharman being on the Board of any of these foreign organisations at this time and if he were to become the President of Singapore.
Recognizing that such appointments may entail responsibilities and potential conflicts of interest, I am interested in understanding the measures undertaken by the PEC to guarantee that Mr. Tharman will not be conflicted in the execution of his duties as President of Singapore. This is particularly important to ensure there is no moonlighting or sticky situation that compromises his commitment to the nation.
Could you clarify the reasons behind the requirement for Mr. Tharman to resign from the People's Action Party (PAP), as opposed to relinquishing his international appointments, considering his candidacy for the presidency? Given that he aspires to be the Head of State and not a Foreign Minister, it seems pertinent to address concerns about affiliations that might not solely prioritize the welfare of the Singaporean populace. This is especially relevant when considering potential conflicts or moonlighting scenarios.
With reference to Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the Oaths of Office that the elected President is mandated to undertake, I kindly request your insight into whether Mr. Tharman fulfills the requisite criteria to undertake these solemn oaths. This is essential to ensure that there is no room for doubt or potential allegations of moonlighting or conflicting loyalties.
Given Mr. Tharman's affirmations that he will retain positions on the Board of Trustees of WEF and other international appointments, irrespective of the election outcome, I find it imperative to seek clarifications from your esteemed offices. I kindly request your esteemed guidance and insights on the following substantive matters:
Foreign Interference Investigation: Has the Elections Department conducted a comprehensive investigation into the potential foreign interference concerns related to Mr. Tharman's affiliations with organizations like the World Economic Forum? What other International Body is Tharman in? Can it be declared to the public? Transparency on this matter is pivotal in upholding the integrity of the election process and safeguarding our nation's sovereignty. In recent days, I have been doing a lot of research on the threats to National sovereignty by World Health Organisation’s Health Treaties and their policies on the pandemic. I wish to submit more information on this to the committee.
Affiliations: Could you provide clarity on the extent of Mr. Tharman's involvement in organizations such as the WEF? Understanding his level of engagement, decision-making, and influence within these organizations is essential to evaluating potential conflicts of interest and addressing any concerns about moonlighting.
Commitment to Singapore: In light of the President's role as a unifying figure, can you elaborate on the measures in place to ensure that Mr. Tharman's international commitments do not compromise his unwavering dedication to Singapore? Upholding the nation's interests and avoiding any perception of moonlighting or divided loyalties is paramount.
Presidential Powers and Duties: How might Mr. Tharman's international affiliations affect his exercise of presidential powers and responsibilities? Ensuring that external commitments do not impede his duty to the nation is essential, particularly in terms of avoiding moonlighting and potential conflicts.
Public Perception and Trust: Can you shed light on strategies to address potential negative perceptions stemming from Mr. Tharman's international affiliations? Maintaining public confidence is vital, and any measures taken to safeguard this trust deserve careful consideration.
Representation of All Singaporeans: How might Mr. Tharman's international appointments impact his ability to represent the diverse interests and concerns of all Singaporeans? Ensuring that the President can advocate for the entire nation without perceived biases from external affiliations is of utmost importance.
As we stand on the brink of the Presidential election, mere days away, I eagerly anticipate your considered response. Your insights will play a pivotal role in shaping my subsequent actions and ensuring accurate information dissemination to those who rely on my updates. It would also give the public clarity about the decision process and reasoning of the PEC, and maintain public trust to uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability that are essential for our democratic process. Your response will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of clarity during this critical juncture and contribute to the informed decision-making of the electorate.
To date 456 people have signed my petition to object to Tharman’s Candidacy as President of Singapore.
https://chng.it/pLGcDTxTHM
More than 100,000 people have watched my Tiktok video on this topic and I believe it is a topic of high interest for many people.
Please accept my sincerest gratitude for dedicating your time and attention to this vital matter. The people of Singapore await your response.
Yours sincerely,
Iris Koh