NTUC president John De Payva said Dr Tony Tan fit the bill to be president - 02Aug2011

SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said it has not yet decided which of the potential candidates for the Presidential Election it will support.

In the past, the labour movement had openly supported President S R Nathan and his predecessor Mr Ong Teng Cheong when they stood for election, because both men came from within the union ranks.

Mr Ong was a former secretary-general of the NTUC, while Mr Nathan led its first labour research unit.

On Tuesday, 500 union representatives held a closed door dialogue with presidential hopeful and former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, who was never part of the union.

The closed door dialogue covered topics such as the economy and Dr Tan's working style if elected as President.

With the Presidential Election expected in the next few weeks, the timing of this event raises questions as to whether Dr Tan has the support of the unions.

But NTUC remained non-committal. It said it invited Dr Tan because it had never invited him before, and its members were curious to know more about the man.

NTUC said it may also invite the other potential candidates for a dialogue, if union leaders request for it.

NTUC president John De Payva said: "We want a person who has got that kind of stature and that kind of exposure, who understands the fundamental role of the President."

While Mr De Payva believes that Dr Tan fits the bill, he added: "We are mindful of who we think should be President, but the decision is not, we have not decided whether to endorse or not to endorse."

As for Dr Tan, he said that as a presidential candidate, he will be very happy if anybody or any organisation wants to endorse him.

For now, it seems at least one union leader has decided to endorse Dr Tan for the Presidential Election.

G E Diran, vice-president of Sembawang Shipyard Employees' Union, said: "My union totally supports Dr Tony Tan for his presidency bid. What we'll do is we'll encourage our members, staff and their families, during the election itself, to support Dr Tony Tan."

Other union leaders said they would like dialogues with other potential candidates so that they can be assessed.

Dr Tan is one of five people who have expressed interest in running for President.

The other four are former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian, former MP Tan Cheng Bock, former Singapore Democratic Party member, Tan Jee Say, and businessman Andrew Kuan.

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News & Politics

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• 154thmedia
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• presidential
• election
• 2011
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[ingkie]

I admire Diran's comment, honest, transparent and directly straight to the point, instead beating about the bush, feeling uncomfortable in saying straight to the point.

I vote for Diran.

[2011Decision]

Hellooooo Mr. de Payva, were you a defence Scientist during NS as well?