President
Who'll succeed Mr Nathan?
It'll be a person you haven't thought of. By Seah Chiang Nee
May 22, 2005

Presidential selections in Singapore don't normally stir much excitement especially after (the late) Mr . Ong Teng Cheong's departure - except among people who take a flutter.

And they're working overtime. President S.R. Nathan is due to step down by end-August and an election date will be set any time from June, if there is a contest.

Knowing the politics here, there won't be, the selection has already been made.

Possible successors thrown up in the Sunday Times (and websites) today are:

Deputy Prime Minister, Tony Tan, 65,
Parliament Speaker Abdullah Tarmugi, 60,
Ngiam Tong Dow and even
Chief Justice Yong Pung How, 79.

It may not be any one of them.

I'd lay a $1 bet that the new person to succeed Mr. Nathan is none other than - Mr. Nathan. He will be reappointed.

Every one takes it that he has announced his retirement. Actually he hasn't. What he really said was, "I look forward to retirement." A big difference.

Why do I say that? Singapore's economy is not in great shape and there are many diverse forces that are pulling Singaporeans into difference directions.

That means the fewer changes the better. Mr. Nathan, 80, is a confidante of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, reliable and trustworthy. I believe he will keep his post. At any rate, presidents can stay for two terms.

General elections

This could also affect the timing for the coming elections. A big advantage (one of many) of the ruling People's Action Party is its right to choose the date.

Generally the polling date is based, of course, on the government's perception of the best time for winning votes. If the ground is sour, avoid it.

I was wrong to say it's around June. It won't be anytime soon.

At the moment the stars are not shining their brightest for the party. The dust raised by the casino decision and by A-Star Chairman Philip Yeo among national servicemen requires time to cool.

Traditionally, the party has replaced a quarter - around 20-24 - of the its 80 or so MPs. It requires The Straits some 7-8 weeks to introduce and write about all the new PAP candidates (about three a week).

Besides, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is scheduled to visit the United States in July.

If the economy turns upwards, maybe year-end might be a better time.
By Seah Chiang Nee