All three presidential candidates were asked about their impartiality during a live forum aired on CNA on Monday night, with host and CNA presenter Otelli Edwards noting that each of the three is either linked to the establishment, the ruling party or the opposition.
In response, Mr Tharman had said that labelling candidates by their political affiliations is an “extremely simplistic” thinking that would have ruled out many past presidential candidates, such as former presidents Mr Ong Teng Cheong and Dr Tony Tan.
It would also rule out people who may not be members of a political party but who are senior civil servants who “owe their positions to bosses who are political figures”, Mr Tharman said on Monday.
“Are they obligated to their bosses because of that? Not necessarily – it depends on the individual,” Mr Tharman added.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Mr Ng reiterated that it is time for Singapore to “take the President out of politics” and that he is the only non-partisan candidate in the race.
“I have come forward in this election because I’m competent. I will know what questions to ask, I will know how to be vigilant and I’m non-partisan,” he said.
“I don’t owe any political party any favours so I’ll be able to discharge my responsibilities without fear or favour.”
He added that the country has “become more enlightened” about the idea of a non-partisan President. As that awareness grows, Singaporeans will “begin to understand that the Presidential Election is not a General Election”.
“Of course, Singaporeans have got political affiliations. They want to support one political party versus another,” said Mr Ng.
“(But) Singaporeans will say: ‘I will wait for the General Election to cast my vote, because that is truly the time to politicise elections, but not the elected presidency’.”