FORMER Member of Parliament Tan Cheng Bock has quit the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and indicated that he may be a candidate in the coming presidential election.
He told The Straits Times on Thursday: 'Many people have been urging me to stand as president, and I am very honoured. But there are rules I have to follow. One rule is I must apply for the certificate of eligibility first.'
Dr Tan, 71, confirmed that he had resigned from the PAP earlier this month but declined to say if this meant he would indeed run for president in the election which must be held before Aug 31.
The Elections Department is expected to announce that aspiring candidates can pick up forms to apply for certificates of eligibility next week.
Under Singapore's Constitution, candidates must satisfy a list of stringent criteria and be screened by a Presidential Elections Committee (PEC).
In the 2005 election, three aspiring candidates failed to meet the criteria, leaving President S R Nathan to be returned unopposed for a second time.
He told The Straits Times on Thursday: 'Many people have been urging me to stand as president, and I am very honoured. But there are rules I have to follow. One rule is I must apply for the certificate of eligibility first.'
Dr Tan, 71, confirmed that he had resigned from the PAP earlier this month but declined to say if this meant he would indeed run for president in the election which must be held before Aug 31.
The Elections Department is expected to announce that aspiring candidates can pick up forms to apply for certificates of eligibility next week.
In the 2005 election, three aspiring candidates failed to meet the criteria, leaving President S R Nathan to be returned unopposed for a second time.
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