Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian stirs controversy with ‘Blue-Blooded’ Singaporean comments

Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian has sparked controversy with his remarks about the preferred nationality of the President and their spouse. Speaking to reporters at Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, Tan stated that Singaporeans would likely prefer a President and “first lady” who were both born in the country. He introduced his wife, Tay Siew Hong, who stood beside him, as a “blue-blooded Singaporean,” emphasizing their shared birthplace and deep-rooted connection to the nation.

The term “blue-blooded” typically denotes individuals from royal or socially significant families. When asked to elaborate, Tan explained that it referred to individuals with a strong connection to Singapore’s history, culture, and traditions, or those displaying unwavering patriotism for the nation.

The candidate’s comments appeared to allude to the spouses of the other two presidential candidates, Ng Kok Song and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, both of whom were not born in Singapore. Ng’s fiancée, Sybil Lau, was born in Canada, while Tharman’s wife, Jane Yumiko Ittogi, was born in Japan.

Associate Professor Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University noted that Singapore previously used the term “first lady” for the spouse of a male President but abolished the title by 2000. He clarified that there is no official role for the President’s spouse, and courtesies extended to them are due to their connection to the head of state, not their designation as “first lady.”

Assoc Prof Tan criticized Tan Kin Lian’s comments as “negative campaigning” and “nativist views.” He highlighted that Tharman’s wife is Singaporean of Japanese-Chinese parentage, while Sybil Lau is a naturalized Singaporean. He deemed such statements divisive and contrary to the dignity of the presidential office.