Defeated Foreign Minister makes an indecisive decision to stand for Presidential Election

Former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo says he's "thinking hard" about contesting in the upcoming Presidential Election.

"Many Singaporeans from different walks of life, young and old, have asked me to reconsider my decision on the Presidency, some impassionately," said Mr Yeo in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon.

The 57-year-old, who previously held office at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Industry as well as the Foreign Affairs for the last 23 years, said he is "thinking hard about it and praying for wisdom".

Mr Yeo, who led the losing Aljunied GRC team in this year's General Election, has previously ruled himself out of the President's job when he stepped down from politics in the aftermath of the GE results.

Then, he described himself as a "free spirit", who is "not temperamentally suited for the role".

Mr Yeo's latest comments on Facebook drew over 2,000 "likes" at the time of writing.

Most welcomed his decision to consider running for the post.

Said Priscilla Chiang, "Please do! Sir, you embody the qualities of a good president. With your past experiences. I'm sure you will carry out the presidential duties very well."

Ryan Joseph, however, asked Mr Yeo to clarify his earlier statements that he is not suited for the presidency.

He added, "One thing I like about Dr Tan Cheng Bok, who is also standing, is that as an MP he has shown an independent streak -- often voting against party lines and speaking up in Parliament for his constituents despite being rebuked by his PAP colleagues/Ministers. Could you share if you have done the same?"

The Elections Department distributed seven certificates of eligibility for the Presidential Election on Wednesday.

Presidential hopefuls who turned up were 70-year-old Ooi Boon Ewe, who tried and failed to contest in this year's GE, as well as former PAP MP Dr Tan Cheng Bok, 71.

Last week, when Yahoo! Answers asked netizens for their views on Singapore's next President, Mr Yeo was among the popular choices.

Other names suggested by netizens were former Deputy Prime Ministers Dr Tony Tan and Professor S Jayakumar, and ex-Member of Parliament Dr Tan Cheng Bock.

The Presidential Election must be held before 31 August this year.

Candidates have to be a Singapore citizen, above 45 years old, non-partisan and must have held key appointments in Parliament or other comparable positions in the last three years.

Source:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/former-minister-george-yeo-president-122436702.html