What makes you think Wee and Ong were so good? All Presidents
are figureheads with the PM running the show.
Only propaganda tells you they were good. In time, people will
think Nathan was fantastic.
U might not be Singaporean or u r too young to encounter
President Wee n Ong.
President Wee is a very compassionate n caring president who has
been actively doing community work even after his term.
President Ong is one whom we known as People's President. He is
one who question & ask till PAP fed up.
On 28 August 1993, close to 60% of voters chose Mr Ong
as the country's first Elected President. In his pre-election
speech, he said, " Some people still ask whether my long previous
association with the PAP will stop me from acting independently.
The answer is no. My loyalty is first and foremost, to the people
of Singapore. It has always been so, and will always remain so". Mr
Ong indeed fulfilled this electoral promise of being pro-Singapore
as can be seen in these examples:
a) In 1994, Mr Ong, as President, had disagreed with the
Government's interpretation of the Constitution, regarding the
powers of the Presidential Office. Mr Ong referred the issue to a
special High Court tribunal, which was chaired by the Chief
Justice. When the final decision was ruled in favour of the
government, Mr Ong graciously accepted it.
b) On 16 July 1999, at a press conference to indicate that he would
not be contesting a second term, President Ong mentioned some
problems he had faced during his term as President. His points drew
a swift response from the government but it was evident that
President had been accountable to Singaporeans while performing his
duties as President.
As the President, Mr Ong was also concerned with the
less fortunate in society as well as the promotion of arts and
culture. He initiated several events such as the President's Star
Charity and the President's Charity Art Exhibition and
Concert.
Among the five former
presidents who have died, Ong is the first president who did not
receive a state funeral. He
received a state-assisted funeral instead.
Hope this helps.