So… applications for Singapore’s 2017 Presidential Election certificates opened today (June 1). And everyone in the country probably knows by now that the election this year is reserved for Malay candidates. But that didn’t stop the familiar face of Uber/Grab driver Shirwin Eu from throwing his name into the ring.
Ever the (unrealistic) optimist, the Chinese man was spotted entering the Elections Department (ELD) building today to collect application forms so he could run in the upcoming presidential elections this September. If you recall, the 34-year-old’s record has two failed attempts at political office. The first was in the 2015 General Election, when he wanted to run as an independent candidate for Bukit Panjang SMC but did not have assentors; the second was in 2016, when he got disqualified in his attempt to run as an independent candidate in the Bukit Batok by-election.
Running into the media outside the ELD building, Eu explained his decision: “I understand this is a reserved election for the minorities, for the Malay candidates. But the verdict is not out yet. I think there is always a chance for the government to review its intentions.”
“I think I’m doing this by instinct. I just feel like walking in, I feel like doing it. I feel that probably I am better than the rest of the candidates until proven otherwise,” he went on to elaborate. “Whether I stand a chance, it doesn’t matter, because the chance is decided by the people, not by any form of committee, counsel or election department. How do you know I will not win if I am not even qualified?”
We’re not entirely sure how his application will ever be eligible, seeing as potential candidates have to declare they are part of the Malay community and apply for a Community Certificate. Nonetheless, his dogged persistence at political office is… well, just watch his interview below.
