Singapore's political establishment has stepped up public endorsements for the 81-year-old incumbent, Sellapan Ramanathan Nathan, after last week's surprise move by businessman Andrew Kuan to run for the largely ceremonial but potentially powerful post.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday said Kuan, a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), needed to be "completely open" about his employment history. Kuan had worked in five different companies between 1980 and 1989, including a stint as the chief financial officer of a government agency.

"I'm quite sure he'll want to tell Singaporeans ... how it came about that he took these jobs and in some cases changed them very quickly, and what the reason was," Lee said.

The comments appeared to cast doubt on Kuan's bid for the non-partisan post, which has not been contested since 1993.

"The local press hasn't been all that encouraging of Kuan and the state machinery seems to support President Nathan," said Sinapan Samydorai, President of Think Centre, an independent civil rights society. "Looking at the situation, it doesn't seem Kuan will get to run."

Eligibility requirements are tight -- candidates must have experience in heading a government agency or a firm with capital of at least S$100 million.

Kuan had been seen as the most likely among Nathan's three would-be challengers who could meet the strict criteria to run.

Kuan said he met the "technical requirements" of the job but declined to comment on his chances of joining the contest.

"I think Singaporeans would be disappointed if I didn't get to run," he told Reuters.

A government-appointed committee will decide by August 17 if Kuan or the other two applicants are eligible.

"If the PAP government succeeds in keeping out any other candidate to take on Mr Nathan, the election becomes a farce," opposition leader J.B. Jeyaretnam said in a statement on Wednesday.

Nathan, a former civil servant, has had a harmonious relationship with the government since his tenure began in 1999.

His predecessor, Ong Teng Cheong, was openly critical of the government, complaining that information about Singapore's national reserves was withheld from him in spite of his custodial role.

Singapore's president has custodial powers over the use of the country's foreign exchange reserves of about US$116 billion -- among the highest in the world -- and has veto power over government budgets. He can also pardon convicted criminals and appoint key public servants.

If the presidency is contested, the election will be held on August 27.

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