From 2001 to 2004, Kuan was the group chief financial officer of the Jurong Town Corporation, one of four designated statutory boards that confer eligibility to contest in the presidential elections.
However, his application for a Certificate of Eligibility was rejected as his seniority and responsibility as JTC's Group Chief Financial Officer were, in the opinion of the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC), not comparable to those required under the Constitution.
[citation needed] Kuan was subsequently disqualified by the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) for failing to meet the criteria for running for President in Singapore.
Kuan attributed this to enmity aroused after he filed a police report against council member Chia Boon Teck, accusing him of forging signatures.
[3] On 9 August 2005, Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, called for all candidates to be open about their records, so that Singaporeans can make an informed judgement on them.