Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s bid for the presidency has widespread public support, but his loyal fans still wish for him to lead as Prime Minister.
SINGAPORE: The long-running #TharmanforPM hashtag might finally be retired, as veteran politician Tharman Shanmugaratnam has set his sights on a new (but still prestigious) national role: the presidency. The 66-year-old announced on Thursday that he would be resigning from all his political roles and stepping down from the People’s Action Party (PAP) to run in the upcoming presidential election, which is set to be held before mid-September.
“I believe that I can now best serve Singapore not in politics, but in a different role that has to be above politics,” Tharman stated. His presidential bid has already earned endorsement from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who expressed confidence that Tharman would serve the country diligently if elected.
While Tharman may have accepted the role, the people of Singapore seem to have wanted him as Prime Minister. In a recent informal poll by RICE, 63% of 508 respondents expressed support for Tharman as president, reflecting his immense popularity. However, his decision to contest in the presidential election seems to put to rest any hopes of him becoming the next PM, especially since Tharman himself has stated that he does not desire the position.
The conversation around his potential leadership has been ongoing for years. In a 2016 survey commissioned by Yahoo, 55% of Singaporeans named Tharman as their first choice for Prime Minister, far outpacing his closest rival, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who garnered only 17%. Despite his clear popularity, Tharman has repeatedly emphasized his disinterest in the role, explaining in 2016 that his talents were better suited for advising and policymaking rather than leading the country as PM.
So, why is Tharman so widely respected? It’s a combination of his down-to-earth demeanor, his remarkable intellectual abilities, and his extensive resume. A graduate of the London School of Economics, Cambridge, and Harvard, Tharman has held numerous significant positions, including Senior Minister, Minister for Finance, Minister for Education, and Deputy Prime Minister. His tenure at the Monetary Authority of Singapore is just one example of his influence in both national and international circles.
Politicians across the spectrum praise his leadership, with political scientist Walid Jumblatt noting, “When it comes to bringing out the big guns, there is no bigger gun than Tharman.” He has also been actively involved in global councils, further solidifying his reputation as one of Singapore’s most respected leaders.
Despite his immense popularity, the decision for Tharman to step into the presidential race may also signal the PAP’s hope for a decisive victory that could set the tone for the next general election. Regardless, it appears that Singaporeans will likely see Tharman Shanmugaratnam as the next Head of State by the end of the year, where he will continue his diplomatic and constitutional duties.
In terms of policy, Tharman’s expertise in economics and governance positions him well to oversee the country’s reserves and act as a check and balance for the government. Though he has resigned from the PAP, it’s unlikely Tharman will clash with his former party, given his longstanding relationships within the government.
While many might have preferred him as Singapore’s first non-Chinese Prime Minister, his presidential role will still be a significant achievement. So, while we may never know what his leadership as PM might have looked like, Singapore is set to have a capable and highly respected President in Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
