Addressing his independence, Mr Tharman referenced former President Ong Teng Cheong’s legacy to underscore the importance of political experience in a head of state.
SINGAPORE – On Wednesday, July 26, former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam launched his bid to become Singapore’s next President, outlining his vision for the future and his commitment to lead the nation into a “new era.”
“I stepped into this race because I feel strongly that we need to evolve Singapore’s culture, norms, and how we work together to maintain our standing as a beacon of progress in the world,” Tharman said at a press conference held at York Hotel. This launch follows more than a month since Tharman first declared his intention to run for President. On June 8, he informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision, marking his departure from both politics and the People’s Action Party (PAP).
Joined by his wife, Jane Yumiko Ittogi, Tharman spoke of both the global and domestic challenges facing Singapore, emphasizing that the country’s primary challenge is to avoid becoming a divided society. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected President, I pledge to bring my experience and capabilities to serve as your President for this new and more challenging era,” Tharman declared.
With 22 years in politics, including serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Tharman emphasized his ability to unify people, a quality he believes is critical for the role of President. “When I talk about being a unifying figure, I speak from a real track record,” he stated, referencing his longstanding commitment to respecting differing views and finding common ground, even in politically divisive situations.
Tharman officially stepped down from his position as Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, and as Member of Parliament for Jurong in early July. Before his political career, he had a distinguished career as an economist and civil servant, including roles at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the International Monetary Fund, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations.
In his presidential bid, Tharman underscored his intention to fulfill all the responsibilities of the office, including safeguarding Singapore’s national reserves, an area where his experience in government and finance would be vital. However, he also highlighted that his most important contribution would be his “integrity and independence of mind,” which he believes are critical to the role.
A Question of Independence
During the press conference, several reporters raised concerns about Tharman’s independence, given his past association with the ruling PAP. Tharman repeatedly emphasized that his “independence of mind” was the key distinction, pointing out that being independent from past affiliations does not mean disregarding one’s political experience.
He cited the example of former President Ong Teng Cheong, who was a Cabinet minister and PAP chairman before he became Singapore’s head of state. Tharman argued that no one questioned Mr Ong’s independence despite his political background. “Just like Mr Ong Teng Cheong, I am advantaged by having been in politics. My experience in the field makes me well-suited to serve as President,” he said. Tharman also warned against disqualifying candidates solely based on their past political affiliations, stating that such a stance would limit the pool of qualified individuals and “weaken the system.”
Creating a Culture of Respect
Tharman also spoke about his vision for evolving Singapore’s societal culture, emphasizing the importance of deepening the culture of respect for all people, including the disadvantaged, those pursuing alternative paths, and those with differing political views. He asserted that creating an inclusive society must go beyond policy-making alone. “We will not succeed in creating a more inclusive society through policies alone. We need to deepen the culture of respect,” he said, reinforcing his campaign slogan: Respect for All.
Family Support and Platform Launch
When asked about her reaction to his decision to run, Mrs. Tharman jokingly remarked that while she usually had the final say in their relationship, this decision was particularly challenging. Nevertheless, she expressed her full support for his campaign, confident that his cultural focus would align with her own community work, including her chairmanship of Tasek Jurong, a non-profit helping disadvantaged groups.
The press conference, initially referred to as a “campaign launch,” was later clarified by the organizers as an official platform launch. Tharman introduced his proposer, seconder, and eight assenters – individuals who support his candidacy. Under Singapore’s electoral rules, each candidate’s nomination must be signed by a proposer, a seconder, and at least four assenters.
Among the notable figures supporting Tharman are former Nominated MP Thomas Chua, president of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations; Mr. Mohammad Alami Musa, Singapore’s Ambassador to Algeria; and Mr. Ho KwonPing, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Group, who highlighted Tharman’s ability to represent Singapore on the world stage.
Tharman’s campaign is set against the backdrop of the upcoming Presidential Election, with President Halimah Yacob’s term ending on September 13. With his platform now launched, Tharman is positioned as a strong contender in the election, joining businessman George Goh and former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song in the race.
