Singapore’s readiness for a non-Chinese PM gains momentum following Tharman’s landslide presidential win
The decisive victory of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in the recent presidential election has sparked a broader conversation about leadership in Singapore—specifically, the possibility of a non-Chinese Prime Minister. Tharman’s overwhelming 70.4% vote share, bolstered by 76.16% of overseas votes, underscores the nation’s growing openness to leadership defined by ability rather than ethnicity.
Tharman’s win transcended racial lines. Had voting been based solely on race, he would have seen a vote share corresponding to Singapore’s minority populations, around 25.7%. Instead, his support spanned across all demographics, demonstrating that voters judged him on his credentials and vision rather than his ethnicity.
A Shift in Sentiment
Recent surveys reflect this changing sentiment. A YouGov poll found that more than three in five Singaporeans are ready for a non-Chinese PM, particularly among younger respondents. This builds on findings from a 2022 CNA-IPS study, which showed growing acceptance of a minority leader compared to 2016.
DPM Heng Swee Keat, who in 2019 stated that Singapore might not yet be ready for a non-Chinese PM, recently struck a more optimistic tone. Referring to Tharman’s victory, he said, “It is a very positive sign that his ethnicity did not stop people from electing the best person.”
The Role of Race in Politics
While Tharman’s triumph highlights progress, it also raises questions about whether minorities must exceed expectations to achieve comparable success. His impeccable track record and widespread respect were pivotal to his win. Had his résumé been less remarkable, would voters have still rallied behind him?
Even as Singapore appears ready for a non-Chinese PM, systemic issues persist. From workplace discrimination to societal expectations for minorities to adapt to majority norms, challenges remain. Tharman himself acknowledged this reality, saying, “Never think that growing up as a minority is the same as growing up as a majority in Singapore.”
The Road Ahead
As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s successor, DPM Lawrence Wong, prepares to take the helm, discussions about a non-Chinese PM remain hypothetical for now. However, Tharman’s presidency has shifted the narrative, paving the way for future conversations about diversity in Singapore’s highest offices.
In the meantime, Tharman’s presidency—a historic milestone as the first minority president to win a contested election—serves as a testament to Singapore’s progress in valuing capability over race.
