Some Singaporeans question if Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s leadership potential is being sidelined with his move toward a ceremonial role.
In Singapore, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s decision to contest the upcoming Presidential Election has been met with mixed reactions. While many support his candidacy, others argue that Tharman’s qualifications and popularity make him a strong candidate for Prime Minister, not just a ceremonial President. Some Singaporeans see the government’s support for his presidential bid as contradictory, given previous statements suggesting the country is not ready for a non-Chinese Prime Minister.
Tharman is widely respected across Singapore and has been called the “people’s choice” to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. However, both PM Lee and his father, Lee Kuan Yew, had expressed doubts about Singapore’s readiness for a non-Chinese leader. In a past statement, PM Lee acknowledged that while younger Singaporeans might welcome a non-Chinese PM, the older generation remains resistant, adding that racial dynamics are complex and often resurface during elections.
Polling data over the years has shown a growing openness among Singaporeans to a minority PM, with a 2022 CNA-IPS survey indicating that 70.5 percent of respondents would accept an Indian Prime Minister. Tharman himself, however, has stated he does not see himself as PM material, emphasizing that his strengths lie in policy and advisory roles rather than leading the government.
As he steps away from politics to pursue the presidency, some Singaporeans are disappointed, perceiving his move as a waste of his talents. Many online have voiced frustration, suggesting that Tharman’s skills and experience are better suited for a prime ministerial role. “Tharman4President is a significant downgrade from Tharman4PM,” one netizen commented, capturing a sentiment shared by others who feel his capabilities would be better utilized in a more impactful position.
