Paul Tambyah: Tharman is a brilliant economic mind
Dr Paul Ananth Tambyah, who chairs the Singapore Democratic Party, has weighed in on the presidential election, saying former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugarantman would be better suited for an executive role, such as Prime Minister.
Singaporeans will be trooping to the polls on September 1, deciding between Mr Tharman, 66, former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, 75, and a former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian, 75. Mr Tharman also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and Deputy Chairman of GIC. Dr Tambyah acknowledged Mr Tharman’s credentials, saying that he is an “excellent economist and a brilliant financial leader” in a TikTok video posted on his account earlier this month.
“The bottom line is, I think Mr Tharman is a brilliant economic mind And he would be better suited to be prime minister. Unfortunately his party decided not to allow him to do this so he’s up for choice for president. Perhaps we might need a more independent president to be able to fulfil the custodial rule rather than Mr Tharman, who is better suited for an executive role like Prime Minister,” said Dr Tambyah.
related:
DPM Tharman: "I'm not the man for PM"
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the clear favourite of Singaporeans to succeed Lee Hsien Loong as Singapore’s next Prime Minister, a survey conducted by market research consultancy Blackbox shows.
According to the poll commissioned by Yahoo Singapore, 69 per cent of all 897 respondents said they would support Tharman as a candidate to be prime minister.
The 59-year-old led three other men who emerged as possible contenders: fellow DPM Teo Chee Hean (34 per cent), Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat (25 per cent) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing (24 per cent).
related:
DPM Tharman rules himself out as next prime minister: 'I am not the man for PM'
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam attends the Economic Society of Singapore Annual Dinner 2016 event held at Mandarin Orchard Hotel. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday (Sept 28) ruled out the possibility that he might be PM, saying Singapore has a distinctive political culture where each minister contributes to the team in a way that matches his strengths.
This culture has been built up over time and the next PM - who will be "first among equals" - will be decided from among the fourth generation of leaders, he added.
"There's no urgency to see succession in this term of government. That's why we're focused on the fourth generation of leaders, building them up and enabling them to take over during the next term of government," he said.
Singapore's Indian-origin Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam today "categorically" ruled himself out from becoming the Prime Minister of the city-state.
"Just to be absolutely clear, because I know there's this talk going around...I'm not the man for PM, I say that categorically. It's not me," the 59-year-old leader was quoted as saying by the local media.
"I know myself, I know what I can do and it's not me. I'm good at policy-making, good at advising my younger colleagues and supporting the PM, not being the PM. That's not my ambition and that's not me," he said.
DPM Tharman rules himself out as next prime minister: 'I am not the man for PM'
Mr Tharman was responding to questions from reporters on recent speculation, including a poll that Yahoo Singapore ran on Monday, that showed him as respondents' top choice to be Singapore's fourth PM.
"Just to be absolutely clear, because I know of this talk that's going around, I'm not the man for PM. I say that categorically. It's not me. I know myself, I know what I can do, and it's not me," he said. "I'm good at policymaking, I'm good at advising my younger colleagues, and at supporting the PM - not at being the PM. That's not me."
Asked if his age was a concern to his being considered for next PM, the 59-year-old said: "I'm quite clear about this. I know who I am and I know what I'm capable of doing, and I know how I am best able to serve Singapore."
Most Singaporeans would choose Tharman as the next Prime Minister: survey
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam speaking at a press conference about the Bukit Batok by-election. Photo: Bryan Huang
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the clear favourite of Singaporeans to succeed Lee Hsien Loong as Singapore’s next Prime Minister, a survey conducted by market research consultancy Blackbox shows.
According to the poll commissioned by Yahoo Singapore, 69 per cent of all 897 respondents said they would support Tharman as a candidate to be prime minister.
The 59-year-old led three other men who emerged as possible contenders: fellow DPM Teo Chee Hean (34 per cent), Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat (25 per cent) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Chan Chun Sing (24 per cent).
DPM Tharman rules himself out as next prime minister: 'I am not the man for PM'
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday ruled out the possibility that he might be prime minister, saying Singapore has a distinctive political culture where each minister contributes to the team in a way that matches his strengths.
This culture has been built up over time and the next prime minister - who will be "first among equals" - will be decided from among the fourth generation of leaders, he added. "There's no urgency to see succession in this term of government. That's why we're focused on the fourth generation of leaders, building them up and enabling them to take over during the next term of government," he said.
Mr Tharman was responding to questions from reporters on recent speculation, including a poll that Yahoo Singapore ran on Monday, that showed him as the respondents' top choice to be Singapore's fourth prime minister. "Just to be absolutely clear, because I know of this talk that's going around, I'm not the man for PM. I say that categorically. It's not me. I know myself, I know what I can do, and it's not me," he said. "I'm good at policymaking, I'm good at advising my younger colleagues, and at supporting the PM - not at being the PM. That's not me."
Why DPM Tharman has no choice but to respond to the "next PM" speculation
It was our "culture", or to be more specific, our "distinctive political culture", explained Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Tharman Shanmugaratnam, that somewhat describes the uncomfortable political situation that we are in.
And what is this uncomfortable and unique political situation? We kinda know that the next Prime Minister (PM) is likely to be a former Chinese public servant under 55 years old but we do not know who he (but not she) is.
In fact, "culture" was mentioned seven times in his interview at the launch of Wong Fong Industries New Headquarters last night (28 September). But the timing was awkward -- the short doorstop interview overshadowed PM Lee Hsien Loong's official visit to Japan and even made it as the lead news on News 5 (naughty naughty MediaCorp!).
Singaporeans Wanted Tharman To Be PM. We’ll Settle for Him as President
It’s finally time to retire the #TharmanforPM hashtag. Veteran politician Tharman Shanmugaratnam has eyes on a different (but still significant) national role: The presidency.
The 66-year-old announced today that he would be resigning from all his political positions and the People’s Action Party (PAP) to run in the next presidential election, due 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,” says Tharman.
The presidential bid was endorsed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who said he was confident Tharman would carry out his duties scrupulously should he be elected.
Netizens express: Tharman for prime minister, not president – A wasted potential?
On Thursday (8 June), Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced his resignation from the People’s Action Party (PAP), in order to participate in the upcoming 2023 Presidential Election.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Tharman described his resignation as “difficult decision”, further emphasized that the current period is marked by transition, both within Singapore and on the global stage. He acknowledged the commendable progress of the ‘4G’ team led by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who have demonstrated effective leadership by actively engaging with th public and reevaluating strategies for the future.
He believed that he can now best serve Singapore “not in politics, but in a different role that has to be above politics”, and he be elected as President, he will represent the “unity of Singaporeans, of all races and religions, social backgrounds, and political leanings, at a time when views in the population are becoming more diverse.”
'S'pore is ready anytime for a non-Chinese prime minister': Tharman
He said this while answering questions at an election meeting with registered guests from the public held at Pasir Panjang Power Station on Aug. 25. Tharman's wife, Jane Ittogi, took a first stab at the question. "The answer to that is before your eyes -- when Singaporeans vote a non-Chinese president."
Following cheers from the crowd, Tharman also took the mic from Ittogi to provide his take. "By the way, I should also just give a very direct answer to that, because I've said this many times before in public. I think Singapore is ready anytime for a non-Chinese prime minister."
Singaporeans Wanted Him to be Prime Minister. Now He’s Running for President
Since he entered Singaporean politics just over two decades ago, Tharman Shanmugaratnam has shied away from persistent calls by the public that he should be the Southeast Asian country’s next Prime Minister. An extremely popular lawmaker who has risen the ranks of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and is even liked among members of the opposition, Tharman has insisted he’s not right for the top job. He even likened his governing skills to soccer, saying he is better as a team player who can provide assists than as the star who scores the goals. “I enjoy,” he told Fareed Zakaria in 2015, “making the long passes. But I am not the striker.”
Now, however, it seems like Tharman, 66, is ready to hang up his boots altogether and take on the arguably more visible—albeit on the sidelines—role of mascot. On Thursday, Tharman, currently a Cabinet minister, announced his resignation from government and intention to run for President, a largely ceremonial role with a smattering of constitutional duties.
It’s a far cry from seeking the premiership—currently held by Lee Hsien Loong, who is the son of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister and who is expected to retire and handpick his successor before the country’s next general election in 2025—but it’s a move that helps sidestep for now the looming question of whether the Chinese-majority city-state (or its ruling party) of 6 million people that touts its multiracial, pluralistic society is ready or reluctant to elevate a racial minority to the head of government. (Tharman is ethnically Tamil, while all three of Singapore’s Prime Ministers since its founding have been of Chinese descent.)
Tharman formally launches bid to be Singapore's 'President for a new era'
Presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the launch of his campaign to be elected president of Singapore, at the York Hotel on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023
Singapore's former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Wednesday (Jul 26) said he intended to be "a President for a new era" as he officially launched his campaign for the office.
“I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore's culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” said Mr Tharman at a press conference at the York Hotel.
The official launch comes more than a month after Mr Tharman first announced his intention to run for President. On Jun 8, he informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that he was putting himself forward as a candidate, and in doing so leaving politics and the People’s Action Party. Accompanied by his wife Jane Yumiko Ittogi on Wednesday, Mr Tharman outlined challenges facing Singapore both globally and domestically and emphasised that the nation's real challenge was to avoid becoming a divided society.
SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the first person to throw his hat into the ring
Mr Tharman will resign from Govt & PAP on July 7 & also be stepping down from other responsibilities he has been undertaking in his ministerial capacity. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be running for president in the upcoming election, stepping aside from politics after 22 years.
“I wish to inform you that I have decided to put myself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. I hence wish to retire from politics and all my positions in Government,” he said in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday. PM Lee is also secretary-general of the People’s Action Party.
Mr Tharman said he plans to resign from the PAP and step down from his posts as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies on July 7 – a month from Thursday. This is so that he can first fulfil his immediate commitments in Singapore and internationally and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for his constituents in Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term, he said.
Senior Minister Tharman plans to resign from the PAP & step down from his ministerial roles
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam intends to run for the Singapore presidency in an election that must be held by Sep 13.
Mr Tharman, 66, on Thursday (Jun 8) informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision to retire from politics and all his positions in government. He also said he intends to resign from the People's Action Party.
"I plan to do so a month from now, on Jul 7, 2023, so that I can first fulfil my immediate official commitments in Singapore and internationally and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for constituents of Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term," Mr Tharman wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister. He will also step down as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), deputy chairman of GIC, chairman of the Economic Development Board's International Advisory Council and other responsibilities he has been undertaking in his ministerial capacity.
Singaporeans Wanted Him to be Prime Minister. Now He’s Running for President
Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivers a speech at the Singapore Management University on Sept. 22, 2022. Singapore Press via AP Images
Since he entered Singaporean politics just over two decades ago, Tharman Shanmugaratnam has shied away from persistent calls by the public that he should be the Southeast Asian country’s next Prime Minister. An extremely popular lawmaker who has risen the ranks of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and is even liked among members of the opposition, Tharman has insisted he’s not right for the top job. He even likened his governing skills to soccer, saying he is better as a team player who can provide assists than as the star who scores the goals. “I enjoy,” he told Fareed Zakaria in 2015, “making the long passes. But I am not the striker.”
Now, however, it seems like Tharman, 66, is ready to hang up his boots altogether and take on the arguably more visible—albeit on the sidelines—role of mascot. On Thursday, Tharman, currently a Cabinet minister, announced his resignation from government and intention to run for President, a largely ceremonial role with a smattering of constitutional duties.
It’s a far cry from seeking the premiership—currently held by Lee Hsien Loong, who is the son of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister and who is expected to retire and handpick his successor before the country’s next general election in 2025—but it’s a move that helps sidestep for now the looming question of whether the Chinese-majority city-state (or its ruling party) of 6 million people that touts its multiracial, pluralistic society is ready or reluctant to elevate a racial minority to the head of government. (Tharman is ethnically Tamil, while all three of Singapore’s Prime Ministers since its founding have been of Chinese descent.)
Once ruled out as potential PM, Singapore’s Tharman Shanmugaratnam quits cabinet to make bid for elected president
Observers said Singapore’s ruling party can leverage the formidable popularity of Tharman Shanmugaratnam to stave off contenders for the elected office. Photo: AFP
A respected elder statesman that Singapore’s ruling party once discounted as a potential prime minister because his Indian ethnicity was feared to be a handicap in the majority-Chinese city state is now its likely favourite for the post of president.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66, on Thursday became the first individual to throw his hat into the ring for the presidential poll due by mid-September. He declared his plan to resign from the Singapore cabinet to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday, setting his final day in office as senior minister and coordinating minister for social policies on July 7, the prime minister’s office announced as it released an exchange of letters between the two men.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected as president I will represent the unity of Singaporeans, of all races and religions, social backgrounds and political leanings, at a time when views in the population are becoming more diverse. I will also work to the best of my ability.
SM Tharman confirms candidacy for S’pore’s upcoming presidential elections
Singapore is gearing up for a significant milestone in its democratic process as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential elections. Amidst mounting anticipation, former Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has officially declared his candidacy, making him a formidable contender in the race for the nation’s highest office.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (June 8), Mr Tharman announced his decision to participate as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election. As a result, he expressed his intention to retire from politics and resign from all his government positions. Mr Tharman, 66, stated his plan to relinquish his membership in the People’s Action Party (PAP) and step down from his roles as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies on July 7, which is a month from the day of the letter.
He explained that this timing allows him to fulfil his existing commitments both domestically and internationally, while also ensuring that proper arrangements are made to ensure the continued welfare of his constituents in Jurong GRC for the remainder of the electoral term. This announcement comes after President Halimah Yacob said on May 29 that she would not be running for a second term.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s journey
Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Jane Yumiko Ittogi, have four children together, namely Maya, Akash, Krishan, and Arjun Shanmugaratnam
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a Singaporean statesman and economist, is on the cusp of becoming Singapore’s president. Before his current role as President-elect, Tharman’s journey in public service has been marked by significant milestones. Let us look at Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s journey.
Tharman entered the political arena during the 2001 general election, representing Jurong GRC as part of a five-member PAP team. He achieved a resounding victory, securing 79.75% of the vote. Subsequently, he was appointed Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Senior Minister of State for Education. In 2003, Tharman joined the Cabinet as Minister for Education, a role he held until 2008. As an economist by profession, his entire career has been devoted to serving Singapore in various capacities related to economic and social policies.
Simultaneously, he has taken on leadership roles in esteemed international councils and panels. Tharman is a member of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Furthermore, he contributes to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, tasked with making recommendations for the UN Summit of the Future in 2024.
related:
2023 Singapore Presidential Election
According to the ELD, there were 6,649 registered overseas voters, of which 3,432 registered to vote by post. This was the first time postal voting was used in an election.
Of those who registered to vote by post, 2,997 downloaded the postal ballots and 1,345 of them were received by the deadline of Sep 11 and accepted for counting, said ELD. Another 2,454 Singaporeans cast their votes at the 10 overseas polling stations. The overseas polling stations are in Beijing, Canberra, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Washington.
Adding to the ballots cast in Singapore on Sep 1, the total number of votes cast at the Presidential Election 2023 was 2,534,711, of which 50,230 were rejected votes. About 93.55 per cent of the 2,709,407 registered electors voted in the 2023 Presidential Election.
A look back at the 5 times Singapore Presidential Election was previously held
The four elected Presidents of Singapore: (from left) Ong Teng Cheong, S R Nathan, Tony Tan and Halimah Yacob. (FILE PHOTOS: Reuters)
Before presidential elections in Singapore were introduced following a constitution amendment in 1991, the city-state's Parliament was in charge of electing and appointing the country's head of state.
Four presidents were appointed in that manner: Yusof Ishak (1965 to 1970), Benjamin Sheares (1971 to 1981), Devan Nair (1981 to 1985) and Wee Kim Wee (1985 to 1993).
Following the constitutional amendment to allow the president to be elected via popular vote for a six-year term, Singapore has held five presidential elections prior to this year. Of those five elections, only two were contested, while the other three saw a presidential candidate being elected unopposed. Here's how the five previous presidential elections transpired:
- 1993 Election - Candidates who applied for certificates of eligibility: Ong Teng Cheong, Chua Kim Yeow, JB Jeyaretnam, Tan Soo Phuan. Eligible candidates (percentage of valid votes): Ong Teng Cheong (58.69 per cent), Chua Kim Yeow (41.31 per cent). Candidate elected: Ong Teng Cheong.
- 1999 Election - Candidates who applied for certificates of eligibility: S R Nathan, Ooi Boon Ewe, Tan Soo Phuan. Eligible/elected candidate: S R Nathan (unopposed)
- 2005 Election - Candidates who applied for certificates of eligibility: S R Nathan, Andrew Kuan, Ooi Boon Ewe, Ramachandran Govindasamy Naidu. Eligible/elected candidate: S R Nathan (unopposed)
- 2011 Election - Candidates who applied for certificates of eligibility: Tony Tan, Tan Cheng Bock, Tan Jee Say, Tan Kin Lian, Andrew Kuan, Ooi Boon Ewe. Eligible candidates (percentage of valid votes): Tony Tan (35.2 per cent), Tan Cheng Bock (34.85 per cent), Tan Jee Say (25.04 per cent), Tan Kin Lian (4.91 per cent). Candidate elected: Tony Tan.
- 2017 Election - Candidates who applied for certificates of eligibility: Halimah Yacob, Mohamed Salleh Marican, Farid Khan, Shirwin Eu, Ooi Boon Ewe. Eligible/elected candidate: Halimah Yacob (unopposed)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT
Public sector service requirement
The public sector service requirement is that the person has:
a. held office for three or more years as Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Attorney-General, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Auditor-General, Accountant-General or Permanent Secretary;b. served for three years or more as the chief executive of an entity specified in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution;c. served for three or more years in an office in the public sector for which the PEC must be satisfied, having regard to the nature of the office and the person’s performance, that he has the experience and ability comparable to a person who satisfies public sector service requirement (a) or (b). The PEC must also be satisfied that he has the experience and ability to effectively carry out the functions and duties of the office of President; ord. held office or served for two periods of at least one year each in any of the above-mentioned offices, and the two periods add up to three or more years in total.
Private sector service requirement
The private sector service requirement is that the person has:
a. served as the chief executive of a company and the following four criteria are met:
i. the person’s most recent period of service as the chief executive of that company, ignoring any period of service less than a year, must be three or more years in length;ii. the company must have, on average, at least $500m shareholders’ equity during the person’s most recent three-year period of service as chief executive;iii. the company must have, on average, made profit after tax for the entire period during which the person served as the chief executive; andiv. if the person has ceased to be the chief executive of the company before the date of the Writ of Election, the company must not have been subject to any insolvency event within three years of the person’s last day of service as the chief executive, or until the date of the Writ of Election, whichever is earlier;
b. served for three or more years in an office in a private sector organisation and the PEC must be satisfied (having regard to the nature of the office, the size and complexity of the private sector organisation and the person’s performance in the office) that the person has the experience and ability comparable to a person who satisfies the criteria laid out in private sector service requirement (a). The PEC must also be satisfied that he has the experience and ability to effectively carry out the functions and duties of the office of President; or
c. served for two periods of at least one year each in any of the above-mentioned offices, and the two periods add up to three or more years in total.
EXPLANATORY MATERIAL ON THE ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
The President is the Head of State and hold office for a term of 6 years.
The President has two important roles - first, as a symbol and unifier of a diverse and multi-racial Singapore; and second, as a custodian of our nation's past reserves and the integrity of our public service.
The first Presidential Election was held on 28 August 1993.
Result of 2011 Singapore Presidential Election
1993 Singapore Presidential Election
Yusof Ishak (Appointed) Term of Office: 9 Aug 1965 - 23 Nov 1970
Benjamin Sheares (Appointed) Term of Office (3 Terms): 2 Jan 1971 - 12 May 1981
Devan Nair (Appointed) Term of Office: 23 Oct 1981 - 28 March 1985
Wee Kim Wee (Appointed) Term of Office: 2 Sep 1985 - 1 Sep 1993
Ong Teng Cheong (Elected) Term of Office: 1 Sept 1993 - 1 Sep 1999
S R Nathan (Elected Unopposed) Term of Office (2 Terms): 1 Sept 1999 - 1 Sep 2011
Tony Tan Keng Yam (Elected) Term of Office: 1 Sep 2011 - 31 Aug 2017
Halimah Yacob (Elected Unopposed) Term of Office: 14 Sep 2017 - 13 Sep 2023
Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Elected) Term of Office: 14 Sep 2023 - 13 Sep 2029
Gimme Hope Halimah!
President Halimah launched Milo Gao Kosong
Decision On Who's Spore’s 1st Elected President Was Decided By Gov
Malay President, Chinese Prime Minister and Indian Chief Justice
Silent sit-in protest against PE2017
Singapore's 8th and first female President
No contest for Singapore Presidential Election 2017
President Tony Tan reflects on his six years at the Istana
PE2017: Mr Owl for President?
Presidential Election polling day will be on Sep 23
High Court dismissed Tan Cheng Bock's challenge on Elected Presidency
Presidential Election 2017: What makes a person Malay?
Silent sit-in protest against PE2017
Singapore's 8th and first female President
No contest for Singapore Presidential Election 2017
President Tony Tan reflects on his six years at the Istana
PE2017: Mr Owl for President?
Presidential Election polling day will be on Sep 23
High Court dismissed Tan Cheng Bock's challenge on Elected Presidency
Presidential Election 2017: What makes a person Malay?
2017 Presidential Election to be reserved for Malay candidates
Public Forum on Elected Presidency cancelled due to poor response
White Paper on Elected Presidency scheme
Spore push for minority President but not ready for non-Chinese PM
Changes to the Elected Presidency Scheme
Order of Succession And Baton Passing
