Politics
Tharman Shanmugaratnam urges respectful presidential contest amidst a stalwart field of hopefuls
Presidential aspirant Tharman Shanmugaratnam responded to Tan Kin Lian’s election agent’s claim, emphasizing that his supporting team is diverse and not solely representative of “elites.” He champions a respectful race and trusts in Singaporeans’ fair judgment.
SINGAPORE: Presidential aspirant Tharman Shanmugaratnam has emphasized the importance of a respectful and honourable race for the presidency.
Speaking on Friday, the former People’s Action Party (PAP) veteran said, “Try not to cast simple aspersions on any candidate, and have a fair contest in keeping with the dignity of the presidency.”
Mr. Tharman, 66, underscored the unique contributions each candidate brings, stating, “Each of the candidates… bring their own track records, convictions and perspectives… we should each be judged on what we bring to Singapore.”
He made these remarks on the sidelines of the centenary celebrations honouring Brother Joseph McNally, the founder of Lasalle College of the Arts.
During the celebration at Lasalle’s McNally Street campus, Tharman paid tribute to Brother McNally, labelling him “an educator in the broadest sense” and highlighting the latter’s significant contributions to art and education in Singapore.
The week has been significant for Tharman. Having submitted his application for a certificate of eligibility on Monday, he stands as the first candidate to declare intentions for the upcoming presidential election on 1 September, before Madam Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure concludes.
Previously in June, Tharman announced his resignation from the PAP to run for president, stepping down from his prominent roles as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies the following month.
With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issuing the writ of election on Friday, the presidential race is set to be a hot contest.
The field includes other notable figures such as businessman George Goh, former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, and ex-NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian.
During a press conference for Tan Kin Lian’s bid on Friday (11 Aug), his election agent, Mr Prabu Ramachandran, described Tharman’s supporters as representing “elites, the establishment, and big institutions.”
Responding to the claim, Tharman said his supporting team is diverse, including environmentalists and those dedicated to humanitarian causes.
A sports enthusiast in his younger days, Tharman is an advocate of a competitive contest, believing it grants the winner a more substantial mandate. “Singaporeans are fair-minded,” he reflected, indicating confidence in the electorate’s judgment.
Other than being the first candidate to declare intentions to contest, Tharman is the only candidate to qualify as a candidate outright as a public sector candidate while the other three presidential aspirants are still waiting for the Certificate of Eligibility to be issued by the Presidential Election Committee (PEC) to confirm their participation in the upcoming presidential election.
Goh’s media team commented earlier that they hope PEC’s decision to inform applicants of their approval or rejection will be made well before 22 August, Nomination Day. This would help eligible candidates prepare adequately for the campaign.
Notice to Our Readers: Moving Back to The Online Citizen
Construction worker dies in Changi worksite accident; Driver arrested
Consumers Association of Singapore fined S$20,000 for PDPA breaches following two data security incidents
Singapore’s Yip Pin Xiu secures historic three-peat at Paris Paralympics
Jamus Lim on Minister Chee Hong Tat’s remarks on fiscal policy: Calls for genuine debate over rhetoric
Philippine migrant group in SG hosts successful blood donation drive
China’s ex-convict jailed six years in Singapore for S$6.7M crypto scam
Chee Hong Tat’s call for fiscal prudence rings hollow amid contradictory government spending
UN food agency halts operations in Gaza after vehicle shot by Israeli forces
KL City Hall cancels National Day event following sinkhole incident
Swiss court convicts 2 executives for embezzling S$1.8 billion from 1MDB
I thought he saying ” Vote only Me?” 🤣🤣
Funny he didn’t say anything about being “respectful” when his party kelong the last PE. Did any common-person-on-the-street voted for Halimah? Nope. Even if the Reserved President concept is valid, they should at least hold a public referendum if there is only ONE candidate – if majority voted for her, then the Reserved Shit concept has legitimacy; if the referendum result is poor, then at least ppl knows it is a wayang show. This is what RESPECTFUL of a PE should be – voters having a say in their choice. Some ppl still think Tharman has integrity, meh? Maybe only… Read more »
TS should showed proof that all his associates are not linked to PAP if he is to claim his independence. Linking to PAP may not be disadvantages rights, like former Ong Teng Cheong were appreciated by many Singaporeans. So there is nothing to hide.
I prefer younger man to become Singapore President and he must also have hair…..lol.
Like this, the President portrait hanging in every government offices and schools look more impressive…..lol.
No one Singapore President is bald since 1965. This time maybe lhl has miscalculated his move….lol.
We know, Squidward
Is there dignity in the Presidency after HY?Why is the PAP making a dash to the Presidency? If you were such a gentleman, you would have advocated the removal of the $500m to ensure that other participants can qualify. Sorry, I can only see you as a PAP stalwart. Nothing more, nothing less.
Not only papsidency
Rubber Stamp Parleement too .
Sure,
Go tell all your white supporters to be civil and respectful.
Don’t pretend to be respectful but allow your people to do the damage.