George Yeo discloses PM Lee Hsien Loong's invitation to contest 2011 Presidential Election
Former PAP Cabinet minister George Yeo reveals PM Lee Hsien Loong approached him for the 2011 Presidential Election. \n \nDetailed in his book, Yeo felt "temperamentally unsuited" for the role. This comes as Tharman Shanmugaratnam resigns from government roles, aiming for the Presidency. \n \nYeo's revelation raises a serious question. Did PM Lee also approach Halimah Yacob and Tharman similarly?
SINGAPORE: In a recent revelation, former Cabinet minister George Yeo shared that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong approached him to be a candidate for the 2011 Presidential Election.
Detailing this in his forthcoming book, George Yeo: Musings, Yeo recalls, “I was among a few whom PM Lee thought could beat Tan Cheng Bock.”
After the Aljunied GRC loss in 2011, Yeo stated, “I told PM Lee I was ‘temperamentally unsuited to be president’, and would only do it out of duty, not ambition.”
He further added, “I then said he could treat me as a spare tyre to be used only in an emergency.”
Dr Tony Tan, a former People's Action Party (PAP) minister and the party's preferred candidate, narrowly won the 2011 presidential election by a margin of just 0.35% over Dr Tan Cheng Bock, another former PAP MP.
As the 6th Presidential Election looms, Yeo, now 68, reflected on his decision, stating to CNA and TODAY, "I was right to make that decision early.”
He further elucidated the complexities of the presidential role, saying, “It’s a tough job. You have to work within prescribed boundaries.”
Interestingly, Yeo has decided to be a character reference for Ng Kok Song, a presidential hopeful. Yet, he maintains his impartiality by highlighting his long-standing camaraderie with another potential candidate, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
He said, “I said I don’t want to take sides on this, but I’d be happy to be a character reference. I can be Tharman’s character reference too, but he doesn’t need me.”
Current Singapore President Madam Halimah Yacob’s entry into the Presidential race in 2017 also had its hints.
In a memorable Parliamentary session, Minister Chan Chun Sing mistakenly addressed Mdm Halimah, who was then Speaker of Parliament, as "Madam President," not once but twice, sparking speculation about her candidacy.
Mdm Yacob confirmed these speculations when she stated on 6 August 2017, “I would be stepping down as Speaker of Parliament to run for the presidency.”
She was widely perceived as the PAP's candidate and later won the Presidential seat with a walkover on nomination day after her two potential opponents were denied the Certificate of Eligibility because they did not meet the high standards for private sector candidates introduced in November 2016.
Fast forward to 2023, Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced his resignation from all government roles, emphasizing his position as an independent candidate for the upcoming election.
On this, Yeo's revelation sparks curiosity: Did PM Lee have similar discussions with Mdm Halimah and also Tharman?
