Following his declaration on Thursday about his intention to run for the upcoming presidential election in Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam posted a statement on his Facebook profile looking back on his time in the government, as well as made promises to the people about how he would be like if he is “fortunate enough” to be elected as president.
Tharman’s Facebook statement
I have today written to PM Lee to inform him that I intend to retire from politics and all my positions in Government, and to stand in the coming Presidential Election. PM Lee has replied to my letter, and our exchange is linked below.
I have been humbled by the requests I have received in recent months, from Singaporeans from different walks of life, to stand in the Presidential Election if President Halimah chose not to stand again.
It has been a difficult decision. I have consulted my family, and given careful thought to how I can best serve the country in the years ahead.
We are at a time of transition, both in Singapore and internationally.
The ‘4G’ team under DPM Lawrence Wong has been shaping up very well, consulting actively with the public, and rethinking our strategies for the future. However, the challenges they have to take on will keep evolving, well beyond the handover of leadership. They will have to tackle new global crises that will surely emerge, work closely with Singaporeans to retain trust in a changing domestic environment, and ensure Singapore’s appeal and relevance in a more divided world.
I believe that I can now best serve Singapore not in politics, but in a different role that has to be above politics.
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 persuasions at a time when views in the population are becoming more diverse. I will be thorough and impartial in fulfilling the constitutional duties of the President with regard to the prudent use of the nation’s reserves and the key appointments which safeguard the integrity of the Singapore system. And importantly too, I will work to the best of my abilities to project Singapore’s interests and voice of reason in an increasingly fractured and turbulent world, building on my leadership of various international panels to date.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve Singapore over 40 years. I am particularly thankful to PM Lee for his leadership, advice and openness to collegial debate through the years, for the exceptional contributions and teamwork of all my colleagues in Government, and for the guidance provided by then-PM Mr Goh Chok Tong and his team when I came into Cabinet.
My life was never predictable or assured, from the time of my youth, as a sportsman and a consummate non-scholar in school, and through the ups and downs I have had since then. But I could not have had a more meaningful path than to spend my entire working life dedicated to serving Singaporeans and advancing our country’s interests.
I plan to resign from the PAP and step down as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, as Chairman of MAS and Deputy Chairman of GIC, and from all my other government responsibilities, a month from now (on 7 July 2023). This will enable me to first fulfil 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.
My greatest sadness is in retiring as an MP on the ground, in Taman Jurong and Jurong GRC. It has been a true privilege for me to help residents day and night, helping them to overcome difficulties and fulfil their aspirations. And to build deep-rooted relationships with them and our many volunteers. I hope these friendships continue, many of which going back decades.
To all folks in Jurong GRC: don’t worry, you will be fully supported. I am assured that my four dedicated fellow MPs in Jurong will work doubly hard to serve all our residents including in Taman Jurong, with full effort and full heart,
during the current electoral term.
By the way, I shed a tear when I looked at this photo again. Little did I know when we took it a year ago that my solo wave would now be seen as a sad goodbye.
My role vis-Ã -vis the Government will change fundamentally if I am elected President. What will never change is my conviction in the continuing Singapore story: a society where everyone has the support to uplift themselves regardless of their starting point in life, and a multiracial nation whose citizens take pride in its unique identity and feel a deepening sense of togetherness. Majulah Singapura!