Presidential candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam recently shared an intriguing perspective on his life journey in an interview with Shin Min Daily News.
He revealed that he has never meticulously planned the stages of his life, drawing inspiration from the Chinese adage “船到桥头自然直,” which translates to “when a boat nears a bridge, it will naturally straighten itself.”
While Tharman expressed openness to the unexpected, he made it unequivocally clear that he would not return to government or politics.
Charting a New Course
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s decision to run for the 2023 Presidential Election marked a significant turning point in his political career.
On July 7, 2023, he stepped down from his governmental positions, including his role as a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and Member of Parliament (MP), to run for the presidential election.
Navigating International Waters
Tharman’s experience as the former chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), a policy advisory body within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), adds an international dimension to his candidacy.
He was asked if he would consider a role in similar international organizations if not elected president. Tharman revealed that he had been approached for such opportunities in the past, but his commitment to Singapore prevented him from accepting.
Debunking Political Speculations
Amidst rumors suggesting ulterior motives behind Tharman’s presidential bid, he candidly addressed allegations that he aimed to ensure a presidency aligned with the ruling party’s interests.
Tharman refuted these claims, asserting that his decision was not driven by a desire to exert political influence. He shared that he had been approached by various non-government figures, community leaders, and residents, prompting him to consider the presidency more than a year ago.
Tharman’s decision was further fueled by his personal conviction that his children understood his intentions. He emphasized that his motivation for seeking the presidency was not rooted in personal ambition but rather a genuine desire to contribute to Singapore’s development in a new capacity.