Tharman Shanmugaratnam calls for “dignified and honourable contest”

SINGAPORE: Former People’s Action Party senior minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, aged 66, has expressed his anticipation for a “dignified and honourable” presidential race that hinges on the value each candidate brings to Singapore and its future trajectory.

The sentiment was shared in his two-minute thank-you speech at the People’s Association headquarters this Tuesday, following his successful nomination.

In his address, Mr Tharman set forth his vision for the nation’s challenging days ahead, articulating, “Rather than novel positions, I run on a lifelong commitment to fostering a fairer, more compassionate, and inclusive Singapore. This dedication is what I believe makes our nation unique.”

Mr Tharman is among the trio of candidates, which includes ex-GIC investment head, Ng Kok Song, and former NTUC Income chief, Tan Kin Lian, both 75 years old, who have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 1 September.

Stressing the motivations behind his candidacy, Mr Tharman told the media, “I am running on the basis of a long-held purpose in my life, that I believe in a fairer, more compassionate, and more inclusive society… Singapore can be special.”

He emphasized his commitment to Singapore’s future, alluding to impending challenges and the role he envisions in helping navigate them.

He said, “I have entered this contest to offer all my experience and capabilities… so that I can serve Singaporeans in the role of president, with all my heart.”

In the wake of Mr Tan’s allegations suggesting that Mr Tharman and his supporters were orchestrating a “smear campaign” against him, Mr Tharman swiftly rebutted, asserting his and his supporters’ innocence. Mr Tan has since retracted these claims.

Distinguishing his campaign, Mr Tharman unveiled a pineapple as his emblem, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

In a heartfelt moment with supporters, chants of “Ong lai!” were met with enthusiastic replies of “huat ah!”, celebrating prosperity.

Mr Tharman’s response to Mr Ng’s comparison of their contest to “David and Goliath” was heartfelt. He reframed Singapore as the true David in a world dominated by Goliaths, underscoring the importance of strong representation in these trying times.

Regarding his campaign plans, Mr Tharman remained resolute, stating his intention to continue his over two-decade-long tradition of directly engaging with Singaporeans.

“I’m not going to change my personality,” he asserted.