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Tharman on his close ties with Prime Minister, says President’s objectivity beyond ‘simple label’

In reply to contender Ng Kok Song’s concern over close President-PM ties affecting objectivity, Former People’s Action Party Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam stressed considering candidates’ character and track record.

Mr Tharman dismissed simplistic labels in leadership evaluations, “Simple labels are not very useful when you are thinking of a leadership contest.”

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SINGAPORE: On Thursday (24 Aug), Presidential candidate Ng Kok Song expressed that if the President’s relationship with the Prime Minister (PM) becomes “too close,” it could pose significant challenges in carrying out presidential duties objectively.

The 75-year-old, formerly the Chief Investment Officer at GIC, highlighted the potential risks, stating, “There is a danger in that because the President’s responsibility is to safeguard the reserves, safeguard the integrity of appointments to certain public service positions. ”

“And the President must act in the best interests of the people of Singapore. So I think it will be very difficult for the President to discharge his responsibilities in an objective way, if he has too close a relationship with the PM.”

Mr Ng’s remarks were prompted by comments made by fellow candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Wednesday.

Tharman, a former senior minister of the People’s Action Party (PAP), suggested that a President-PM relationship built on mutual respect would enhance the President’s ability to offer independent advice that holds weight.

The 66-year-old has reportedly further responded to Mr Ng’s comment.

In response to Ng’s assertion that a close President-PM relationship might impede objective duties, Tharman emphasized that the impact depends on the individual’s character, track record, and reputation.

He said: “I think we have to think about this objectively based on the personal attributes of each of the candidates.”

“Simple labels are not very useful when you are thinking of a leadership contest,” he told the media during his walkabout at Lau Pa Sat on Thursday.

Tharman urges voters to consider candidates beyond politics

Addressing discussions about online discussions to spoil or boycott votes, Tharman stressed the election’s significance for Singapore’s future.

“I think we should not look at it through a political lens,” he said.

“We are electing an individual, and we have to look at what the individual represents and has represented through their lives, and what they are bringing for the future.”

M Tharman also highlighted the distinction between walkabouts during general elections and presidential elections.

He pointed out that general election walkabouts typically involve visiting people in their homes.

He said: “When it comes to presidential elections, you can’t visit people at home all around the island.

“So, meeting them at hot spots like hawker centres and markets, and also organising dialogues with different groups, have been extremely rewarding and very engaging.”

Tharman highlights his “long and close relationship” with former colleague DPM Wong in a CNA’s interview

Mr Tharman doesn’t hesitate to emphasize the depth of his relationship with his former PAP colleague.

In a recent exclusive interview with Singapore’s leading news outlet, Channel NewsAsia (CNA), Mr Tharman opened up about his collaborative approach with the PAP’s fourth-generation leaders.

He expressed his confidence in establishing a foundation of trust with the future Prime Minister, enabling him to provide impartial advice during this pivotal transitional phase.

Mr Tharman said, “I believe Lawrence not only has what it takes, but will be a leader for the times, with a very different style.”

Detailing his vision for executing the duties of the Presidency, Mr Tharman emphasized his “long and close relationship” with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is widely regarded as the leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation team.

He said: “I have confidence that I’ll be able to have a relationship of trust with him where I can provide advice independently, and I think we will both take each other seriously.”

He added that as his conversations with Mr Wong will take place privately, thus preserving the core tenet of the President’s role as an independent entity distinct from the government.

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