Tan Kin Lian extends congratulations as Tharman dominates Presidential Election

SINGAPORE: In Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former PAP senior minister, secured an impressive 70% of the vote, according to the Election Department’s sample count, as of 10.42 pm on Friday (1 Sept) night.

Among Mr Tharman’s fellow contenders, Mr Ng Kok Song, the former GIC investment chief, garnered 16% of the vote, while Mr Tan Kin Lian, the former NTUC Income chief, secured 14%.

Following the announcement of the ELD’s sample count results, Mr Tan Kin Lian, the two-time Presidential candidate extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr Tharman, expressing confidence in his election as President.

“I wish him all the best in meeting the challenges ahead and I hope he will be able to bring a better life for the people.”

When asked by reporters if he was conceding, Mr Tan clarified that he would do so when the final results were confirmed. He acknowledged Mr Tharman’s overwhelming lead.

“But Mr Tharman has certainly got an overwhelming lead as of now. So I would think that he deserves my congratulations. I expected to do much better. But I think in an election things are uncertain.”

Mr Tan admitted uncertainty about the reasons for his performance and pledged to reflect on it.

He thanked his supporters and family for their campaign efforts, expressing gratitude for their dedicated support.

“I will now heed the advice of my family to take life easy and live a normal life,” said Mr Tan.

“I will spend more time with my grandchildren. In my free time, I will continue to do my part in voicing the hardship and aspirations of the people through other channels.”

In the 2011 presidential election, Mr Tan Kin Lian obtained 4.91% of the vote, while his fellow contenders, Dr Tan Cheng Bock received 34.85% of the votes, Mr Tan Jee Say secured 25.04%.

Dr Tony Tan clinched the victory with 35.2% of the votes, subsequently becoming Singapore’s seventh president with a narrow margin of 0.35%.