Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman’s charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election’s fairness and the real implications of Tharman’s dominant win.

A comedy of chicanery

Yoong Siew Wah, former ISD and CPIB director, comments on the surprising candidacy of Tharman Shanmugaratnam, formerly a PAP member, as an independent in the presidential race. Amid concerns of bias in media coverage and lingering establishment ties, he predicts potential political upheaval in Singapore.

Should Tharman still qualify for PE2023 after MAS reported a massive loss of S$30 billion?

Opinion: In the wake of President Halimah Yacob stepping aside from the upcoming Presidential Election 2023, PAP veteran Tharman Shanmugaratnam enters the race amidst controversy. As Singapore reels from massive financial losses under Monetary Authority of Singapore and political scandals, Shanmugaratnam’s candidacy raises questions on integrity, competency, and the future of Singapore’s economic and political landscape.

Presidential hopeful Tharman reaffirms trust in the Singapore system amid questions over opaqueness of CPIB investigation

Amid a high-profile corruption investigation, Singapore’s presidential hopeful Tharman Shanmugaratnam reassured the public of the country’s commitment to transparency, despite concerns over the opaqueness of the ongoing CPIB probe.

Human error in coding caused 6.5 hours disruption of DBS banking services in May, said SM Tharman

DBS Bank’s 6.5-hour disruption to digital banking and ATM services on 5 May was caused by human error in coding the maintenance program, according to Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has stated publicly that it regards this second disruption within a period of two months as unacceptable, and that DBS had fallen short of MAS’ expectation for banks to deliver reliable services to their customers.

Lawrence Wong appointed Chairman of MAS Board of Directors, replacing Tharman

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, will take on the role of Chairman of the MAS Board of Directors from 8 July. Wong to chair MAS Board, succeeding Tharman Shanmugaratnam after 12 years. Gan Kim Yong appointed Deputy Chairman. Wong also named GIC’s investment strategies committee Chairman.

Would President Tharman also permit Lucien Wong to remain in office till 75 years old as AG?

Opinion: As Lucien Wong, Singapore’s Attorney-General, is set to conclude his third term in 2026, the question arises: will potential future President Tharman Shanmugaratnam permit Wong a fourth term, extending his tenure past 75 years?

Will President Tharman question Temasek’s S$2b losses in Bayer over last 5 years?

Opinion: In 2018, Temasek Holdings invested in Bayer, aiding in its acquisition of Monsanto. Following lawsuits alleging Monsanto’s product, RoundUp, caused cancer, Bayer’s share price dropped significantly, leading to a loss for Temasek. The potential scrutiny of such losses by Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, if he becomes President, is uncertain.

Ng Chee Meng’s out of this world praise of Tharman sums up the brand of politics in this country

Augustine Low opines National Trades Union Congress Secretary-General, Ng Chee Meng, has been overly effusive in his support of Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s candidacy for the elected presidency. Low criticizes what he perceives as a culture of self-promotion within Singapore’s political elite.

It’s not whether Tharman is popular, it’s whether he is suitable

Opinion: Despite Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s high popularity, questions about his suitability for presidency persist due to his long-standing ties with the People’s Action Party (PAP) and conflicting views on the president’s independence.