8-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a significant political development, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has declared his intention to run for the Singapore presidency in the upcoming election scheduled to take place by September 13.
The 66-year-old veteran politician conveyed his decision to retire from politics and all governmental positions to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (Jun 8). Additionally, Mr. Tharman expressed his intent to step down from the People’s Action Party, marking the end of his tenure within the party.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Mr. Tharman outlined his retirement plans, stating, “I plan to do so a month from now, on Jul 7, 2023, so that I can first fulfill my immediate official commitments in Singapore and internationally, and ensure that arrangements are fully in place for constituents of Jurong GRC to be well-served for the rest of the electoral term.”
Alongside his political retirement, Mr. Tharman will also relinquish his roles as the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Deputy Chairman of GIC, Chairman of the Economic Development Board’s International Advisory Council, and various other ministerial responsibilities he currently holds.
Prime Minister Lee, acknowledging Mr. Tharman’s decision to contest the presidency, expressed his understanding and appreciation for the move. He commended Mr. Tharman’s longstanding commitment to public service and sense of duty throughout his career.
“As the Head of State, the President is a unifying figure to all citizens and represents Singapore internationally. The President also exercises important custodial powers, holding the second key when it comes to spending past reserves and making certain critical appointments,” wrote Mr. Lee in his letter to Mr. Tharman.
Drawing attention to Mr. Tharman’s extensive experience in finance-related roles, Mr. Lee highlighted his deep knowledge of the system and expertise in safeguarding the nation’s reserves. He also emphasized Mr. Tharman’s international stature and his remarkable background in government and politics, which will serve him well in representing Singapore domestically and abroad.
Expressing confidence in Mr. Tharman’s capabilities, Mr. Lee expressed his belief that, if elected as President, he will carry out his duties diligently, exhibiting the same independence of mind he has consistently demonstrated.
The race for the Singapore presidency is expected to garner significant attention, with Mr. Tharman’s entry adding further intrigue to the political landscape.
