10-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s announcement of his intention to contest the upcoming presidential election has ignited a discussion on whether his qualifications and experience make him “overqualified” for the role. Many online reactions question if it would be a waste of his talents, considering his extensive political career, which includes roles such as Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Senior Minister, chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and deputy chairman of GIC. Moreover, his economic prowess is internationally recognized, as he was the first Asian chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and currently serves as the chair of the Group of Thirty.
However, it is important to understand that the presidency in Singapore is no longer a purely ceremonial position. Since the constitutional changes implemented in 1991, the elected presidency exercises significant discretionary power and serves as a check and balance within the executive branch. The president has custodial powers to veto proposals that undermine the integrity of key public office appointments and the unjustified use of past national reserves. With an electoral mandate, the president can stand up to the elected government when fulfilling their constitutional duties. The Council of Presidential Advisers plays a crucial role in advising the president, and Parliament can overrule the president’s veto through a two-thirds majority.
Critics who argue that Tharman is overqualified overlook the stringent eligibility criteria already in place for presidential candidates. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the technical competence and expertise necessary to discharge the functions and exercise the powers of the presidency effectively. The president must handle complex matters, including economic proposals, macroeconomic concerns, and key public service appointments, requiring circumspection, prudence, and wisdom. The protective functions of the president involve dealing with religious harmony, security, public order, and corruption investigations. The president’s discretion in these areas is crucial and necessitates relevant experience and expertise.
The elected presidency was designed to be limited to a select group, and eligibility requirements were enhanced in 2016 to further strengthen the criteria. Individuals in public service positions, such as ministers, chief justice, attorney-general, and others, fulfill the public sector service requirement. Private sector service requirements encompass individuals from companies with average shareholders’ equity exceeding S$500 million. However, not all eligible individuals may choose to run for the presidency, as the role entails public scrutiny and sacrifices privacy.
The presidency serves as a symbol of national unity and a vital governance guardrail. It requires a capable and wise individual to represent Singapore internationally and safeguard the national reserves. The debate on overqualification is misplaced, as the presidency demands exceptional qualifications. Tharman’s candidacy brings to the fore the importance of having a highly qualified president who can effectively promote and protect good governance.
Eugene K B Tan, an associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, asserts that there can never be an overqualified president.
