Former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam officially launched his bid for the presidency, themed “Respect for All”, at a press conference on Wednesday.
Outlining a vision of being a “president for a new era”, Mr Tharman cautioned against judging candidates based on past affiliations, rather than their track record.
He emphasised his moral compass, integrity and independence of mind “that have underpinned everything I’ve tried to do so far”, and which remain relevant in this next role that he hopes to take on.
Mr Tharman’s potential competitors – entrepreneur George Goh and former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song – have been emphasising their independence, since announcing their bids for the presidency. Both men have stressed that they have never been affiliated with the ruling party.
Mr Tharman, 66, said on Wednesday that there is a difference between independence from past affiliation with a political party, and independence of mind and character. He cited the example of former president Ong Teng Cheong, who was chairman of the People’s Action Party (PAP) for 12 years.
“No one would regard him as having been less independent because of his past association and leadership within the PAP. It comes down to character, comes down to being independent-minded,” he said.
As with Mr Ong, Mr Tharman said he is advantaged to have been in politics, as he became experienced in working on policies, understood the complexities of running government, and played an international role for Singapore.
Mr Tharman emphasised that besides his expertise and experience, he brings integrity and independence of mind that he is known for, both within and outside of the Government. While he is no longer bound by collective decisions, having left government, Mr Tharman said: “I’m the same person. I don’t have to change my colours like a chameleon.”
The Straits Times
