Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s intention to run for president has been met with comments that his talents might be wasted as a ceremonial figurehead. There can never be an overqualified president, says Eugene K B Tan, associate professor of law at the Singapore Management University.
Some online reactions since then have centred around whether someone of Mr Tharman’s calibre is “overqualified” for the office, a waste of his talents.in roles such as Minister of Finance, Deputy Prime Minister, and until his upcoming resignation on Jul 7, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Senior Minister, and other roles such as chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and deputy chairman of GIC.
One reason why some see the presidency as being limited is in the nature of that power. The president’s custodial powers are reactive and blocking in nature, rather than being policy setting and directory - something we are more accustomed to seeing in hopefuls like Mr Tharman. It must be borne in mind that the elected presidency is not an alternate locus of political power in our system of constitutional government. In matters outside the purview of his custodial powers, the president acts on the advice of the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, which is collectively responsible to Parliament.
The president will have to deal with highly technical nature matters and will require circumspection, prudence, and wisdom in balancing competing, even conflicting, interests. These range from the economic case forto macroeconomic concerns to assessing competency and the character of candidates for key public service appointments.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Commentary: Was the writing on the wall for horse racing in Singapore?The signs of the end of Singapore Turf Club have long been there, with falling attendance, revenue and interest in horse racing, says sports writer Mathew Scott.
Read more »
Commentary: What a potential Tharman presidency could mean for Singapore’s incoming leadershipThe announcement that Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam intends to run for the Singapore presidency took many by surprise, and has generated much chatter about the potential impact on the political scene, the impending presidential election, and even the next general election.
Read more »
Commentary: Why do so many Singapore diners dislike vegetables?It is a shame that vegetables are sidelined in Singapore dishes, when they used to be at the heart of many Asian cuisines, says cookbook author Pamelia Chia.
Read more »
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam to run for Singapore's Presidency, retires from politicsSenior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has announced that he intends to run for candidacy for the upcoming Singapore presidential election.
Read more »
'Superman' spotted in Singapore! - Singapore NewsThe fast pace of his walk, set to the iconic “Superman” theme music, he was ready to fly up, up, and away!
Read more »
Tharman Shanmugaratnum hopes to be a 'unifying figure' if elected as PresidentSenior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will retire from politics and run for the Singapore presidency.
Read more »