SM Tharman could be Government’s ‘winning formula’ in presidential election, say political observers
SINGAPORE - Political observers called Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam the People’s Action Party Government’s trump card for the presidential election, followingBut they also questioned if Mr Tharman’s popularity could deter other hopefuls from throwing their hats into the ring, possibly resulting in a walkover.
“It’s important for any government to endorse a candidate which, while he’s supposed to be independent in his job, is still someone they can work with and win the election.” But he ruled out the possibility then, saying: “I’m good at policymaking, I’m good at advising my younger colleagues, and at supporting the PM – not at being the PM. That’s not me.”Dr Felix Tan, political analyst and associate lecturer at Nanyang Technological University said there will always be some Singaporeans who will feel that, as a soon-to-be former PAP member running for the presidency, Mr Tharman cuts too much of an establishment figure.
While Dr Leong Chan-Hoong, head of policy development, evaluation and data analytics at research consultancy Kantar Public, told ST in May that it is important for the ideal candidate to not be viewed as overly pro-establishment, other observers noted that Mr Tharman may be an exception.
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.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam will run for Singapore's presidencySINGAPORE: Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam intends to run for the Singapore presidency in an election that must be held by Sep 13. Mr Tharman informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision on Thursday (Jun 8) to retire from politics and all his positions in government. He also sai
Read more »
SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam to contest Singapore's upcoming Presidential Election, intends to resign from CabinetSINGAPORE — Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced on Thursday (June 8) that he will be running as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Read more »
SM Tharman to run for President, will resign from Govt and PAP on July 7Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be running for President in the upcoming election, stepping aside after 22 years in politics. “I wish to inform you that I have decided to put myself forward as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. I hence wish...
Read more »
SM Tharman to run for President, will resign from Govt and PAP on July 7He will be retiring from politics after 22 years. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam announces he's running for Presidential ElectionSenior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam has announced that he will be running for president in the upcoming Presidential Election. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday (June 8), Tharman wrote that he would step down as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and resign from the People's Action Party by July 7. He will...
Read more »
In full: Exchange of letters between SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam and PM Lee Hsien LoongSINGAPORE: Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Thursday (Jun 8) informed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of his decision to retire from politics and all positions in government, in order to
Read more »